The All New Arlington!

THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE LOVE NOTIONS FAMILY!

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As a Love Notions Ambassador, I was able to get my hands on this new pattern before it was released. Let me tell you – it’s a pretty awesome pattern–one that so many have been asking for over and over! It is such a classic with enough options that take it from a basic turtleneck to something extra special!

THE DETAILS

The Arlington includes 3 body styles: shirt length, banded shirt and dress length. There are 3 necklines to choose from: Turtleneck, mock neck and cowl. It also has 5, yes 5 sleeve options: Long, Elbow, Short Puffed, Long Puffed and Bishop. With all these options there are so many different combinations you can make with just this one pattern! Talk about bang for your buck!

SIZING & FITTING

The Arlington is available in sizes XS to 5X. A full bust front piece is included in the pattern (YAY!)

My upper bust is 39″, my full bust is 43″. My measurements put me between a L and XL at the Upper bust. Since I do have smaller shoulders, and things tend to be large around my neck- I have gone with the L at the neckline and shoulders. I have also used to Full Bust front pattern piece since my Full Bust measurement is 4″ larger than my Upper bust. My hips fall into the XL- so I blend out to the XL so that I have enough ease around my hips.

I was so excited to make the banded version with this awesome sweater knit that is available from several different online retailers. ( I have it in 8 colors- you can see my Sloane Sweaters in this fabric HERE). For this version, I decided to change the fit just a bit to work better for me.

The banded version is designed to hit at the high hip. My high hip is the widest part of my body- and I don’t care for things that hit in this area on me.

I used the shirt length cutting line NOT the banded cutting line. Note I used the band pattern piece without any modifications. My finished top is longer than the intended fit- but it works perfectly for me. I made the Long Puff Sleeve for this version. I also made a few changes to this sleeve as well. I prefer long sleeves(especially sweater knit sleeves) that have cuffs. I simply cut 2″ off the sleeve length and used the cuff pattern for the Bishop Sleeve. I always sew my cuffs with a 5/8″ seam to make them a tad tighter. That is the beauty of sewing. We can make things exactly the way we want them.

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I made this peachy rib knit version below as my wearable muslin. I always make a wearable muslin whenever making a new to me pattern. I have a pretty big fabric stash- I am always watching for sales from my favorite retailers. I was able to grab this peach triblend rib knit for less than $5 a yard! (And yes, I bought quite a few different colors of this fabric. I love it and it is perfect for testing new patterns AND wearing!). This particular one came from Mily Mae Fabrics(sorry, it’s no longer available). One thing I noted on this muslin is that the length is a bit shorter than I prefer my tops.

I am only 5 feet tall, and I DID NOT shorten this top. You might want to want to double check the length on you.

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Remember is that using the Full Bust front pattern piece does add 2 additional inches to the finished garment measurements. I still graded out to the XL because my weight has been fluctuating a bit lately- and the extra weight always goes to my hips.

FABRICS

The Arlington is designed for light to medium weight knits with at least 25% stretch. Sweater knits, jersey blends, interlock and French Terry are all great options. Remember that different fabrics can affect the way the Arlington fits you. Knits with out good recovery will give you a slouchier, more casual look. Knits with good recovery will give you a nice classic polished look-perfect for the turtleneck and mock turtleneck versions. It is important to use fabrics with a good drape for the cowl neck version.

Baby French Terry is perfect for the Cowl neck version. This version with the elbow length sleeve is the perfect transitional fall wardrobe piece. After taking photos, I left it on the rest of the day!! This fabric cost me just $2.99 a yard! Unfortunately you can’t shop at this shop online. But if you ever travel in the Northeast, and travel along 95, be sure to stop in. It’s just a few minutes off the highway. I try to stop in often, stock is always changing and you never know what you might find! Affordable Fabrics, Uncasville, CT.

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SEW MARY MAC’S TIPS FOR STRESS FREE SEWING

• GET ORGANIZED! Knowing where everything is can save you lots of time while sewing! At times, my sewing room gets a little bit out of control- especially when I am working on several things with deadlines. But, I always make sure I take some time to regroup and reorganize my space – and I must say that is makes sewing much more enjoyable and stress-free.
• Before beginning a new project, get all your supplies together. This includes thread, pattern, fabric, interfacing and anything else your project requires. I often do this the evening before when I know the next day I will be working on that project. I love to use plastic baskets for each project. Sometimes I will get 3 or 4 projects lined up.
• I always wind at least 2 bobbins before I begin working on a project.
• Read over your directions thoroughly BEFORE you begin working on your project. I’ve been sewing for 50 years, and I still read over the directions of every new pattern I ever sew! If something seems confusing to you, you can check to see if there is a link in the directions, check in the Facebook group (use the search function), or search the Internet for help. There is so much help out there today for newer sewists! If it’s a pattern I’ve sewn- you can always ask me for help as well. You can find me on the Love Notions Pattern Support Facebook group as MaryAnne MacLean. Just leave a post in the group and tag me!

Happy Sewing!!!

MaryAnne 🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!

@sewmarymac

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Purchase the Arlington pattern HERE! This is my affiliate link and I do receive a small percentage for each pattern purchased through my link. This adds up over time, and helps to defer the cost of maintaining a ridiculous sized fabric stash. (I always tell my husband— sewing and buy fabric are two very different hobbies!). You may also use my coupon code MARYMAC10 for 10% off any Love Notions pattern. This code never expires!

All fabrics used above were purchased by me. I did receive the pattern at no cost to me, however, as always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Here are some of my fabric fabrics shops who carry wonderful fabrics for the Arlington.

For the cable sweater knit- check the following shops: Mily Mae Fabrics, Olga’s Closet and Fabmere Fabrics.

Mily Mae Fabrics: sweater knits, waffle knits, baby French Terry, rib knits, Hacci sweater knits and “Alpaca” knit

Raspberry Creek Fabrics: Hacci sweater knits, waffle knits

Olga’s Closet: Sweater knits, baby French terry

Boho Fabrics: sweater knits, waffles knits, rib knits

Fabmere Fabrics: Sweater knits