More quarantine makes! Sinclair Cachet and Rebecca Page Pippa pants

It took all my willpower not to make another dress but I thought that would be sort of ridiculous given I've got so many and I already have a few cut out to sew in hopefully the near future.  I did the next best thing and made separates.  I love the look of a jumpsuit, but honestly, I don't want to get undressed when I have to use the potty.  

I found two patterns and decided these would fit the bill.  I just wish you could feel how unbelievably soft this double brushed poly is I used from Fabric Mart.  It's like wearing pure silk.  

Top pattern: Sinclair Cachet Relaxed Fit Knit Tee 

Rebecca Page Pippa Stretch Pants

This was also very easy to sew.  I used SewkeysE tape at the neckline, shoulders, pocket, sleeve, and lower hemlines.  On the pants, I only needed it at the lower hem.  This stuff is the miracle of taming knits so they behave properly.  I love this stuff!  

I use my serger for construction which makes this a super fast make.  Literally, this can go together in about an hour from cut out to finishing the last stitch of the hemline.  With CoVID going on and figuring out how to productively WFH, I needed a project like this!  I appreciated a project like this.  

The pants pattern, the Pippa from Rebecca Page is another instant gratification project.  This is the first pair I made, the second pair is the first pair I posted that I made in a metallic ponte.  From everything I've read about this pattern, it seems to work in a variety of fabrics from lightweight poly to heavier weight pontes.

I love this outfit!  It's unbelievably soft and comfortable!  

Thanks for reading!

Sue

 

Super comfy outfit!

Hi all!  I hope this finds you and your families healthy and well.  

Since I've been WFH, all I want to make is fun and comfortable clothing.  These pants fit the bill!  Not only are the so comfortable, but with my fabric choice, you can actually wear these for more than lounging at home.  

As you can see, this is a Rebecca Page pattern and these are the Pippa pants.  

I used a mid-weight ponte that's been in my stash for a while for these.  I had just enough and I thought why not?  If I didn't' like them, they can always just be for lounging at home.  Or, I could find them a new home.  

This pattern has two or three pieces depending on the view you choose.  The front/back doesn't have a side seam.  So there's that piece and the waistband.  You can choose between a regular waistband, a fold over waistband and add some cute little side ties if you'd like.  Since I am not going to walk around showing off my midriff, I chose the regular waistband.  

Since there are only two pieces for my view, these were cut out and put together in less than an hour.  I am not a fast sewer and I am not slow, so if you are either, adjust your time commitment accordingly.  With that said, I even did a few extra steps too.  

I did lengthen these just a bit from the pattern.  I believe it was about an inch.  I added SewkeysE tape in 1" at the hem line.  I used a stretch stitch to hem the pants by machine.  

There isn't even elastic at the waistline but know what?  These didn't fall down nor did I feel like they would fall down. Yay!  

Let's talk about my top for a moment.  This is the Cachet relaxed tee by Sinclair Patterns.  I absolutely adore this pattern! 

It has three different pocket variations, a color-blocked version, and it is just right for doing your own thing.  This is another pattern that as soon as I finished my first, I immediately made a second.  This one is made from baby french terry from Sly Fox Fabrics.  This stuff is really wonderful to work with and it sews like a dream!  

Thanks for reading!  I hope you are able to make some comfortable clothing that you really love!  

Until next time, 

Sue 

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 

A new pattern release! Sinclair Lulu

I was one of the lucky gals to test this awesome pattern from Oxana Sinclair.  It's called the Lulu and it is a top, shorts/pants, or romper.  

Lulu pattern

Here's my version.  I made these as separates.  I remember the 80s/90s where you had to get undressed to use the bathroom if you wore a romper.  Ain't making that mistake again for work clothes!  

This fabric is just amazing!  It is the double brushed poly from SlyFox Fabrics.  It is so incredibly soft!  Plus, that color!!! 

Putting this together was fast!  It doesn't look like a fast pattern though, does it?

This has some very nice details such as the cross-over front, banded bottom, pleats at the neckline, side seam pockets.  

The pleated neckline is constructed so brilliantly! I also love the options of short, long, or no sleeves. I feel like you get your moneys worth with Sinclair patterns! 

Just a parting shot to show you that if you tack the neckline, you won't give anyone a show! 

This pattern is on sale for a bit so click on the link at the beginning of this post!

Happy sewing!

Sue 

Rebecca page blouse and skirt

For this post, I have two garments to show you!  I found this beautiful coral colored stretch shirting from Fabric Mart and after deciding I must sew with more color once in a while, I snatched it up. 

