So…I’ve been meaning to post this since last fall. Better late then never, I suppose, especially if you are planning your Fall sewing!
I have a new favorite pattern–the Lane Raglan from Hey June. I purchased it as part of Indiesew.com’s Fall Pattern Collection last fall (2014).
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The instructions are great! The pattern could be easily stitched up by a beginner. The instructions address techniques for stitching up knits. They also contain the very best instructions I’ve ever come across for attaching a neck binding. So…no excuses. You CAN sew knits.
2. This maybe the first time I’ve ever printed out and taped up a PDF pattern without at least one piece being crooked or caddywampus or just plain off. Again, no excuses. You CAN use a pdf pattern.
3. I wasn’t sure about the sizing or fit of this pattern so I decided to make a muslin. Normally patterns that fit my chest and belly are too big for my shoulders. No problem this time. At all. You CAN make this pattern to fit you.
4. Since I was making a trial garment, I decided to go ahead and play a little more. I wanted to recreate a dress I loved and wore the snot out of from Old Navy a few years ago. So I added 10 inches to the link of the pattern and cut a medium. The result–a slouchy, comfy dress that looks cute with leggings or flats.
BTW, as I was adding the length to the dress, I followed the very very very slight flair. But, since I didn’t change the length of the hem band, my dress gathers a little bit along the hem band. I don’t think the shirt will. ++++EDITED: I’ve made it up as a shirt too. The hem band is perfect and there were no gathers along it.
++++EDITED: For this version, I used a blue knit for the sleeves and bands. The body is a quilted woven. The shirt has a bit of ease, but I cut it on the bias for a little more give.
This pattern would be great for a beginner. I will sew it again (and maybe again and again and again).
**** I’m not affiliated with any company mentioned in the post. No one compensated me for the opinions. I just really like it and want to share with you.