This week of sewing has been all play and no work 
I simply love sewing with no agenda, deadlines, hardcore plans, and all of the other issues that can pile on the pressure.
I have been beyond eager to sew a cold-shoulder top. I see them everywhere, and after one attempt and mediocre result last spring I’m at it again. Fortunately, the pattern companies now offer many more selections, and I had a better vision.
For this top I selected the Style Arc Cold Shoulder Knit Top. I have no affiliation with Style Arc Patterns, but now that I can buy them with Amazon one-click I’ll be sewing more of these great fitting patterns! This pattern is designed for a close fit, which fit almost perfectly without any adjustments. My fabric is a ponte knit from Mood Fabrics and I’m linking to the entire collection of pontes due to Mood’s large selection of these functional fabrics! The stable knit paired nicely with this pattern providing structure, shape and just enough stretch for a good fit.
What I really like about this pattern design is the higher neckline which keeps the focus on the shoulders.
As with all Style Arc patterns the directions are sparse. I followed Claire Schaeffer’s instructions for stabilizing a knit hem by serging a 1″ strip of interfacing to the hem and folding before machine stitching the hem. (book: High-Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World’s Best Designers) My all-black fabric, interfacing and thread made for terrible photos – sorry, but I will show on my next project. I hope to make more!
In the pattern illustration, the top is shown at a shorter length, but I preferred a longer length. Being 5’2″ the original pattern length worked well.
Mood’s Black and Beige Geometric Squares Stretch Cotton Woven immediately caught my eye and went straight to the cart!
I think the description of ‘Black and Beige’ is way too tame for this lively print sure to punctuate any wardrobe with the cheerful pops of pink, orange, red and turquoise! In my opinion, this lightweight cotton with ample stretch is one of those must have fabrics which would make any garment proud!
The pants are sewn from Style Arc’s Willow pattern which I have sewn twice before both times with fabric from Mood.
Mood Fabrics, DVF Brocade, Style Arc Willow
Mood Fabrics, Brocade, Style Arc Willow www.goodbyevalentino.com
The pattern is designed for woven fabrics, and the higher waist with a side zipper is perfect for wearing with pullover tops. I removed 1 inch from the width of the back legs since I was sewing a fabric with stretch to avoid bagginess and am pleased with the result.
With this pair I omitted the split at the hem because there was too much going on with the pattern, shoes and top
One of my measures of successful sewing is ‘Will I wear it?’ This time the answer is a great big yes, and with this project I feel like I’m headed into Spring regardless of what weather lies ahead.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful week, hopefully a wonderful week of sewing ~ may it be both relaxed and productive!
Until soon 