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A Sequin Knit Cardigan using The Sewing Workshop Cascade Dress Pattern

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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 the Cascade Dress pattern
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BurdaStyle Jan 2023 Blouse 104 - A Boho Blouse with BIG Sleeves

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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
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Itch to Stitch Tustin Dress - Easy to Sew Side Tie Knit Dress

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I didn't know I needed a side tie knit dress until I sewed this one!    This is the Itch to Stitch Tustin Dress (aff link) that was released April 1, 2023.  I tested the pattern, but in all honesty, I was hesitant to do so. I really did not think this was going to look on me. I was sure this style would not work on my large bust, short-waist, and almost non-existent waist. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I like the dress. The easy-to-sew knit dress has options for regular and full bust, options for short or long sleeves, a wide neckline finished with a neckband, a waist tie that with one tie coming from the center front and the other wrapping behind at the waistline.  It's designed for medium-weight knit fabric.  I choose to use a double brushed polyester knit for my dress. The fabric was a precut Walmart bundle, three yards for $6 if I remember correctly.   I'm not really a fan of DBP knits, and had picked this up to sew my daughter some pajama bottoms. Well, t
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Vogue 1339 Guy Laroche - A Valentine's Day Red Dress

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This red dress is from a pattern I had purchased in 2013 (when it was released).  With draping and ruching back in fashion (honestly, for me it never went away!) I decided it was time to sew the dress. It only took me 10 years :-) Let's talk about the pattern for a moment. This is Vogue 1339, a Guy Laroche design.  The description reads "Pullover dress has loose-fitting, blouson bodice with right shoulder and waistline pleats, stay, close-fitting, gathered and pleated skirt, with no side seams, left side front seam, pleated, single-layer flounces (wrong side shows), and slit. Very narrow hem for neckline and armholes. French seam finish for shoulders. Raw edge finish for hemline and flounces."  Oh how I miss those detailed descriptions on the patterns! How about you? Fabric suggestions: Two-way stretch knits: rayon, spandex, cotton spandex.  The skirt portion is self-lined. I always pictured this dress sewn in an ITY knit, but that's now what I used.  My fabric is a r
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