Author: Denise

Early Fall Sewing With KS 3691

This is another pattern that I’ve had for quite some time. I wanted to make this for a while, but wanted to have just the right fabric for it. then I remembered that I had this piece of brown camo silky charmeuse. I had bought it to make pillowcases, but never got around to it. I’m so glad I didn’t use it for the pillowcases!

Instead I made this blouse that can be worn under a jacket when the weather gets a bit cooler.

As you can see in the pattern picture, the two views show a shorter without the collar and a tunic length with a collar. I made a shorter version of the top with the collar. Mine fits more like a cowl neck and isn’t as tight (fitted) at the neck as the one in the picture. I think the looser look can be more comfortable for people who don’t like anything tight around their necks.

For me, I found the fit to be really great. Other than changing the length, there were no other alterations I made. This was a very quick project to put together. In order to keep the fabric from slipping and becoming misaligned, I used my walking foot during the construction process.

Both front and back are cut on the fold so there’s no need to worry about matching any center seams.

I was so comfortable in this last picture, I forgot to put my shoes on – LOL!

Until next time… I’ll keep sewing and I hope you do too.

*Here’s an affiliate link for the fabric that I used which was easy to work with and really feels and looks great! https://www.fabric.com/buy/0448821/charmeuse-satin-camo-brown

Style Arc Kerry Cargo Pants

I have had this pattern for quite a while (so many of my posts start out with those words. That’s what happens when you buy patterns all the time). I wanted a pattern that would give me the traditional look of a cargo pant, but still be stylish. this was the one I chose. I used a lightweight cotton blend for these pants.

Style Arc Kerry Cargo Pant

If you’re not familiar with Style Arc patterns, they are out of Australia. They used to sell only single size patterns, but now I believe they offer multi-size patterns as well. This particular pants pattern was one size and fit (almost) perfectly! I made my usual adjustments of a wedge in the center back seam to lengthen it about 1″. Then lengthened in the front about 1/4″. I also narrowed the pants legs (they seemed really wide) from the knee down. Basically from the bottom of the side pocket down to the hem was taken in 1-1/2″ on each side. I did this after the pants were made because the muslin I made was a shortened version.

Other changes I made were not related to fit. I decided to use elastic in the waist rather than the drawstring. I also used Velcro on the pockets instead of buttons. I did not add the leg straps (to roll up the pants legs) on this pair.

The construction process was very easy, although as with many independent pattern companies, the instructions were minimal. That’s not a problem for me and shouldn’t be a deterrent for anyone wanting to try one of their patterns. I believe you only improve by practice and stretching yourself beyond what you think you can do.

This is what happens when you take a picture on a really humid day and you come from an air conditioned place!

I love that these pants have 3 sets of pockets – inseam, side, and back! I can definitely see myself making these from cotton twill (the recommended fabric) for the Fall. I could wear this with a jean jacket (which I don’t have but have a pattern and material for). This is a pretty easy and quick pattern to make.