...and more sewing

Or, one photo, two sewn garments. We're all about economy here at Mingling Yarn.

Both patterns are from Style Arc -- I absolutely LOVE that pattern company! Great personalized service, and did I mention -- the patterns actually fit me with very little tweaking. The top was the free (with purchase) pattern for this month -- Amy Knit Top. It's sewn in a rayon/Lycra blend. An alternate view shows the top tied at the sides -- not my best look, but the multi-level hem gives a different look too. Quick and easy to sew, and I really like the cowl neckline.


The pants are Willow -- a slim, cigarette style pant. They're made from a poly/Lycra blend from Fabric Mart , which they describe as a "microfaille". This was a recent selection from Julie's Picks, so I'm not sure if it's still available. These are most definitely a slimmer pant. Darts in front/back, side seam zip, no pockets, slit on the outside lower leg seam. I forgot to do my usual leg length shortening on these (when I first made them) and boy, that was NOT a good look! I really think these look better when they hit the ankle without any folds or puddling in the length. I was concerned about the close fit, so made another pair adding a scootch more room in the hip area, and keeping the legs as they were. I'm not sure if my scootch was more of a sco-o-o-tch, or whether the different fabric I used made a difference, but those could have been just a bit tighter. Both pairs are certainly wearable though, so I guess now I have options -- skinny day/chubby day!

Still in Love with Style Arc

Still not tired of sewing with Style Arc patterns from Australia -- but really, what's not to like?

Description from the website:

SLIP-ON SUZIE: This is a fantastic fake wrap dress, it is easy to make and wear, just slip it on. You have the choice of a cap sleeve or a long sleeve so it’s suitable for all seasons and occasions Approx back length 106cm or 42”.

FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION: Jersey Knit with drape

My only needed adjustment with this one was to raise the neckline, and frankly, it could go a little higher. Next one we'll give that a try.

I know I go on about this pattern line, but I love the ready-to-wear fit/sizing, the current looks, and the well-drafted patterns that fit together so nicely. I have plenty of cheaper patterns in my stash, but when you find styles that you can make again and again, well, it takes the sting out of the purchase price for sure.

Cosy -- take two

Stats: pattern - Cosy Cardigan from Style Arc fabric - a wool blend knit from Gorgeous Fabrics (may be sold out, but you're sure to find other lovely stuff, so take a look!) changes to pattern - none, however, it's fastened with only one clear, sewn-on snap at the top, rather than snaps down the front as in version 1

There was a bit of fabric left over from the cardigan, so I seamed it together to make a narrow infinity scarf -



The pants are another version of Style Arc Linda, this time made in stretch corduroy from Fabric Mart.

D'Oh!

No matter how long you've been sewing, there will come a moment when you smack your forehead in disbelief at some silly mistake you've made. Today was my day.

I was making the Style Arc Hepburn Riding skirt, and was dismayed to discover that when I had things basted together the waistline was too big. I took it in a bit -- still too big. This was puzzling, as the many other Style Arc patterns I had made were very close to fitting right out of the envelope. I set it aside for a bit, and when I came back to it I had a little niggling thought that I should check the pleat markings. Yup, there it was -- a silly Sewing 101 mistake -- I had folded the pleat with no regard for the markings on the pattern! D'Oh.

Fortunately, it wasn't too hard to remedy, but man, did I feel stupid! Lesson learned -- no matter how simple you think something is -- check the directions!

And here it is:


Should be nice for Fall, don't you think?

Sewing -- Australian style

It's hot, it's muggy, and sometimes you just need some quick and easy projects that don't involve loops of wool. I've been spending some time up in the sewing room lately, trying out some patterns from a new(ish) Australian pattern company -- Style Arc.

It wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say that I've tried just about every basic slacks pattern from (most) of the major pattern companies, plus several of the independent ones. Time after time I've been disappointed in the fit, and even extensive tweaking and re-doing hasn't given me a pair of trousers I would want to wear in public -- until now. I don't know what magic those folks are employing, but finally, slacks that fit! Of course, living half a world away means high postage fees, and Style Arc patterns are only available in one size per pattern instead of the multi-size patterns we've grown used to, but sewists -- PANTS THAT FIT (that's huge).

Of course, the full pattern line contains lots of things besides pants -- like an almost instant knock-off of the famous Pippa's bridesmaid's dress from the recent royal wedding -- and besides two different pants patterns (Linda and Katherine)I've also sewn the Creative Cate cowl neck top, and the Cruise Club Kim sundress (all photos below). I can't help myself though -- pants that fit -- I'm still reeling!