The Dewsbury Oslo #seamworks

I bought a lovely pile of fabrics during the recent Yorkshire Spoolettes meet-up. By far my favourite though was this beautiful light, wool (mix?) in a very pretty pale, moss green. So this had to be the first one I made up from the pile. And the pattern choice was obvious: the Seamworks Oslo Cardigan. I wore my original version a few times last week to check that the fit was right. I have no idea why I haven’t worn it much, as it was perfect and really comfortable to sew in 🙂 Maybe the somewhat drab colour just wasn’t calling to me from my wardrobe? But it’s actually a really useful neutral. Anyway I didn’t need to change anything, so cut it out exactly the same.

It sewed up really quickly and easily. This time I added the sleeve cuffs as I wanted to make it warmer and therefore more seasonably appropriate. I think I left these off last time as the sleeves already looked pretty narrow, but in this looser knit, they were just fine. There isn’t much to say about the pattern really other than I love it. I’m a bit incredulous I haven’t returned to this pattern before as it’s a perfect, casual layering piece for colder days. I will definitely be using it again. I love this and can see it getting an awful lot of wear. Although it’s lightweight, it’s warm and snuggly and the colour gives it just a hint of Spring 🙂

The only slight issue I had was with my over locker on this project. It worked fine but I’ve got that slightly gap-y look on the sleeves where I’d really prefer not to see any stitches at all (on the outside of the garment). Anyone have any advice on this? I checked all the threads were pulled in tightly to the dials, and had a fiddle around with the tightness, but I’ve no idea which dial feeds to this bit…. As always, any help would be much appreciated 🙂

Pattern: Seamworks magazine’s Oslo Cardigan

Adjustments: with sleeve cuffs

Soundtrack: Billy Bragg’s Greatest Hits

 

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The Papercut Coppelia

 

Goodness, I really can’t believe it’s taken me so long to get round to attempting this pattern. I’ve had it for ages, and have loved the versions I’ve spied around the blogosphere. There are two versions available, a longer, faux-wrap style and a cropped, tie version which I fell for right away. The pattern itself is beautiful and reminds me of the sadly no-longer available BHL print designs in its attention to detail and styling. Maybe that’s why I took so long to get round to using it: I was happy just to admire its beauty on the shelf 😉

This was a pretty simple pattern which would suit those not too experienced with sewing with knits well. I flew through the majority of the instructions, completing it mostly on my overlocker, which I seem to have tamed into submission of late (though clearly the very next time I use it, it’s going to play up right?). The only bit I didn’t quite get right was where the hem ties meet the main body, which I tidied up by hand but clearly I need to read more closely next time. I omitted the sleeve cuffs too as I prefer a 3/4 length sleeve and I fear these may have come up a little too narrow.

I’m really pleased with the final result, though I think the ‘fit’ isn’t quite as perfect as it could be. Even though I’m short (5ft, 2 1/2″) this is very cropped and I’d definitely add an additional inch or so next time. It’s funny how much more aware of my body I am because of sewing. I’d always thought I was just short generally, but clearly the top half of me is more ‘normal’ and it’s my bottom half where the majority of my shortness happens! I also think I could do with a little more fabric across the bust. Anyone know what cup size Papercut design for? I’m a 32D, and generally the smallness of my back makes up for my fuller cup size, but I think I may end up spending a fair bit of time tugging at this to ensure I’m covered. A little bit more fabric next time would be wise I think although knits vary such a lot, maybe one with more stretch would work…

I was instantly attracted to this ditsy fabric when I spotted it in Aberkan’s in Manchester. I love its solid background combined with a brighter print on top. I’m wearing it with jeans here, but I’m hoping it will brighten up my predominantly black/grey work dresses well too.

I had an off-cut just the right size for another infinity scarf. Although it doesn’t go with the actual top at all (proportions totally wrong) it does look good with a navy blazer and my recent Coco dress. Anyone else leave their last make proudly displayed for a while before it enters the wardrobe? 😉

The Accidental Agnes

I should have known when my overlocker actually made me cry earlier in the day (boy do we have a tempestuous relationship) that this seemingly simple project wasn’t going to go to plan…

The pattern in question was Tilly’s recent Agnes design, which is both pretty and practical in equal measures 🙂 I had high hopes for this pattern (and actually still do, despite this setback). I was torn between the ruched shoulder version and the ruched neckline version. I opted for the ruched neckline, thinking it would be easier to layer up as the weather gets colder. My measurements fell between the size 2 and the size 3, but I really didn’t want this to strain over the bust area given the design, so opted for the larger size and I’m really glad that I did as it came up a little smaller than expected (using a knit with slightly more stretch would probably fix this though).

The fabric came from my recent Guthrie and Ghani order and was the only choice I was slightly disappointed with. The quality is just as pleasingly soft as my other choices (a kind of lightly brushed jersey), but the colour was a lot deeper cream than I’d imagined. I guess this is the obvious pitfall of buying on line and not being able to see the ‘real’ colour in person. While I love a pale ivory, this darker (slightly dirtier?) shade does nothing for my colouring as you can probably see from the photos. I look totally washed out, despite having reasonably tanned skin from the Summer.

Tilly’s instructions were clear and plentiful as usual. The first few steps were plain sailing, once my overlocker and I had made up! I switched to my regular machine to top stitch the seam allowance of the neckband to the bodice and totally messed up by selecting the wrong stitch. I’ve completed similar steps before, so really not sure how I got it so wrong, but I did and with such style! And of course, despite having tested it out first (which seemed fine) I didn’t notice just how wrong until I’d completed the entire front section, grrr… And unpicking top stitching on a seam that’s already been overlocked is no easy task. Suffice to say that I was left with a bit of a mess, complete with several very small, but visible holes (see top left).

So I was forced to abandon the ruched front and search around for something decorative to disguise and hopefully stem the holes. This piece of lace did the trick  and hopefully will stop the holes getting any bigger… However it does make it look more like a pyjama top now to my eye…

So while I kind of saved it, it’s pretty far from the look I originally wanted. That said, I did kind of need some new PJs, so maybe I just need to source some plaid or striped flannel in a matching colour for a matching set? What do you think: outerwear or pj wear? Undecided, but will definitely be trying this pattern again, but next time in a fabric with a crisp, white background…