Vogue 8962 tunic

This pattern had been waiting to be made for far too long. So long, in fact, that is now out of print. I'm so pleased I finally made it though as it's a really nice style.

Vogue 8962

Vogue 8962 is a tunic, skirt and pants pattern. The tunic has an optional cowl neckline, which I made, interesting seam lines and a high-low hem.

Hopefully you can see some of the outfit in the poorly-lit pictures. I am wearing the tunic with my Paprika Patterns Jade skirt and a new pair of Megan Nielsen Virginia leggings from lovely, stretchy, warm ponte from Spotlight.

 Oops, I seem to have lost the skirt! Here it is with some higher boots instead.

This was a very simple pattern to make. I used some lovely wooly knit fabric in grey from Potter Textiles. There wasn't quite enough grey to do the cowl neck, so I used another patterned, knitted remnant from Potter's for the neck and lower sleeves. It coordinates very well with many things.

If you have this pattern I would definitely recommend it. It is flattering and comfortable and I will certainly be making more.

So there.

Brief thoughts on Me Made May 2016

StyleArc Toni dress made as a top with StyleArc Elle pants / Named Jamie Jeans with Burdastyle 06/2014#114 jumper / Vogue 1378 pants with Megan Nielsen Briar tee made as a jumper / StyleArc Lola pants with Deer and Doe Plantain tee and Paprika Patterns Opal cardi / StyleArc Mara Shirtdress / Pauline Alice Xeria dress with Megan Nielsen Virginia leggings / Vogue 1378 pants with Burdastyle 11/2012#128 top / Refashioned dress from jeans

Like me, you are probably ready to forget Me Made May for another year. However, I thought I'd just have a quick look through the handmade clothes I wore in May 2016 and see what was popular in my wardrobe.

May 2016 in Perth was, weatherwise, pretty similar throughout. Most days were in the low to mid 20s with a couple of rainy days. This meant that hardly any of my warm and cold weather gear was seen at all, which was a bit of a shame.

Patrones army jacket with StyleArc Elle pants and Named Wenona shirt / Patrones jacket in black with khaki StyleArc Lola pants / Deer and Doe Plantain tee with black StyleArc Lola pants / Named Jamie jeans with Paprika Patterns Jasper sweater / Named Jamie jeans with StyleArc Amber top / Vogue 1313 dress with Closet Case Files Nettie bodysuit / StyleArc Estelle jacket, Paprika Patterns Jade Skirt and SavageCoco Patterns Presto top / Named Inari Tee dress / StyleArc Estelle jacket, Patrones blouse and silk StyleArc Lola pants.

MY MOST POPULAR PATTERNS IN MAY 2016

Pants: StyleArc Elle and Lola pants (some of the Lola pants were altered to have an elasticated cuff and front and back patch pockets) and Named Jamie jeans.

Tops: Burdastyle jumpers and Deer and Doe Plantain tees.

Jackets: Patrones jackets in black and khaki, StyleArc Estelle jacket.

Dresses and skirts: my refashioned denim dress from jeans was the only dress or skirt I wore more than once. I always wore my Megan Nielsen leggings to stay warm. I love all the dresses and skirts I wore in May.

The pattern companies I wore most things from were StyleArc, Paprika Patterns and Named Clothing. I think I use mostly patterns from these companies year round actually.

StyleArc Estelle Jacket almost finished! / Named Wyome jeans, Paprika Patterns Zircon sweater / Named Wenona shirtdress / Victory Patterns Hannah dress, Closet Case Files Nettie bodysuit / Burdastyle jumper and StyleArc Elle pants / Refashioned dress from jeans / Patrones jacket, StyleArc Lola pants, indigo dyed Plantain tee / Vintage pattern jumper with Megan Nielsen Virginia leggings in ponte / Burdastyle jumper, Named Jamie jeans

So there we are. Thank you to all who followed my progress on Instagram and made lovely comments. I loved seeing what everyone else was wearing day to day too.

