I subscribe to emails from The Sewing Workshop, but until recently haven’t used any of their patterns.  This is the Cityscapes dress.

Because my shape has changed I am finding it harder to choose the best size for me when using patterns from companies I haven’t sewn from before. I sewed this dress in size Medium, despite my measurements being more like a Large. I still think it’s a bit to big across my shoulders. I also shortened the pattern considerably by taking folds out of it at a number of places. Shortening from the hem wasn’t an option as that would have affected the cocoon shaping.

The fabric is ponte, I think from Darn Cheap Fabrics. I rather like the colour, but in combination with the high neckline, long sleeves and long dress length, feel a little swamped by blue when wearing it. Tights, shoes and scarves make quite a difference!

The neckline really is too high for my personal preference, and you can see better in these photos that the shoulders are probably a bit too wide. The dress is shaped with long darts that run from just below the bust to the hemline.

I actually think that I may have done a bit of a sway back alteration in this dress, but even given the cocoon shaping, it still looks as though there is excess on me at centre back (which regular readers of my blog know isn’t unusual at all). Construction was shared between the machine and the overlocker.

From the pattern website: Cityscapes Dress Semi-fitted, long sleeve dress has extended darts creating bell shape and tapered midi length hemline. Suggested Fabrics Moderate stretch knit, jersey, interlock, double knit, novelty knit.

I’m glad that I gave this pattern a try, and would possibly sew it again, but using a lighter weight fabric, narrowing the shoulders and scooping the neckline.  It’s an interesting style – simple, but a little bit quirky in shape.

This is a wonderful winter casual top.  I first sewed it in brushed merino french terry from The Fabric Store.  This time I used french terry again, but I’m not sure of the fibre composition.

The striped fabric is from Clear It – plenty of Melbourne sewers are wearing garments made from either the green, pink, or orange colourway. Maybe there was a blue colourway too! It’s smooth on one side, with loops on the other. Possibly a cotton, maybe with something else mixed in too. You can see the colour better in this photo.

Yes, the stripes really are rather vibrant! The fabric in the centre is stretch corduroy – I’ve recently sewn it into a pair of pants. The denim on the left is possibly destined to become some sort of coat or jacket – I’m not actually certain. I have done quite well at limiting my fabric purchases this year, generally only buying fabric for specific projects. The denim is an exception – it’s entered general stash, but it’s a fabric that I admired over a couple of visits to Clear It, and it was on sale last time I was there. So I bought it! I’ve been avoiding fabric stores, as that’s the best way for me to not buy more fabric (duh) but Clear It also sell Dangerfield, Revival and Princess Highway clothes, all of which appeal to my fifteen year old and the smallest size fits her. She’s got some adorable jumpers and cardis from Clear It – I am enjoying wearing them vicariously through her. But I digress.

I sewed size 12, and don’t recall making any alterations. Maybe sleeve length, I really can’t quite remember! I topstitched either side of the centre front and angled side front seams, and twin needled the hems. Otherwise construction was on the overlocker. From the Style Arc website: Modern styled, comfortable and chic, this cowl neck tunic with its angled design line and tucked sleeve opening is a great addition to your wardrobe.FABRIC SUGGESTION: Knit, baby wool, light ponte, jersey or any sweater knit.

Both versions of Freya are on high rotation this winter.  They’re great with stretchy pants, a singlet underneath for warmth, then a jacket over the top when I go outside.  Definite winners.

While writing this blog post I eventually realised that I haven’t blogged the first version of this tunic!  I sewed it at Sewjourn in May.  I’ve managed to find a photo thanks to Instagram.

I have a feeling that this tunic pattern will get many outings over the coming years.  I especially like the sleeve treatment, with the tuck near the hem.  Sleeve interest that isn’t over the top – marvellous!

This is the third time that I’ve sewn the Style Arc Coral cardigan, and it won’t be the last.

This pattern gave me a terrific opportunity to play with stripes. The double-sided knit from Clear It (which has become many often-worn garments over the past few years – thanks to Anna for replenishing my stash of it) has narrow stripes on one side and wide stripes on the other. I decided to use both sides, each in different locations. This had the added bonus of making stripe-matching much more straightforward!

I sewed size 12, shortening the sleeves a couple of inches before adding the cuff. The centre front bands are the same length; it’s just that I don’t have it on my shoulders evenly in these end-of-the-day photos.  Construction was predominantly on the overlocker, with twin needle stitching on the machine to secure the neckband and the hem.

The neck band on this cardigan sits especially well on me. It’s nice and snug at the back of my neck and stays close. The relaxed styling is also very comfortable. From the Style Arc website: Everyone needs a cardigan, why not this on trend style. It’s shortened front neck band that aligns with the inseam pocket detail give s a simple cardigan a new lease on life. Carol is a lovely square shaped cardigan, very easy to wear and make. FABRIC SUGGESTION Knit, Jersey, Light Ponte or any knit fabric.

For me this cardigan is neat enough to wear to work yet relaxed enough to wear on weekends without feeling like I’m at work.  A definite wardrobe workhorse.

I tested the Lily Sage & Co Sea Change top a couple of years ago (yes, time does fly) and ever since have been intending to sew it up again.  I always thought that it would work well as a layering piece for winter over a long sleeved tee.

I had some knit fabric in stash (originally from the Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 table, I suspect) that had a fairly open weave that I thought would match well with this pattern. The edges are all finished with bands, and the whole thing is constructed on the overlocker. Ticks all the boxes for working with open weave knits!

As you can see, this is a very relaxed style of top. The front and back pattern pieces are slightly different in width and neckline, which definitely makes it sit better on the body. I sewed size Medium, I think. Could have been a Large. Oh well. It’s loose and roomy either way!

My biggest issue with this top is one of user error. I cut the neckband according to the original pattern piece, but it wouldn’t stretch enough in this fabric to fit the neckline nicely. So I re-cut a longer neckband piece. Now it’s really too large and the neckline is too wide. And I have a feeling that I don’t even have scraps of this fabric left to do it a third time. I might stitch some elastic into it to draw it in a little.

From the pattern website: The Sea Change top is loosely fitted, with wide kimono sleeves. The hem is designed to fall just below the natural waist for a modest, cropped look that will both complement and showcase high waist pants and skirts.  The top length can easily be lengthened through the top. The armbands and bottom hem band can also be altered in length for different looks.  Recommended fabrics: Light to medium weight, drapey fabrics will be the most flattering choices for this top. Options include knit fabrics like jersey. Cotton, viscose, and rayon are good options. Woven fabrics like silk satin, silk crepe de chine, and habutai will also suit this pattern. Extra fabric may be needed to match plaids, stripes or directional prints.

I think that I’ll sew this pattern up again in a different fabric – it’s not as though there isn’t plenty in stash!  Because the style is straightforward and non fitted, fabric selection makes a big difference. And this afternoon I’ll be addressing the loose neckline of this version.