I've been loving the trench look that has been trending this fall. As so many other trends that I like, it's secret pjs that you wear out of the house. Who doesn't like that? I have to admit that my husband asked me if this was my new bathrobe when I was sewing it up (which had me laughing), so I think you have to be careful how you style it. But I think I am pulling it off for everyday wear. You be the judge.
The Fabric Store asked me if I would like to try out some of their online fabric. I had the hardest time choosing (they have some gorgeous
liberty prints guys). But I have a closet full of exciting prints that I just don't wear because they are not me. I have been trying to focus on making wearable basics so I went with some quality solids that I knew would get worn instead.
Merino jersey was an easy pick after that.
I decided on two different colors. This gorgeous
burnt orange (such a great color) and this really pretty
forest green (which is my go to color in the colder months). They are medium weight knits that I can vouch for as they wash up really well and sew up so nicely. This was my first time sewing with merino jersey and I am such a convert. They are stable knits that are still thin and hang nicely. Not too stretchy and slinky to cause headaches while sewing. I can't wait to sew with them again some time.
Now for the pattern, it's the
Esme Maxi Caridigan from Named Patterns. It was my first time sewing a Named pattern for some crazy reason. They have so many really cool patterns that now I am eyeing a ton of them (
this one especially). One thing that was different than what I am used to, was that the pattern pieces on the pdf are layered on top of one another. So even though it's a pdf, you still have to trace the pattern pieces. I'm not sure if that is true of their paper patterns as well. Some people prefer this (less taping), some don't. But something to be aware of.
As for sizing I cut a size 8/10 US which is standard for me. I could have gone down a couple of sizes I think. It is supposed to be oversized and it is supposed to be sewn up in a much thicker knit than I used which is probably why it fit so big on me. I ended up taking a couple of inches of width out of the sleeves, shortening the sleeves by 2 inches and taking about 6 inches off of the length (I am 5'3"). On the green version, I also took and inch out of the top portion so that the pockets hit at a better place for me.
I really like this pattern. So comfy, such an easy sew, and something that will get a lot of wear in my winter wardrobe. I am on the lookout for a really thick sweater knit to do a chunky version more like the pattern intends. Let me know if you have spotted any such fabric.
