More spring separates

Hello all!  I hope this finds you healthy and safe!  We in the northern plains are experiencing  CoVID19 at a much slower rate than other parts of the country/world, but it is rearing it's ugly head,  

Enough!  No one wants to hear more about this, right?  

My original plans with these two lovely fabrics was to make a super girly dress with a dark slip underneath.  I began working from home recently so that didn't seem practical.  After looking through my patterns, I came up with this combination of patterns to match these two lovely fabrics.  

First, let's talk about the chiffon.  Chiffon used to be a fear fabric for me.  I avoided it at all costs.  However, there are so many lovely, lovely garments made from chiffon that I decided to master some techniques to use it in a way that it works and is no longer fearful.  Why didn't I think of this sooner?  

If you are new to working with chiffon, use a simple pattern.  The one I used is very simple to construct with a looser overall style and I've taken the time to fit it to me so I know it will work.  

See what I mean?  Very simple with clean and classic lines.  

What did I do to make the chiffon work?  I am a HUGE fan of Best Press.  I buy this stuff by the gallon.  I use it after I cut the fabric out on all the rounded edges such as the neckline and hems.  Every seam I press, I use Best Press.  

For the back yoke, I cut two layers, instead of one like the pattern suggests.  

This created a lined yoke which is not only sturdier, but also creates such a pretty finish on the inside.  

I cut  bias tape from the chiffon using a sharp rotary cutter and a ruler. And, I starched that as well.  The curved hemline also has a bias finish.  

Side seams have a french seam finish.  

For the cardigan, It's a super simple sew as well.  I used a lovely ITY knit, again from Fabric Mart.  The pattern I used, is FREE!  It's from Sinclair Patterns and you can find the link here: Sinclair Patterns Harper Cardigan

If you are wondering what it looks like, here's a photo: 

This comes in several lengths as well as sleeve variations.  I made the duster in a tall size.  Oxana Sinclair offers her patterns in petite, regular, and tall.  Since I am 5'7", I love using the tall sizing.  

You'll see more of these cardigans from me!  

 

 Thanks for reading and I hope this finds you and your loves ones safe and healthy! 

Sue 

Staying warm with StyleArc Brooklyn top

Hi all!  I hope your winter is going well!  Here in the US, we've been cold and snowy lately so I decided to break out some sweater knit and sew up this super cute and cozy Brooklyn Top by StyleArc. Here it is!

I love the lines of this.  It's just perfect for cold winter days.  

And yes, I am back to photos in my kitchen.  It's just too cold outside (and dark) to take photos.

With this being a sweater knit, I took a precaution that I take with all knits.  You can see that below.

I fused SewkeysE stay tape and the back shoulder and neckline.  Some people use clear elastic, but I really like the stay tape.  I always add this to my back neckline as well.  If the knit has an open weave, I also stabilize the front neckline as well.  

This sweater knit is softer than the line drawing show.  I just love all these colors!

The length is perfect too. 

To go with the top, I made another pair of the Georgie Stretch Jeans, also by StyleArc.

I always get wrinkles under the booty, so I decided to try something different that helped!  This time, I lengthened the rise in the front and back and wow, it's not perfect yet, but what a difference!

This combo is comfortable, cozy, and warm!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

The Caronlina Dress by Rebecca Page

I had the pleasure of testing another pattern by Rebecca Page.  This is the Carolina Dress and I am quite smitten with it. 



Here's a link to the pattern and images if you are interested.  https://rebecca-page.com/product/carolina/

I just love the style of this dress and the modest neckline.  Even though this is modest, it's still fun and flattering. 

I just love the fabric I used.  It's a heavish ponte that's been in my stash for a while.  I am glad I waited to use if for this dress, but it's so nice to wear and work with, that I am sort of sad I waited so long!

As you can see, since we are deep into winter, I made the midi length with long sleeves and the flat waistband.

Online, there are some fun color-blocked versions that I'd really like to copy.

This dress has numerous possibilities.

This is the fit right out of the package.

I just love it!

Sue 

Another pattern review for Rebecca Page...this time it's for a ladies coat.  Here's the pattern image:

Cute, right? 


From the website, the pattern is described like this:

The Stella coat is a WOW piece… Fully lined and tailored, this adventurous beginner to intermediate level pattern gives you a classically beautiful and flattering garment that can be worn as an extra warm layer or as the hero of your outfit!

Here's my description: This is a slim-fitting coat that fitted in the bust and upper torso.  It flares at the waist line to a dramatic high-low hem skirt.  It's fully lined, has optional welt pockets at the waist, an optional welt pocket at the chest, and an optional back belt.  There's a concealed button asymmetrical button closure at the front.  The lining shows.  

Here's my make: 

I used this orange sheltan wool from Fabric Mart.  I so love this color! 

The lining is from fabric.com and the maker is Telio.  It's a rayon blend and is so lovely! 

This coat has some fun details like the high-low hem and the optional pockets.  I can't imagine making a coat and NOT having pockets.  Where will your keys go?  

