Tag Archives: lane raglan

Being Creative, Everything Else

My take on the Lane Raglan

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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).
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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.

 

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++++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.

Being Creative, Everything Else

Some Fall Sewing

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Have you met Indie Sew?  I don’t even know how I stumbled across the site, but I quickly fell in love.  Just in time to start my Fall Sewing!

Yes, I know we are a few months into Fall on the calendar, but temperature-wise, we are just now getting here.  Fall Sewing is my favorite.  The colors are richer, the fabrics are more luxurious.

Fall Fabrics

My closet is a hum-drum of a lot of the same old things.  My Stitch Fix subscription started in April and I’ve loved it.  It has allowed me to stretch my style, but unfortunately, most pieces are a little out of my budget.  (That said, do give it a try.  I find something I love in every box and it’s super easy!)  But…my last Fix had a perfect white silk shirt that I knew I could build a wardrobe from!

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So, white shirt + fall sewing = what kind of wardrobe? Well, I started with this pin of 15 outfits made from Target pieces.  Cute, appropriate for my 29+yo self, and very much my style. I loved each of these looks and I knew I already had a few of the pieces.  Here’s the run-down:

I have:

  • denim jacket
  • pencil skirt in black print
  • riding boots
  • scoop necked sweater
  • infinity scarf
  • moccasin (well, mine is a loafer)
  • leopard flats

I need to make:

  • a casual pant
  • a second infinity scarf
  • denim leggings
  • a tunic
  • a raglan tee

To buy:

  •  Denim shirt dress (or maybe find an alternative)

So, what does all this have to do with Indie Sew?  How about their Fall Collection.  A set of 6 patterns fill the needs on that “Need to Make” list above.

Here’s my fall sewing list:

  • the Hudson pant (in brown) (First pair was stitched in red and I love!)
  • the Commuter Cowl (in a brown print) Finished 10/19/2012
  • a navy legging (or not.  My skinny jeans would serve the same purpose with more coverage.)
  • a blue raglan
  • and a tunic (color, fabric still in question)

****The Stitch Fix link is an affiliate link.  I’ll get a little credit if you decide to sign up.  The other links are just happy finds that I’m sharing with you.