……………..A New Pattern Release From Love Notions
The Somerset is simply………….the perfect set for summer!!! The Somerset is on sale for just $9.50 through Thursday 7/2/2026. Remember to use my code MARYMAC10 for an extra 10% off. You can grab the pattern here.
This pattern includes three pieces that work together to create countless outfits for all your summer days and nights! They can be combined to create the perfect lounge set or a classic everyday look. Each of them are also great stand alone pieces!
The top features a cross-over V-neckline with gathers (and optional buttons). Pair the top with a cute pair of shorts or the best baby barrel capri pants. The shorts and capris feature roomy front patch pockets and a nice wide cuff that gives them a bit more style.
I tested the Somerset pattern as a Love Notions Ambassador. lLet’s be honest~ I’m not really a “barrel” pants kind of person, or so I thought. I love these Capri pants so much I plan on making more! I’ve tried on RTW barrel jeans and pants, but they have never looked right on me. (Being just 5 feet tall may have something to do with that!). So, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and give them a try. This pattern was a fairly quick and enjoyable sew, but be sure to check out my tips below!
The Details~
The Somerset is a must have for summer sewing! It’s really all the small details that make this pattern so special.
- Two piece set~ top and bottoms
- Shorts or Capri pant options
- Top features 3 sleeve options~ sleeveless, short sleeves, elbow length sleeves
- Bottoms feature full elastic waist
- Baby Barrel leg shape (Capris)
- Top designed for knit fabrics
- Bottoms designed for knits or wovens (note that you will get different looks with different fabrics)
- Full bust option for top
- POCKETS!!!
- Large front patch pockets
- Back patch pockets or Welt pockets
- SKILL LEVEL: Confident Beginner
My Favorite Way to Wear My Somerset Capri Pants~
As you can see from my photos, I’ve been enjoying wearing my new Somerset Capri pants with other Love Notions patterns as well. I love wearing lightweight cotton, linen and rayon wovens in the summer more than I like knits. I really am team natural fibers!
My Coral shirt is the LN Melody Dolman that I made years ago! I think it’s simply perfect with the Somerset Capris! It’s made from a textured cotton I purchased from Alyssa May Designs several years ago. If I ever see this fabric again, I’m buying it in every color. I do have an olive green of the same fabric in my stash which I need to sew up!
The Blue Floral shirt is the LN Band Camp sleeveless version. This is a rayon crinkle fabric without a ton of drape. This was also made a few years ago (and needs to be taken in on the side seams).
So, the Melody Dolman and the Band Camp would be my top recommendations to pair with the Somerset Capri pants. But, I think the Muse and Rhapsody Blouses would also be super cute as well! Oh and the Timbre Top too!
Sizing and Fit
The Somerset is available in sizes XS-5X. A Full Bust pattern piece is included (like all new and updated LN patterns). Choose your top size based upon your high bust measurement. Use the full bust piece if full bust minus high bust
is 4” or greater. If in-between sizes be sure to choose the smaller size.
The Somerset bottoms are designed to have a relaxed fit. Be sure to use YOUR actual full hip measurement to determine your correct size. If you are between sizes, size down.
As all other Love Notions patterns, the Somerset is designed for a 5’5″ individual. The top is meant to hit at the high hip. The Capri pants are designed to hit just above the ankle. You can easily shorten or lengthen the pattern by using the lengthen/shorten lines. Refer to the tutorial for further help doing so. It is important that the 2 knee darts are in the correct location (your knee cap should fall between the 2 darts.)
My Sizing Alterations and Modifications
For my top, I made the Large with the Full Bust option and graded out to the XL hip. This is exactly where my measurements fall. I did not make any modifications to the top pattern at all, however when making this again I will. I found the neckline to be a tad too big for me at the inner shoulder. Because of this, I did find that my top gaped just a bit in that area. Fabric does play a big part in how this neckline lays, so be aware of that. Before stitching the back neck facing down in place, I would try the top on and see if you need to adjust the shoulder seam at the inner edge. I will be taking it up about 1/2″ on my next version. Please note that different fabrics will affect the way this neckline drapes and fits. My fit test version was made from DBP and it wasn’t as drapey. This blue checked version had a lot of stretch and drape. Be sure to check all the testers versions and note what type of fabric was used. This can give you a better idea of how your fabric may drape. I imagine that rayon spandex with give you a neckline that appears lower and wider as opposed to a DBP or cotton jersey. I think a cotton modal blend or triblend would work so nicely for this top!
