Sinclar: Lauren Top

So, I made another Sinclair pattern.  Is anyone surprised?  This one is the Lauren Top.  How could I not make this?  Here's the pattern photo: 

I love tops that drape yet have a modest neckline, so this was a no-brainer for me.  

It was such a nice day that I had to go outdoors for photos. That's pretty rare this time of year where I live.

This top requires a super drapey fabric.  I think this was a rayon-lycra blend and it works for this top. It was purchased from Fabric Mart.

See what I mean about requiring drape?  From this side view, you can totally see half of the pleats in the design.  

I love this blushy-pink/rose color. This is a relatively easy sew.  Just line up the pleats, baste them and you are half way done!  

There is also a dress and sleeveless version of this, so in the next few months, guess what I'll be making?

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

A new pattern--Sinclair Journey zip hoodie!

Hi all,

I was one of the lucky ones able to test a pattern for Sinclair Patterns.  It is the Journey Zip Hoodie.  

And, here is a link to the pattern: https://sinclairpatterns.com/product/journey-zip-up-knit-raglan-hoodie-with-different-pocket-styles-pdf-sewing-pattern/?goal=0_eef9a0e737-bc33274c7c-129781988&mc_cid=bc33274c7c&mc_eid=0d2e69e1f9

I wasn't one of the lucky ones to be featured on the website, but I am still really pleased with how mine turned out.  

This pattern, from cut out to final seam will take you about 4 to 5 hours. You'll need to use mid-weight knits.

My fabrics were from Sly Fox.  If you've never heard of them, I am quite smitten with their selection and quality.  I've yet to be disappointed. Here's a link if you are interested: https://slyfoxfabrics.com/

I used their french terry for this hoodie. 

The only part that may give you a few head-scratching moments is the zipper insertion.  I simplified this by basting the zip in, then attaching the facing and stitching down the whole business at once.  If you decide to purchase the pattern and make this up, you'll get what I mean.

For Sinclair patterns, I appreciate that the pattern has options.  This has hoodie or collar and different pocket choices.  Truly you can create different looks for this garment. Also, it comes in petite, regular, or tall sizes.  I use the tall and make almost zero alterations. 

I am really happy with my hoodie.

If you try this pattern, please let me know as I 'd like to know about your experience.

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Another Harper Cardigan by Sinclair Patterns

I have been on a roll of Indy patterns with good reason: the Indy designers take time to fit, test, and retest their patterns before publication.  I just love that by those designers!  

This is for the Harper Cardigan by Sinclair Patterns.  Did I mention this is a FREE pattern?  For those of you wary to purchase the Blackwood, here is your chance to get one that is equally as awesome and you just can't beat the price.  

Here's the pattern image: 

And, a link to the pattern: https://sinclairpatterns.com/product/harper-classic-knit-cardigan-and-duster-for-women-pdf-sewing-pattern/

What I love about Sinclair patterns is that the come in TALL sizes, or for ladies over 5'6".  There are also petite and regular sizing options.  

Gosh, I love this fabric!  How fun is this?  Dress it up or down.

This is the first long length I have made from this pattern. 

The back really lets you see how fun this fabric is!

It's mine!

I've made this cardigan numerous times and each time has been a treat.  You can use a variety of fabrics, make a variety of lengths such as duster, long, or classic and you can also make long, 3/4, or short sleeves.  Variety, is all included with this pattern.  

For this version, I used a camo fabric from Telio.  I think if you've read some of my posts (thank you, BTW) you'll know that I have a thing for Telio.  Quality and reasonable price.  Bam!  No wonder I love it so much!  

I made the longer version with long sleeves.  I had just enough fabric to complete this feat, but honestly, it was a close call!  What I keep forgetting is that the neckband or front band needs 2 cuts on the fold, not just one.  :)  

Since my fabric was a ribbed sweater knit, I did use some precautions such as SewkeysE 1/2" tape for almost all the raw edges: pockets, front band, and hemline.  I just love this stuff!  I did use a straight basting stitch on my machine before serging the edges.  It just makes me feel better about my finished garment.  

What more can you ask for?  A FREE pattern that's well drafted, fits a variety of sizes, and gives you a great result!

Thanks for reading!

Sue  

A New Winter Coat, Butterick 5685

Hi all,

I made a new coat because where I live, it's cold and can be cold for a long time--like 5 or so months.  Ridiculous, right?  So, to make it less brutal, I make winter coats so I have choices when I put on a coat to brave the cold.  

I finally used the beautiful wool/cashmere blend from Mood that I purchased about 2 years ago. 

I was pretty adamant I needed to use a somewhat classic design so this coat is 'in style' for years to come.

When I fit this to me, I intentionally made the shoulders just a bit wider in the back to accommodate being able to bend, lift, carry, twist, and drive a car if needed.  

I've had this pattern forever.  Here it is for you to see: 

I'd say mine fits just like the line drawing shows.

I knew I wanted to use a fun lining and this fabric is from Fabric.com.  It's a Telio brand rayon and it is just as luscious as the wool/cashmere!

Why make a coat with a boring lining?  Am I right? 

Buttons are from my stash.  

Thanks for reading!

I hope you are enjoying the weather where ever you live.  If you have a favorite cold weather coat pattern, would you please share?  I am always looking for coat patterns that are unique, classic, or just fun.

Sue 

A warm winter dress! Rebecca Page Hoodie Dress/Top

Hi all!  Happy winter!  Today is the coldest we've had so far this year with an air temp of -17 degree F.  The wind child makes it -34F!  When it's this cold outside, you need some warm cozy clothing.  Here's a new pattern, just released yesterday, from Rebecca Page: 

This is very simply named the Hoodie Dress.  I am a Brand Ambassador for Rebecca Page and I was one of the lucky ones to test this pattern prior to release.  In fact, my version is even on their website under the pattern page!

https://rebecca-page.com/product/hoodie-dress/

I used a wonderful fleece I've had in my stash for quite some time from Emma One Sock.  It love how rich the black color is on this.  The black ribbing was also from my stash.  

Rebecca basically holds your hand while you sew showing every single step.  There is also a quick reference sheet you can use if you desire.  That's what I did.  This is such an easy, uncomplicated, yet cute sew!  

If you decide to use the kangaroo pocket, I would definitely stabilize the edges so they don't stretch as you are attaching them to your garment.  For this, I use SewkeysE tape and it works like a dream. 

This mainly goes together on your serger, except for the pocket and the hem on the hoodie.  

I would highly recommend measuring the length of the sleeve prior to sewing.  I know they made adjustments for that after the initial phase, but just to be sure please measure.  Also for reference, I am 5'7".  

Thanks for reading!

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