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

The Angela Wolf Rachel Twin Set

For this month's Fabric Mart blog, I choose this gorgeous textured knit in coral--this is one of my most favorite colors to wear!  Julie also asked if I would be willing to try this new pattern by Angela Wolf, called the Rachel Twin set and after checking it out, I was delighted to say yes!  

So before diving into this lovely fabric, let's talk about the pattern.  This is a multi-sized pattern and it ranges from XXS to XL for one sizing option and XXL to 5X for the other.  I carefully checked my measurements to the sizing chart and read though Angela's suggestions on choosing your size and the amount of stretch your fabric has.  My fabric was a more stable type knit so I choose a large size for comfort and ease of wearing.  I also made a muslin as this is my very first Angela Wolf pattern and her sizing is a bit different from the big 4 pattern companies.  

Angela has all sorts of suggestions for modifying this pattern to your personal taste.  I decided to make it 'as is' since I like the overall length and styling.  

The sleeves are really nicely drafted!  Look how well they hang!  

I love how the upper back fits with this pattern and in this knit.  

The sleeves are also the perfect length as well.  I left off the ruching on the sleeves as I really didn't think it would look that great with a heavier knit.  So this is the 3/4 sleeve length sans ruching.  Just perfect in my book!  

That cascading part down the front is achieved by having the front lower panel extend past the bodice.  You join this piece onto the front band.  You can see in the above photo how that piece is attached and how it makes the cascading.

I rolled hem the edge and used a variegated thread so it had a bit of fun!  

It is a subtle effect but I really like it!  You can also see the texture in this pretty fabric!  Below is a view of the right and wrong sides of the fabric.  

In case you are wondering, here is how the tank fits.  I just love that there is no gaping at the armholes and no bra showing!  

The neck band is really well drafted and lies nicely against your chest.  This is so work-appropriate I am giddy about it!  I didn't use any variegated thread on the tank.  I choose to keep it super simple and use matching thread and a triple stitch to keep the banding seam in place.  For the lower hem, I used Emma Seabrooke's stay tape, 1/2" wide.  It pressed beautifully onto the fabric and made hemming easy-peasy! 

Here you can see the other side of the tank and it is the same--no gaping or bra showing!  I also don't mind that the tank is snug.  I intend to wear this as a layering piece.  

It was a little chilly modeling this outside today, so I hope more spring-like weather will show soon!

And also note how the back of the tank snugs up to my neckline.  No gaping! 

This fabric washed and dried just beautifully!  I love textured knits!  

Thanks for reading and I do hope you'll try this pattern from Angela.  I think it is a winner!

Sue