Ethel again
I’m blogging out of order, because this Style Arc Ethel top and pants were sewn before the linen ones. I wanted to try out the patterns before cutting into that luscious (and expensive) linen.
The top was sewn from Thai cotton double gauze, bought from Notionally Better on Etsy. Gaye has such lovely Thai fabrics, and every time I wear something I’ve made from them I have the added bonus of remembering our wonderful trip to Thailand last year. The double gauze has two distinct sides, so is the perfect fabric for a pattern like this that lends itself to some colour blocking.
I sewed this in size 12, no alterations. The double gauze lent itself beautifully to the design, without any stretching out along the diagonal seams. The seams and the facings were topstitched in place on the machine, but most construction was on the overlocker.
The pants fabric is linen/viscose from Darn Cheap Fabrics, the same fabric I used in the pants I blogged yesterday but a different colour. There were a few other colours available but I can’t remember what! Possibly navy, a light neutral, maybe even black? I’ll have another look next time I am at Darn Cheap, because this fabric is great to sew and to wear.
I sewed size 10, with a tuck at knee height to shorten, and this time have rolled the cuffs up to change the look a little bit. I rather like the in seam side pockets as well. I often leave pockets out of pants, especially if they are not actually a design feature, but sometimes they come in handy.
More information on the Ethel top and pants is in my previous blog post.
Hello Lara
I’ve been reading and enjoying your blog for many years but I think this is the first time I’ve commented! These garments, and the last two you made with these patterns, look great on you. I think I’m going to give Style Arc patterns a try now. I’ve bought that linen/viscose fabric in just about every colour now, and have made up garments in olive, taupe, ivory and charcoal. I was a bit sad though that the fabric wore out really fast around seams where there’s some friction – under the arms of one garment and in the crotch of another. Let us know how it wears for you?
That fabric and pattern are a wonderful match. I really like what you did with the stripes!
Love the top – love the use of fabric and the design lines.
Perfect fabric for the top. Great outfit all up.
Great use of contrast in the top. Do you often do your woven construction on the overlocker or just if you’re doing a wearable muslin?
It depends. I share construction between the two. Depends on what I want to do with pressing the seams or how precise the accuracy needs to be. Doesn’t depend on if it is a muslin!
Another beautiful outfit. Ethel is a winner and looks fabulous on you!
The top in that fabric looks lovely. I can’t say I’m a fan of the pants .
I do love that top with the contrast!
Another super ensemble. Keep ’em coming
I’m loving the ethel top, and thanks (I think ☺) for the link to the Thai fabric, beautiful!
I too think that Ethel top is fabulous and looks great in the double gauze (but then maybe I am a little bit biased).
Would it be possible to make the Ethel top into a dress? Only an average sewer myself. Pretty rough and ready – unlike you. Your blogs are so informative and useful .
Hi there Trish – I don’t see why not, but it would depend a bit on your shape. The side seams could easily be extended down and the centre panels drafted to be longer. However, if you are proportionately larger through the hips some shaping might need to be added. Good luck with it!