It is so beautiful to work with!  I love FMs selection of designer fabrics.  They are such nice quality. 

I chose these two patterns, both from Rebecca Page. 

https://rebecca-page.com/product/ladies-tie-neck-blouse-pattern/

 

I like the ultra feminine designs of both these garments and the ties on both! 

For the skirt, I found this so pretty metallic suiting and knew it would make a great something.  I finally decided on this cute skirt design.  I ended up lining the skirt with some leftovers from my stash.  It worked beautifully. 

I love lining skirts.  They look so much smoother when worn.  

See how nicely the shirting gathered?

The waist tie is fun.

I am pretty happy with how this turned out!

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Rebecca Page Sonia Skirt

Hi all,

Yes, I've been sewing.  Sewing up a storm actually, but I've been pattern testing and that takes time and you need to wait for the pattern release in order to post.  

Welp, that day has come!  

I was lucky enough to get to make this adorable skirt.  I love this pattern!  It is a fun and fast make and depending on your fabric choice, you can make this super casual or dressy.  It's up to you!  

I used a fabric from my staff.  This is a crepe in a rich print.  I can't remember where I got it but I suspect it was a Fabric Mart purchase.  This fabric was lovely to sew.  I am now a bit sad I waited so long to stitch it up.

This skirt definitely has a swish factor. 

Those little pockets are really nice too.  I made the midi length.  If I had enough fabric, I would have made it longer but I didn't.  With super swishy skirts like this, they are a bit of fabric hogs.

I love the fit of this straight from the package.  I made zero alterations to it.  I simply matched my measurements to the pattern and it fits perfectly.

I also like the belt loops.  Luckily, I had the black textured belt and it works with this quite well.

See how full this is?  I should also mention that I covered my own buttons for this.  I knew the buttons on this had to be special and covering your own was just the right touch.

My top, is the Itch-to-stitch Bellavista top in the softest knit from Sly Fox Fabrics.

  

I've made this top numerous times and I still plan on more.  How's that for an endorsement?  

But back to the fabric...

I found Sly Foxo online and went ahead and purchased the knit in several colors.  I am so happy with how this fabric looks, performs, and feels, that as soon as I make the four or so tops I plan to with what I have in my stash, that I'll order every available color.  It's amazing!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

SA's Scarlett Top

Another StyleArc review today.

  

This is the Scarlett Top.  

The description is this: Use your design skills to create your individual look.  Scarlett can be made in a mix and match fabric combination or leave it plain.  This square shaped tunic style has a dropped shoulder line finished off with a very cute sleeve.  The hem bands wrap from front to back to complete this interesting look.  

I would wholeheartedly agree with the description.  My fabric choices are two remnants from my stash.

I love this bright orange linen.  The print is a ditsy floral that's a quilting cotton.  It's really high quality cotton.  I love using quilting cottons for garments.  They work so well as they wash, dry, and press beautifully.

I am still not sure this style is totally the most flattering, but I wore it and several people stopped me and commented on how cute they thought this was and where did I get it?  Isn't that one of the best compliments ever?

I made one small change and that was to fold the neckbind to the outside instead of the inside.  I think it helps tie everything together.

Thanks for reading!

Sue

StyleArc Gem Knit Tee

Today for you I have another top, this time an knit tee from StyleArc.  I am such a SA fan!  

Here's what this one looks like: 

If you've sewn a SA pattern before, you know the instructions are very sparse.  However, if you've made a tee shirt, you don't even need directions.  

For this top, I was scrap-busting.  The solid front was a remnant.  The black lace was from my stash.  It's a designer lace from Fabric Mart.  You'll notice the back hem is longer than the front.  It's also curved.

I used the lace on the sleeves as well.  For the sleeves, I wanted them slightly flared.  I slashed the sleeves in six places and put a 1/4" insert to add almost an inch to the total space.  I had hoped it would flare a bit more but I should have known with the limited amount I added that it wouldn't be dramatic at all.  

I didn't hem the sleeves.  I found an area of the lace to just cut around and that design became the hem.  

For the lower hemline, I used clear SewkeysE hem tape that was an inch wide.  I like using one-inch hems in my knits so they don't curl.  I used the same tape only 1/2" wide to stabilize the shoulders.

I found this tee a bit snug for me through the shoulder area.  In measuring my shoulder breadth, I added across the back neck area between the points where the neck and shoulder join.  I also added from the neck/shoulder junction to the shoulder area.

I used Designer Joi's method to fit the bust area.  I so love her method!

Now that I have a good fit on this tee, you'll see more of these!

Thanks for reading!

Sue