I have such success with Style Arc patterns.  They have so many styles that are abolutely me! I note that they also have so many styles that are absolutely not me – it’s a good thing that there are many styles for many different people.

So, to Betty and Bob. Really, this pattern combination was a no-brainer for me; I think that I bought it as soon as they released it.

The Betty Woven Tunic, from the Style Arc website: This relaxed fit, square shaped tunic features a round neck, side splits and a hi low hemline. This tunic will see you through many seasons and become a favourite. Leave the sleeve elbow length or turn back the shaped sleeve facing to create a cuff. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Crepe, silk, rayon.

And the Bob pants: Achieve great style with this simple pant. The pattern for this pant leg has been engineered to create the balloon shape. Casual inseam pockets and elastic waist make this a must addition to your wardrobe. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Washed linen, light wool, rayon, crepe.

I started with the tunic in coral crepe from stash.  I find that some crepes are a bit shifty and not so easy to sew, so I made sure that I stabilised the neckline with a strip of iron on fusible stabiliser straight after cutting out.  This is a simple pattern – front, back, bias strip for the neckline, and sleeve facings. Very quick to cut out!

The neckline binding gives a lovely clean finish. The tunic is an oversized shape and style, which really appeals to me. I sewed size 12.

This is so easy to wear! Just slips on, the shaped sleeve facings are perfect, and the side splits with deep hems please me greatly.

The patterned top is sewn from viscose/linen from The Cloth Shop Ivanhoe. When I saw this fabric there was absolutely no way I could leave it in the shop! The drape is fabulous because of the viscose content, and the linen makes it extremely breathable and easy to wear. It was also delightful to sew.

Although the top is simple, it took me longer to sew than I had anticipated. The little details really do need to be done carefully – this is such a simple top that the construction and top-stitching needs to be particularly accurate. I’m pleased with my efforts.

So, to the pants! The yellow/chartreuse pair are in linen, also from The Cloth Shop Ivanhoe. You can see the interesting shaping quite clearly in these photos.

The chambray came from Drapers Fabrics new Fitzroy store. It’s beautiful fabric to sew and to wear – just the right weight for these pants! That reminds me, I’ve also sewn these pants in a heavier weight blue-grey satin backed twill remnant (not yet photographed) which shows the shape even better, but I’m not sure will be as easy to wear.

The pants were sewn in size 12, and I shortened the pattern about an inch and a half at the shorten/lengthen line before cutting out. The finished length is pretty much perfect on me!

So there you go, a couple of versions of Betty and Bob. I think this is an extremely versatile combination of patterns, and strongly suspect that I’ll be sewing them both up again at some stage!