Hemispheres: On Top of the Style Chart

Welcome back to sewing for the Hemispheres - as you fearless host, I thought it was about time that I stepped in and showed of something that is sure to become a staple in my fall and winter wardrobe.  As the seasons change, I tend to change up my lower half faster than my upper half.  I am hot blooded and wear short sleeves about 75% of the year.  The cap sleeve on this pattern is different than any other that I own - I was a tiny bit nervous about how it would cut the arm, but I think it is really flattering for a short sleeve.

I was lucky enough to be asked to show off the new Pattern Anthology collection, and was immediately drawn to the Adora top by Go To Patterns.  The cute cap sleeve and long sleeve options made this an instant winner for me for fall.  This pattern is great in that you have the opportunity to mix knits and wovens in one pattern.  The front and Back yokes are a unique and flattering shape that I love.  I knew instantly that I wanted to finally break out my Art Gallery Voile- this crisp cotton is lightweight and has a subtle drape, it was the perfect fabric for the yokes. 

For the main fabric I used a deep teal slub cotton, this is probably 7oz or less, but the dark color prevents it from being see through.  I love the lightness and drape in this fabric, and it is perfect for me to be able to layer are cardigan or blazer over as the temperature drops without feeling too hot.

This really is an easy sew with professional results, the instructions are clear and walk you through each step carefully.  I loved that the printing chart was easy to follow so that I didn't have to guess which pages I didn't need or waste paper printing the whole pattern when I was only doing the top and not the dress.

Pairing this top with skinny jeans and ankle boots is perfect for fall comfort with a bit of style, and my husband thought I looked GOOOOOD, always a nice thing when he notices..... it also led him to comment on the frumpiness on half of my wardrobe, hmmmm maybe it is time for this mama to up her daily game ;o)

This pattern is on sale now with the Pattern Anthology Bundle for 40% off through October 2nd.  Grab them before the deal is gone!!!!

------------------------------

Spring has hit Sydney and I’m so excited that dreaded winter has come to an end. The flowers are in full bloome, the daylight lasts a bit longer every day and the sun has some real warmth behind its rays. Whenever the season changes, I look at my wardrobe and think “what in the world did I wear when the weather was this warm 6 months ago?” I am in need of some new clothes and so was happy it was hemispheres week on the blog.

I’m sharing with you today a couple of patterns from a few designers I’ve had my eye on for a while, but haven’t tried before. First up is the Alexandria pants and shorts from Named Clothing. These are a peg leg style comfortable yet flattering trouser, with an additional option of shorts for when the weather warms up. I’ve used a really silky, light rayon for my pants. They are incredibly comfortable and perfect for Spring in Sydney ­ where we do get extremes of temperatures during the day, with very warm highs, but cool mornings and afternoon/evenings. The pattern includes pleating, which is hard to see on my trousers because my fabric is so busy, and an elastic waistband that is comfortable and perfect for holding in stubborn mummy tummies, whilst still providing a flattering cut.

This pattern was incredibly easy to follow, with detailed instructions that were not too wordy, and easy to follow pictures. I tend to mainly look at pictures when sewing up patterns and only read words if I can’t work out the picture. The diagrams in this pattern are very clear and easy to follow and an advanced beginner would have no problems sewing this pattern. I can’t wait to make myself some shorts ­ of course I have to get my legs warm weather ready for that ­ they currently glow in the dark they are so pale. Time to order some fake tan....

I chose to pair the pants with the Bondi top from Sew to Grow. I met Lindsey, the pattern designer behind Sew to Grow a few months ago at the quilting fair here in Sydney and she was so lovely and adorable that I have been keen to try a pattern of hers ever since. This pattern is sized for lightweight woven fabrics and is about as simple as they come for top patterns. I used a lace eyelet fabric for mine, and modified the bottom of the pattern so that I could have a straight edge across the bottom instead of the curved edged included with the pattern. This was simply just because of the fabric I used, it’s much easier to hem with a straight edge. I also took out the pleating at the back. It’s comfortable and breezy ­ I’ve just paired it with a lightweight top underneath. I also added a zipper detail to the back of the shirt because I love exposed zippers. The pattern does not need a zipper at the neck at all, but Kristie from Boo! Designs sent me some of her new copper bow zippers to play with and I loved them so much I had to put one on something for me.

I would highly recommend the Bondi Top from Sew to Grow ­ it’s fast and easy to sew and once again, the instructions are simple to follow. I have my sights set on a knit one next.

So whichever hemisphere you are in, it’s time to dip into that stash of fabrics (c’mon we all have one....mine is multiplying faster than I can sew it) and make yourself something to wear! And maybe by my next review I will have figured out some other poses besides just standing awkwardly with my hand on my hip! Thanks for reading along,

Marnie