Posts

A Sequin Knit Cardigan using The Sewing Workshop Cascade Dress Pattern

-
Image
If you follow the Fabric Mart Fabricista blog, you've already seen my sequin cardigan in my April post.   However, I want to document my makes here also as it provides reminders to myself regarding any changes I made.  For my sequin cardigan, I used an out-of-print (OOP) Sewing Workshop pattern, the Cascade Dress.  I don't recall the year the pattern was released. However, I do recall buying it at a sewing expo when it was a new release. One of the samples was sewn in a burnout velvet and it was gorgeous! Remember when Linda Lee used to be a vendor/teacher at the sewing expos?  You could browse through and try on the Sewing Workshop sample garments.  The patterns were $19.95 (I think) which was expensive for a pattern at that time.  TSW typically had a show special where you could buy three patterns and get one free, or something like that. It was a long time ago and the show memories are a bit fuzzy.  If you know leave me a comment! Anyway, I bought...
8 comments
Read more

BurdaStyle Jan 2023 Blouse 104 - A Boho Blouse with BIG Sleeves

-
Image
Even though they've been around for awhile, I'm still liking the statement sleeve trend. That's why I put this top on my to-sew list as soon as I received my January 2023 issue of BurdaStyle magazine.  The magazine describes the blouse as "this blouse has the look of a lavish bouquet. Its secret? XL puff sleeves whose tiny gathers ensure that the flowing viscose drapes beautifully".  It's a cute description but doesn't really tell you much about the blouse, except it does indeed have big sleeves!  Let me provide a few more details for you. It is a pullover style, with a v-neckline finished with an interfaced facing. The hem is slightly curved and the sleeves have a slit opening, with a button and loop and narrow band.  I used two gold ball buttons that I've had in my button stash for decades. The pattern is from the January 2023 magazine, blouse #104, and is also available as a PDF here . It's designed for lightweight blouse fabrics with the sample...
8 comments
Read more

An Animal Print Sewing Workshop Helix Top

-
Image
Everytime Linda Lee wears a Helix top on one of her Facebook Live videos (also posted on their YouTube channel) I tell myself I need to sew a Helix!  This past week I finally sewed one just to test the fit.  I bought the pattern quite some time ago, but whenever I would think about sewing it, I'd wonder about sizing.  If I used my full bust measurement (which is what Linda Lee usually recommends) I would sew a size large.  However, my upper bust measurement puts me in a small.  I know from experience that many Sewing Workshop patterns are oversized, so I chose to sew the size in between - the medium.  The finished bust measurement for a medium is 46", which gave me 6" of ease.   It is larger than I like.  Even as I write that I chuckle, because I am always saying how I don't like my clothing to be tight or form fitting :-)  But in this case, the top feels a bit sloppy and I think I'd be happier with a slimmer fit.  The finished bust...
6 comments
Read more

Style Arc Selina Woven Top in Blue Viscose

-
Image
Have you ever sewn something simple and when you wear it you're amazed at how many  compliments you receive? That's what happened to me when I sewed this simple pullover top. I wore it to church soon after finishing it and I couldn't believe how many women wanted to know where it was purchased! The top is the S yle Arc Selina Woven Top .   It has an a-line shape, with a small ruffle on the sleeves and hem. It pulls over your head, with a faced neckline.  The front is slightly shorter than the back.  There is a back yoke with gathers. I don't know why, but in my mind I thought this was going to be longer and looser.  But now that I look at the line drawings, my version is pretty true to what is shown.  I sewed it using a fabric purchased from Emma One Sock. It was described as "Blue jeans floral drapey viscose woven".  I think it was the perfect choice for this top. It was lightweight enough to wear during the summer and will transition nicely int...
2 comments
Read more

Itch to Stitch Melrose Top ~ A Short, Boxy Woven Tee

-
Image
Even though the calendar tells me it's early September and the stores are filled with "It's Fall Y'all" merchandise, it's too early to pull out the sweaters and cardis.  And I've never been a fan of Pumpkin Spice :-)  Because the temps will be warm here for quite some time, I'm beginning to transition to fall by sewing a few easy-to-wear tops.   Right now, that means loose-fitting, woven tees.  Such as this one, the Melrose Top from Itch to Stitch. The pattern was released in 2019, I purchased it soon after, and am FINALLY sewing one!  It includes a dress and a longer version of the top, each with an elasticated waist.  I was most interested in View C, a relaxed-fit top with a bias bound round neckline, dolman sleeves with cuff, and a bottom band.  Many of the Itch to Stitch patterns offer cup sizes, this pattern included.  I've sewn quite a few from this designer, and know I can trust the measurements provided. For this version, I choose to...
2 comments
Read more