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 

Sinclair Lotte Hoodie.

This pattern, has been blowing up my feed on IG.  How cute is this hoodie?

This is another winning pattern from Sinclair.  I use the US 12 Tall sizing and it fits perfectly with zero alterations.

Here's my version: 

So I am loving this blush color and I found these lovely fabrics at JoAnns in Baton Rouge when I visited by DD1, SIL, and DGD.  You may remember, our JoAnns was hit by a tornado last September and I never thought I'd be excited to visit a JoAnns again.  The Baton Rouge JoAnns is really nice and this fabric passed the feel, wash, and wear test.  Plus, that color!!! 

This is an easy pattern to put together.  Those in-seam pockets are cleverly constructed and I just love how cozy this feels on.  Plus, did I mention the color? ;) 

I really love how these patterns fit me.  I've made four now and all fit straight out of the package, so to speak.

You'll see more of these from me.

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!

Sue 

Sinclair Danielle Batwing Top

One of my last makes for the 2019 year was this beautiful top from Sinclair patterns.  

Here's a link to the pattern if you'd like to see the other great patterns Sinclair has to offer: 

https://sinclairpatterns.com/product/danielle-relaxed-fit-batwing-knit-top-pdf-sewing-pattern/

From the website: Featuring: loose around the bust and the waist, fitted around the hips top with a back neckline accent, hip length batwing top. Flowing around the body and fitted around the hips it creates an unlimited feminine silhouette. Back V neck with straps accent adds up a playful accent to your top. Can be dressed up for a special occasion or dressed down for a yoga practice. Designed to be made from light to mid weight knit fabric with at least 30-50% stretch.

I made mine is a sweater knit I purchased from fabric.com.  The manufacturer is Telio and this stuff is wonderful!

I made my usual size 12 (based on FULL bust measurement) in a tall size.  Tall sizes are for ladies over 5'6".  I am 5'7".

This is exactly the right amount of fitted/slouchy I was looking for.

The longest part of making this top is attaching the neckband.  After that, which BTW isn't hard, it just takes a few minutes to get everything else put together.

Isn't that back detail just darn cute?  

I see more of these in my future!

Sue

Sinclair Patterns: Tango Tunic

I was so fortunate to be able to test the Tango Tunic by Sinclair Patterns recently.  I was not only thrilled to be a pattern tester and even more honored to be chosen to participate.  Here's the image of the pattern from Sinclair's site: Tango Tunic

I made the size 12 in a tall, which is exactly what my bust measurements are.  I don't have to lengthen from the bust to the apex or the apex to my waistline.  It's almost as if these patterns are drafted just for me.  :)

Here are my two versions: 

Let me tell you about the pattern. 

It's very easy to sew.  Yes, even with those bands it is easy to sew.  And, btw, those bands are the most time consuming part of the project.  After those are sewn on, this project flies together.

For the blush and off white sweater knit, I used two sweater knits in differing weights.  The blush is from Fabric.com and the print is from Sly Fox Fabrics.  I love them both! 

I had thought about making one with the cowl and one with the split collar but once I got the collar together, I decided I needed two with the cowl.  My next one will be a split collar.

The camo/gray version are both stash remnants.  The camo is a recent project left over and the gray, I think was purchased when Hancock's went out of business (I am still sad about that!)

For this pattern, if you can get your bust/height measurement correct, you'll be fine with this pattern.  All the testers commented that the length drafting is perfect.  It doesn't matter if you are petite, within the traditional measurements, or tall. 

Have fun with this pattern!  It's on sale for a little while.  Snatch it up before you have to pay full price!

Thanks for reading!

Sue   

Harper Cardigan by Sinclair Patterns

I have another review for a Sinclair Patterns.  This is the Harper Cardigan.  I just love it.  

This comes in various sizes and lengths so you can create a bunch of these and they can all be slightly different.  

I made the classic length in a tall size.  I love these tall patterns!  

I want you to see a close-up of this gorgeous knit I purchased from Treadle Yard Goods in Saint Paul, Minnesota last summer. 

Photos do not do it justice!  It's got so much variation in the yarns and the feel of it is just so special.  For the pockets, I cut them on the cross grain and used the selvage as the top edge.  

Did I mention the texture?  

This pattern is very similar to the uber popular Blackwood Cardigan.  I wanted to try this one since I just got it printed and taped together.  Plus, at least for the time being, it's free.

The drafting is exceptional.  The fit is exactly what I wanted.

I had to shorten the sleeves just a bit as they were too long.  That rarely happens!

Due to my limited fabric and my ineptitude at measuring correctly, I had to cut the front bands in half width-wise.  I still love this and I had no intention of wearing this closed or putting a closure on it.

I am quite smitten with this and will make more!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

Sinclair Harper Classic Cardigan

Comfy, cozy, camo! Sinclair Jemma tunic

I recently became aware of Sinclair patterns and that they make TALL sizes!  If you are over 5'6" like I am, this is a special treat! 

I had to try this Jemma Tunic in the tall sizes.  I made my size based on my full bust measurement.  I really love how this fits.  

My tunic is pretty long, almost to my knees but I think it is perfect for wearing with leggings and boots.

My fabric is a sweater knit I picked up at Fabric.com.  The manufacturer is Telio and if you've read any of my previous posts, you know I just love this brand!

This ribbed knit behaved beautifully, washes beautifully, and is a pleasure to wear. 

I love the large roomy pockets on this.  

That neckband is really nice too!

I hope you'll branch out and try Indy patterns if you are not familiar with them.  Typically, the drafting is exceptional and the instructions are full of details.

I'll be review more Sinclair patterns in the future. 

If you are interested, here's a link to their website: https://sinclairpatterns.com/

Thanks for reading!

Sue