Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I recently had a weekend away at Sewjourn.  I had a satisfyingly productive yet unrushed visit, very much sewing at my own pace.  There’s been a lot of talk around the socials lately about slow sewing, in contrast to fast sewing/fashion, which makes sense but which is often presented with a whole lot of judgemental overtone.  Meh.  Sewing is my hobby.  I get great enjoyment from it, it keeps me sane, and the outcome is clothing that fits me and works with my style and my lifestyle.  I reckon that it’s important to sew at your own pace!

Anyway, I sewed this tunic and pants on that Sewjourn weekend. The orange long-sleeved tee underneath is a Deer and Doe Plantain tee that I sewed from Clear It wool jersey ages ago. The tunic is made from textured knit that came from either Darn Cheap Fabrics or The Cloth Shop – I bought some from each! I used it for Clare’s Josie hoodie, and there was just enough left over for this tunic. Scrap busting again!

This is SUCH a great pattern. It’s Vogue 9275, a Vogue Wardrobe pattern.  A whole lot of simple designs, all well drafted and executed.  From the website: Very loose-fitting lined jacket has zip front and contrast collar, cuffs. Very loose-fitting pullover tunics have collar variations. Close-fitting pull-on leggings have front and back band at waist. Fitted pull-on pants have elastic at waist. B, C, E, Contrast A: For moderate stretch knits only. D: For four-way stretch knits only.

My version of the tunic is view B, but without the draw cord.  I sewed straight size Medium, which is Vogue size 12-14.  It’s pretty roomy.  I especially like the armhole facings – cut on, but nicely shaped – and the curved hemline.

I constructed this tunic on the sewing machine and finished the edges with the overlocker, other than the cowl which was directly attached to the body with the overlocker. Sewing it by machine allowed me to press open the shoulder seams and the side seams, which led to a much flatter and neater finish around the armholes. I used double sided fusible tape to secure the curved hemline in place before stitching it, and really recommend it if you are making this tunic.

Because the fabric is quite structured, the cowl collar stands up. I’d like to try sewing this again in a mid weight viscose knit, or a soft wool, and see how it drapes and collapses upon itself.

So, to the pants. These are the Style Arc April pants, one of Style Arc’s older patterns and one that I have sewn many, many times. I love the panelling – it lifts them above regular leggings, but still provides you with a fitted look. This pair is sewn in jacquard stretch bengaline, with the fabric reversed for the outer leg and inner leg panels. The effect is subtle, but the colouration is slightly different where I’ve used the reverse.

These were constructed on the overlocker, with topstitching beside each seamline to add some detailing. The waist is a simple ring of elastic overlocked to the top of the pants then turned to the inside and secured with stitching along each seamline. You know what I’m going to say next, don’t you – comfortable and easy to wear.  I sew these in size 10, with legs shortened around one and half inches and the waist elastic cut to the same measurement as the waist opening (it’s that negative ease keeping them up again).

From the Style Arc website: Up to minute stylized knit pull on pant, make it all one fabric, or contrast side panels as seen on the cat walk and in the fashion magazines. FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION Ponte or any stretch knit.

I rather like to sew these pants in combinations of fabrics – bengaline and ponte, for example, or a print with a plain.  This pattern leaves quite a bit of room for creativity.

Both the tunic and the pants will work well with my casual winter wardrobe and my lifestyle.  The Vogue pattern will definitely get another outing.