This is a repeat – well, you knew that from the title of this blog post, didn’t you!  I think it’s the fourth time that I’ve sewn the Style Arc Nina cardigan.

The pattern description on the webpage isn’t especially forthcoming.  Fabulous waterfall front cardigan.  That’s all it says at the moment, but I notice that their website is in the process of a major makeover.  Maybe that’s all it ever said?

I sewed this one in orange ponte, I think from Darn Cheap Fabrics.  The pattern instructions suggest finishing the edges with a rolled edge (on the overlocker) finish.  I chose to turn a hem of around 1cm and use a zig-zag stitch to catch it in place.

I’ve been wearing this with the sleeves rolled up a bit, so clearly they need shortening! Next time I have bright orange thread in the sewing machine.

This is easy to sew, with most construction done on the overlocker. Yes, I have orange overlocker thread! I’ve sewn it in a few different types of knits now, and think that it works well in all of them. This is size 12 without any alterations.

Not much more to say about this one really. I like it, or else I wouldn’t have sewn it four times! I doubt that this pattern is ready for retirement yet either.

I’ve sewn a number of different Style Arc stretch woven pants patterns now.  It intrigues me how they manage to alter the draft for each one!  Many look similar, but there are slight differences in how they look, and in how they feel on.  I wear the Elle, Barb and Linda pants quite a lot, the Barb and Linda especially for work.  The leg width varies between each one.  The Beth pants add some further detailing.

Okay, a photo of black bengaline pants. You really can’t see anything much at all, can you! Here’s the pattern description and illustration from the Style Arc website:  Pull on woven stretch pant with wide waistband and the perfect leg shape.

It has become patently obvious to me that for my thick middle and pot belly, I really do need to utilise the stretch in a fabric like this stretch bengaline to get the fit and comfort that I prefer.  There is nothing quite like a pull-on pant with elastic inside the waist in a stretch fabric for me to feel flattered and comfortable.  I just cannot get a transition from waist/belly fit to fitting nicely around my thighs and hips any other way.

These photos were taken at the end of the work day, hence the wrinkles. They’re really not too bad all things considered.

As you all know, no-one else will ever see the tummy/waist area of my pants in day to day wear, so in many ways that pleather detail is useless. But I know it is there, and that alone pleases me!

These are the most comfortable pair of work pants that I’ve sewn. I really like the width of the waistband, which makes the rise that little bit higher. I’ve sewn size 10, which works for my legs and hips, even though my waist is around size 16. The stretch of the fabric takes care of the rest of the fit, and I cut the waist elastic length to suit me.

Style Arc’s stretch woven patterns make perfect work pants for me (here paired with a Cashmerette Appleton tunic). These are a new favourite – although I wonder whether the Sage pants pattern that I have cut out ready to sew will be a favourite as well?