Of Red Walls and Raglans

There are two raglans and many a red brick to share.

Cute one first...

This is another Recess Raglan, my go-to t-shirt pattern for J. Size 4 this time (oh my!). It is a little big for him now but I have learnt my lesson that bigger is best. The skinny jeans that I made him only last post ago are now a little tight.

This main body of this tee is made up in a cute, reversible double knit which I bought online from Miss Matatabi. I think this penguin print has sold out now.

I really wish I had of reversed the fabric on the back. Now the poor little black penguins on the grey ice will not have their time to shine.

J loves this pose of pointing at the wall. Looks like punishment but I swear he thinks it is funny.

Now for the grown-up raglan...

When the newest pattern from Grainline Studios, the Linden Sweatshirt, was released, I bought it and had it cut out and made up quick smart. I had just started Pilates again and had zero casual/exercise wear so this pattern was timely for me. I have nearly finished a second version and have started cutting a third. I like this pattern alot.

I made the Size 18 and lengthen the hem by 4 inches and slightly curved it also. I have been favouring the look of turned back cuffs lately so just turned the sleeve hem to the right side and used my twin needle. I would use a single needle hem, if had the time again, as it has "tunnelled" due to the bulk.

All three fabrics, blue French Terry, navy and white striped jersey and grey ribbing were purchased at Potters Textiles here in Perth.

What you are looking at above is the best knit hem I have ever sewn! I owe that to my discovery of Stretch Overlocker Thread or Wooly Nylon! 

All the planets aligned when i finally discovered the following combination:

- the right tension on my machine (3 on my Janome) 

- the right stitch length (3.0 on my Janome)

- a ballpoint/jersey needle or twin needle 

- a walking foot

- wooly nylon in my bobbin

Resulting in neat and stretchy hems which have enough give in them so they shouldn't break.

I hope they don't break!

Josephine x 2

Still here, still sewing...

The Josephine Tunic & Blouse pattern by Made by Rae sewing patterns caught my eye when it first appeared with its cute details and flattering shape. This first version is made from black with white polka dot seersucker purchased from Potters Textiles. I cut the blouse version, xxl size with the C/D cup and lengthened the hem by 2 inches.

The elastic casing on the back creates a nice empire dress shape.

The pintucks add an interesting detail, even on this busy polka dot print. 

For my second Josephine, I used a printed linen, again from Potters Textiles. This print is pretty wacky for me but I really liked the colours and am trying to be a little more adventurous with my fabric choices. 

Ironing effort is undone with one sit down and one bending of the arms.

I cut the tunic length for this one in the same size as previous version and omitted the elastic casing. 

The shape of the sleeve and the hem did not look quite right in this linen so I decided to narrow the sleeves and change the hem to be like the Grainline Archer shirt (View B). 

I am really happy with the shape of this top and will explore this pattern mash-up in my next Josephine further.

Top in real life pictured below...