Amber trousers - Paprika Patterns

A little bit slouchy, a little bit chic! That's how I would sum up the new Amber trousers pattern from Paprika patterns. 

Amber trousers line drawing

These super-comfortable pants fall softly from a fitted and flattering yoke. Inverted front pleats give a nice draped effect and lots of room to move. They can be made with a wide or tapered leg. I chose the tapered style, View A.

I was given this pattern for no charge in exchange for an honest review. I made size 4 based on my hip size and tapered the yoke to a size 5 at the top to fit my waist measurement. This was perfect for me and the pants required no further adjustments. The only thing I would say is that the legs were a bit short on me - more like 7/8 length instead of full length. I am about 5'9. I didn't mind the shorter length and have rolled them up a couple of times in these photos to make them even shorter for warm weather.

The fabric I used was a printed polyester that I have had in my stash for some time. It is very drapey, so perfect for these pants. I would love to make them again in silk.

The pants are fastened on one side with an invisible zip. This would be the trickiest part of making the pants. I followed the instructions, but used Washaway Wonder Tape to hold the zip in place before stitching, rather than pins or glue. I was put on to this brilliant product by Savage Coco Patterns (she knows her notions, that girl) and it is the best thing ever for invisible zip success.

The yoke is interfaced to hold its shape. I used lightweight interfacing here, which was just enough to be supportive but not too stiff. The yoke is comfortable and flattering.

The pants have side pockets, which are deep and just right.

I have made most of the Paprika Patterns range, often several times over. All the patterns are well thought out and have really clear instructions. The online tutorials are also great to supplement the written instructions if anything needs further explanation. This pattern is no exception. I didn't use the online tutorials as the pattern instructions and diagrams were very detailed. The Amber trousers are not difficult to sew and could be tackled by a confident beginner.

 I like this pattern. It's easy to sew and easy to wear. You can get it at a discount for the next few days of May 2016 here. I'm wearing the pants with a Scout Tee made with remnants.

The Zircon Sweater/dress - Paprika Patterns

As a fan of Paprika Patterns (love my Jasper Sweater and Jade skirt), I was rather pleased to be given the chance to review their brand new Zircon Sweater/dress pattern, which was released yesterday.

A light jumper for cool, summer evenings is just what I needed, so I chose the sweater option.

This is a simple, raglan sleeved pattern with pizzazz added in the form of an attractive, geometric yoke and hem insets. The result is unique and sleekly stylish. I love the clean lines of the insets, which look complicated, but are actually a breeze to sew if you follow Lisa's clear instructions. I was running a bit late with this review, what with all the Christmas parties and end-of-year concerts on at the moment, but this went together in a couple of hours.

I decided to use some sturdy, cotton, knit fabric in pale, denimy blue, for the main pattern pieces and some leftover navy, stretch denim for the yoke and hem contrast pieces. I used the knit for the neckline.

I made a size 4 according to my measurements and the size chart. The fit feels just right. I like the hem length and the sleeve length, although the sleeves are just short of full-length on me (above). I think this was intended in the design, but it could be due to my monkey arms. Either way, the sleeve hem is just right for staying in place when pushed up, which is how I will mostly wear them. This pattern is available in a wide size range and can be printed with other sizes or on its own, which is a great feature.

The inset pieces were stitched with a straight stitch and the rest with an overlocker. I found it easiest to sew the insets without pins, but do follow the instructions for a neat finish. The hems are coverstitched. In addition to the printed instructions for this pattern, which I found to be perfectly adequate, Lisa has provided excellent tutorials on her blog. These would be super-helpful for a beginner or visual learner.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this pattern. I expected to like it, but not as much as I actually did when I finished making it. I can see myself wearing this a lot.

Lisa has a 20% discount on the pattern and on perfect Zircon fabrics at thesweetmercerie.com for a short time. Get in quick!