For my Capri pants shown here, I made the XL and these this is the intended fit. My hip measure 47″ which is in-between the XL and 2X. Be sure to size down if in-between! I am one of those people who tend to lean towards the larger size because I’m always afraid I won’t have enough ease for my hips when sitting. I did make the 2X for my first FIT test (that day my hips measure 47.5″~ the joys of constant fluctuations) and they were clearly too large for me~ plus the drape had more drape. I popped a picture of these pink rayon blend for you to see.
The only modifications I made on the Capri pants were the length. I am only 5 feet tall. I needed to take out 4″ above the knee darts. You may need to adjust just above the darts, or below the darts or in both places. Your knee cap should fall between the knee darts. I suggest cutting the pants front from muslin and sewing up the darts. Then fold the top down the 2.5″ creating the waistband~ from there determine if the knee darts are in the correct location. You could also use a pair of RTW pants with a fuller leg to help you determine your dart placement. Try on the pants, and mark where your knee is, then compare these pants to the pattern piece. (I actually did both of these methods)
One other change I did make to the Capri pants was the waistband. I did NOT sew the rows of stitching through the elastic as indicated in the directions. I didn’t do this since my weight has been fluctuating and I wanted to be able to take the elastic in if needed.
Fabrics and Notions
TOP~ The Top is designed for knit fabrics. Light to medium weight fabrics such as jersey, rayon spandex, model jersey, double brushed poly, rib knits, cotton jersey, pointelle, trebled and cotton spandex will all work nicely for the Somerset top. If using a lightweight drapey knit, like rayon spandex the ruched neckline will be more exaggerated and may appear lower.
Personally I am not a big fan of rayon spandex knits as I find they too clingy. I think a cotton modal would be perfect for this top and I plan on ordering some from Style Maker Fabrics. (Surge Fabrics also has some nice knits that would work for this top as well). My gingham knit is a rib knit from Graceful Fabrics. My Fit test version was made from DBP and I really liked the way the neckline draped on that. I included a photo of it, even though the gathering at the shoulder was removed for the final pattern.
BOTTOMS~ The shorts and Capri pants are designed for wovens and knits. It’s important to remember that knits will give a different look and you may need to size down if using one. Medium weight wovens such as twill, chambray, line and rayon would all work well. Wovens with a bit more structure like twill, lightweight denim and linen will create a more defined barrel leg and cuff. Wovens with a lot of drape will create a leg with a baggier look. Personally I think the best fabrics a classic look for the Capri pants would be a twill or linen. Double gauze and knits will give a more casual look.
Notions~
Top~ Optional buttons, 4 3/8″ to 1/2″
Bottoms~ Fusible Interfacing, 2″ wide elastic.
******Remember that all elastic is NOT created equal!
The elastic at the top of the photo is a knitted non-roll elastic. This is what I used for my Capri pants.
The elastic at the bottom is a soft “pajama” elastic that I used in my FIT test. This elastic folded over and when creating the rows of stitching through it stretched the elastic out. (thus making it too large)
Sew Mary Mac’s Tips For Sewing The Somerset
- Depending on the look you are going for with your shorts or Capri pants, you may want to consider using a soft knit tricot interfacing in your cuffs.
- I have also considered using knit tricot interfacing on just the neckline facing pieces to help prevent drooping.
- Page 9, Step 2~Do NOT skip the understitching of the facing.
- Page 10~ When stitching the V neck piece to the neck line, I suggest basting the first 3 inches on one side, and then 3″ on the other side before stitching the entire neck piece in. I like to make sure I’ve gotten the V stitched properly before sewing up to the shoulder.
- Page 17, Step 2~ Finish the bottom and long vertical edge of the front pockets before pressing to the inside. This prevents having fraying edges inside your pockets.
- Page 20, Step 13~Baste the top side edge of the pocket in place before sewing the waistline stitching. The pocket edge can easily get folded back when doing the rows of stitching. Basting is a lot easier to take out than seam ripping!
Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit! If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts! I can’t wait to see your Somersets!!
Mary Anne 🙂
Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes! @sewmarymac
You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.
You can buy the Somerset pattern HERE.
This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric stash which allows me to test and review more patterns.
To receive an additional 10% off LN pattern prices, use my code MARYMAC10. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. Since this change has been made I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate link so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission).
Fit Test Photos~ not final pattern
As you can see the V-neck insert was changed to not have gathering at the shoulder. But, I think this photo still gives a good idea as to how DBP would drape on this neckline.
The Capri pants were modified from the FIT version to have a higher rise, as you can see they sit a bit lower. I thought I’d throw this photo in so you could see how a rayon blend draped. These are also a 2X as opposed to the XL that I made for the final version.
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