I liked every piece in the Como bundle when Style Arc released it, but my initial plan wasn’t necessarily to make a coordinating three piece set.  However, that’s exactly what I did!

This outfit actually looks better in real life than it does in these photos. Maybe I should start at the top, with the Como cardigan.

From the Style Arc website: This long-line fashionable cardi sewing pattern is a must have addition to your wardrobe. It has a cleverly designed all-in-one dropped shoulder line and a front band that hugs the neckline. This cardigan is finished off with two lovely large patch pockets. FABRIC SUGGESTION Wool jersey, baby wool, sweater knit.

I sewed this in a super soft knit that I picked up from Super Cheap Fabrics.  I have no real idea of the fibre composition, but suspect that there is plenty of synthetic in there.  I bought some green spools of thread from Spotlight to overlock it all together, but later discovered that my Juki overlocker really does not like cheap thread.  I had all sorts of problems with the tension, which has unfortunately made some of the seams too tight and pull a bit.  Once I went back to large cones of thread from Rathdowne Fabrics my overlocker became happy again.  But in the meantime I did have some construction issues, and I think that they affect the look of this cardi, especially the dropped shoulder seams.

There aren’t shoulder seams with this cardi, just some shoulder darts for shaping. The fronts extend around to the back and form the back yoke with a vertical seam. This changes the grain and stretch quite a bit across the shoulders and where the sleeves join, which is why my overlocker issues caused some problems. Since then I’ve done my best to pull out the tight sections and restitch them, but the resulting garment is far from perfect.

I found that the sleeves were very long, and since these photos were taken I’ve shortened them some more. I left off the pockets, doubting that I could attach them nicely in this very soft knit. I sewed size 12.  I’m keen to sew this again, but in a slightly more structured knit and using the threads that my overlocker prefers!

So, on to the Como pants! From the Style Arc website: This fabulous, on-trend knit pant sewing pattern features the new wide leg; not too wide, just perfect. The flat elastic waist and in-seam pockets look great and make the pant so comfortable to wear. Make them with a full-length leg or crop them to what length you prefer. FABRIC SUGGESTION Wool jersey, baby wool, sweater knit.

I sewed these in linen knit.  I know, slightly nuts – but it’s what I had in stash, so I figured it was worth a try.  I think that I originally bought it at Rathdowne Fabrics.  I sewed size 12 in the shorter length, without alteration.  I didn’t include the drawstring.

The fabric has a wonderful slubby texture, and these actually feel really good to wear! I used wide elastic in the waistband, trying the pants on before I determined the final elastic length. The legs have a wide hem, and I included the side inseam pockets. We’ll see how well linen jersey works in pants over time, I suppose.

So, we finally get to the Como top!

I picked up this patterned stretch mesh from Lincraft for $2 per metre. I figured that I couldn’t really go wrong. It was perfect for this pattern, because the front is double. I doubled the back as well for consistency.

And there we have my usual short back waist issue, which I once again have failed to rectify. Oh well, I can’t see it when I’m wearing it.

From the Style Arc website: You will love this versatile knit top sewing pattern. The flattering “V” neckline hugs the neck and is designed to stand at the back. The pattern was designed to have some shape over the body, but not too much, and the shoulder line is extended to cover the shoulders. FABRIC SUGGESTION Baby wool, jersey

This is a terrific,super simple pattern!  I had to alter the construction a little because I had two back pieces, but that wasn’t difficult.  The front V-neckline is essentially self faced because there are two front pieces.  Style Arc have a YouTube tutorial for this too.  It’s always worth remembering that there are lots of links to tutorials on their website and on their YouTube channel.

All three of these patterns will get another whirl at a later stage – maybe even in the recommended fabrics!