Paprika Patterns Jade skirt

With lots of sun about, but a nip in the air, it was time for some winter sewing. I bought the Jade skirt pattern at the same time as I bought the Jasper sweater pattern and have been waiting for some cooler weather to make it.

This is a lovely skirt for the cold weather as it's fully lined and figure-hugging, so very warm and cosy. The front is folded in a zig-zag pattern and the back is plain. After making this, I have much admiration for Lisa of Paprika patterns as it must have been a very difficult pattern to create. She has done a fantastic job of getting the sizing, instructions and drafting spot on. It is very well thought out and even has a completely clean finish on the inside.

The folds are the trickiest part, but as long as you keep your wits about you and use many pins to keep everything in place, it's quite straightforward. Each fold is held in place by a line of stitching and it helps to pin the fold back and pin all around the area to be stitched so nothing moves. Once the front is done, it's plain sailing to make this skirt.

There are two options for length. I made the longer version and omitted the back exposed zip. This skirt just pulls on and is perfect for accommodating large lunches. I used a thick, two-way stretch fabric, like ponte but probably stretchier. I used thin black knit fabric for the lining to reduce bulk. I made a straight size 4 and reduced the seam allowance slightly towards the hemline so it wasn't quite so tight.

I wore this skirt out for coffee with friends this morning and felt warm, comfy and a little bit chic! The jacket is Burdastyle 12/2012 #139, made last year.

Jasper Sweater crossed with Alabama Chanin with some natural dyeing thrown in

I had agreed with myself not to buy any more patterns for a while and then, what do I see, but this gorgeous Jasper Sweater by Paprika Patterns. Well, I couldn't help myself and, what's more, I don't regret it!

The main fabric I used for this was hemp/cotton knit, bought on a recent excursion to the Margaret River Hemp Co. in Fremantle with the One Year One Outfit (OYOO) Perth crew. This fabric has a lovely natural colour and feel. Unfortunately it doesn't pass muster for the OYOO challenge as poorly thought out local laws don't allow hemp to be grown here. I hope this changes as hemp is fantastically sustainable and has a very low environmental impact. The fabric is also really nice and smoking it doesn't get you high, or so I'm told. This one metre length cost me $12.95. It wasn't quite enough for the Jasper, especially after some pre-washing shrinkage, so I hunted around and found a piece of cotton knit fabric that I had dyed with Eucalyptus leaves during a natural dyeing course some time ago.

During the dyeing process the fabric was folded, clamped with popsticks (from ice creams) then dyed, Shibori style, in a pot of boiling eucalyptus leaves (species unknown). I forgot to take a photo of the uncut piece, but it was similar to this onion skin-dyed sample I made on the same day:

I used the dyed fabric for the collar, the welt pockets and as a backing for some Alabama Chanin style reverse appliqué on the back of the jumper. I used ribbing fabric for the cuffs and bottom band.

I used the Angie's Fall stencil from the Alabama Chanin website. When I last looked it was free to download, but it now costs $8. I traced a flower from my computer screen at the size I wanted, cut the stencil, then placed it here and there on my back pattern piece. I used watered-down acrylic paint applied with a sponge brush to stencil the pattern on the fabric. This is a quick method that I've used before with good results.

I took the back piece on holiday with me recently and stitched away in a very relaxed manner with coffee or local wine to keep me going. Lovely! I used a double strand of brown thread for the stitches. It was fun to cut away the appliqué and see the Shibori pattern emerging underneath.

Once the back was done and I was home again, I made up the jumper. I was impressed with the drafting and the instructions and I'm pleased with the fit.

The epaulet on the collar is a nice touch. I found a handmade clay button in my button drawer that was perfect. I can't remember where that came from, but possibly my Mum made it during her pottery spree.

You can see the eucalyptus dyed fabric on the collar in these pictures. I'm hoping it doesn't look like I spilt my breakfast.

So, a new pattern, unfamiliar hemp fabric, natural dyeing and reverse appliqué. So much creative fun packed into one garment! Sewing is the best.