When I said this coat is slim fitting, I wasn't kidding.  I feel like it's a tad tight in the upper bodice.  Luckily one of my daughters lives not too far away, and I want her to try this on.  You can also see how the concealed button band lies in this heavy wool.  This probably wasn't the best fabric choice, but sometimes I just like to go big and bold.

The skirt on this is so dramatic! I really do like how the back fits on this.

That all lies really nice.

This coat was a labor of love.  It took time and I am not 100% sold on whether it's right for me.  I may make this again but will need to make some modifications to the pattern.  I felt like the sleeves were a bit small for the armscye.  I should again mention I was a pattern tester and hopefully with the final pattern they adjusted this piece.  If you decide to make this coat, check the pattern measurements and make a muslin.  You'll be glad you did!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

StyleArc Sorrento Skirt

Oh my goodness, have you checked out this newish pattern by StyleArc?  

This is so on-trend right now with the midi length and asymmetrical flounces.  This is described as, "On-trend midi length skirt featuring asymmetrical flounces and an elastic waist.  The "A" line shape fall beautifully into a double angled flounce."  

What drew me to this pattern was of course, the flounces!  I am loving this look.  I feel like it's so feminine and flirty.  

This skirt sews up so quickly!  Honestly, it takes longer to narrow hem all those edges than it does to cut this out and sew together.

Use a fabric with excellent drape.  I used a crepe from Fabric Mart.  This is really nice fabric that didn't cost a fortune.

I am a huge fan of elastic waistbands and this one is cut as one piece that's seemed in the center back.  Even though it's elastic waisted, you'd never know.  It still looks polished and nice.

And that DRAPE!  I love my new skirt!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

 

a little fall sewing!

Hi Sewing friends! 

Today I am reviewing my August Fabric Mart post.  I love these separates I made.  Sometimes its fun to sew for the upcoming season. 

First, I want to review the Thea Pant by StyleArc.  I simply love this pant!  I used FM's midnight blue Designer Linen.  This stuff sews like a dream!  It washes, dries, and presses well.  I highly recommend it for these pants! 

Here's what my version looks like: 

See what I mean about the perfect weight for the pattern?  These are so very comfortable!  

This pattern, like all SA patterns, is very well drafted.  This fits me just how I had hoped it would, straight from the package.  As with all SA patterns, there isn't much hand-holding but honestly with a pattern this straight forward, a beginner could make it work.  

The paperbag waistband is so comfortable and totally 'in' right now.

I feel like these are the perfect length for me as well.  For reference, I am 5'7".  These are hemmed at 2" from the bottom, just like the pattern calls for.

These pockets are the perfect depth.  When I wear these, I find my hands stuffed in them all the time.  

I also made my tank and cardi.  For the tank, I used a FREE pattern, called the Lago tank from Itch To Stitch.  Check it out here: Itch to Stitch Lago Tank Pattern link

I had to size down from what my measurements were but that's okay.  Its a free pattern and I really like how it fits and feels.  

For the cardi, I used the uber popular Blackwood cardigan in the shorter length.  I left off the pockets since I knew the pants I had made for this outfit had pockets. This pattern is fun and fast and cute!

I really love this outfit!  I hope you are sewing for the next season, no matter where you live!

Sue

Blackwood Cardigan Round 2

Unless you've been vacationing on Mars, you've seen all the love shown to the Blackwood Cardigan by Helen's Closet.  

All this love is for good reason.  This pattern is awesome!  It looks good in so many different fabrics and every version I see is so cute!  

In reorganizing my current sewing space to move to another, I am seriously wondering about my over-flowing stash and why I am hanging onto some fabrics for so long.  This floral knit mesh is one of those fabrics.  When I pulled it out again, it was like the creativity train hit me upside the head and the Blackwood Cardi came into site.  Bingo! 

This pattern can be totally sewn on the serger if you'd like.  It is drafted exceptionally well and versatile.  What else can I say about it?  

In case you are wondering about the length, I did add 4" to the bottom.  Since this is summer-weight, I also left off the cuffs and hemmed them.  I knew I'd be pushing them up.  If I pull them down, they are bracelet-length.  

With this ultra light weight fabric, I stabilized the shoulders and back neckline with SewkeysE tape 1/2" wide.  For the hemline I used 1" SewkeysE tape in clear so it's double sided. This stuff works like a dream!  

I did leave off the pockets since I knew I'd be wearing this over something that most likely had pockets.  

For the cami, I had a bit of this vibrant fabric left and since remnants aren't welcome in my sewing room any more, I decided to make a tank to wear under this cardi.  The pattern I chose is this one: 

As you can see, this is by Itch to Stitch.  This pattern is FREE!

I love testing different pattern companies FREE patterns and this one was a pleasure to sew.  I had fun color-blocking it with my remnants.  

Plus, it was a fun challenge to use the mesh as the binding at the neckline and arms.

Enough for now!  

Thanks for reading!

Sue