Today I have a Tessuti pattern double for you – the Isla top and Demi pants!

Okay, so this look is a little more ‘out there’. I’ll start by talking about the pants, because they’re rather a standout piece!

From the pattern website: This pull-on, cropped pant pattern features an elasticised waist and full leg with side stitched down pockets. A clever pleat detail at the front and back hemline is finished with a bias bind band at hem. Comfortable and stylish, the pattern is quick and easy to make and suitable for day or night. Ideal for woven fabrics including linen, lightweight wool, cottons, viscose and crepe. Not suitable for knits or stretch wovens.

It’s important to note that the rigid denim that I used was NOT  one of the recommended fabrics!  It was in stash, and I thought that it would be fun to give it a try.  I figured that it would give these pants a sculptural feel, and in my opinion it definitely does!

The sizes range from XXS (91 cm hip) to XL (116cm hip). I chose to sew size Large, but could have easily sewn the Medium, as the elasticised waist accommodates my midsection and my hips are smaller than the Large allows for.

If you look closely you can see the pocket treatment – it’s entered from the side seam, but is one layer topstitched to the front of the pants. I really like this! The waist contains two channels of elastic (which actually need to be tightened a bit – the denim is heavy and they pull down in wearing).

The tucks at the leg hems are easy to do, and give that fun shape. I also rather like the hem binding – it’s an interesting way to finish the pants. I did shorten the pattern pieces about half way down the legs before I cut these out, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to shorten them at the hemline and I am 158cm tall. I reckon that I took out just the right amount (not that I remember what that was). I’m currently planning to sew another pair of these in printed rayon and am quite certain that they’ll look quite different. I have worn these quite a bit – they’re a confidence booster for me; I love that they’re slightly wacky sewn in that stiff denim!

The Isla top was sewn from a soft striped knit that I’ve had in stash for ages – I think it was from the magical Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 table. Stripes are so fun to play with! Despite having to stripe match, they can result in some really interesting effects.

From the pattern website: This stylish jersey top pattern sits firm on the hips featuring back yoke, dolman sleeves and wide neckline with finished neck band. This simple pattern has only three pattern pieces making this a quick and satisfying make and is a great wardrobe staple for all seasons. Ideal in any light weight stretch jersey.

The size range for this pattern is XXS (bust 81cm) to XXL (bust 111cm).  I chose to sew size Large, but should have sized down to the Medium.  In this soft fabric the top feels too sloppy on me, which is saying something when you consider how I prefer oversized tops.  It’s actually been rehomed already, but I have plans to sew it again as I have plenty more of the fabric!  The red and white stripes are great, and I like the style.  It’s reminiscent of one of my favourite knit top patterns, the Style Arc Sunny, but there’s just enough difference for the Isla to hold my interest as well.