The holiday season is my favorite for many reasons: Family get-togethers, decorating for the holidays, holiday baking, my daughters coming home and so many other activities. My home is always full of love, happiness and good food. And it’s the good food that “gets me in trouble”. I love to bake and cook, and I love to eat what I bake and cook. Inadvertently~ I always put on a few pounds during the holidays. I’m not going to stress about it~ I will walk it off over the next couple of weeks. The problem ~ I’m just not comfortable in some of my clothing.
I don’t want to sew or buy larger clothing. What sense does it make to sew clothes that will fit me now and then be too big in a few weeks? What I need is to do is sew a few items that will make me feel comfortable now, yet still fit once I walk away those extra pounds. So, I went through my closet and looked over my Love Notions patterns and selected a few that will work perfectly for this “transitional” phase. Below are the 5 patterns that I’ll be sewing right now.
1. Sloane Sweater
It is no secret that I LOVE the Sloane sweater. I’ve dedicated 2 blog posts to it already (plus it’s included on a few other posts as well). You can read my Sloane Sweater blog posts HERE and HERE. (This post include a lot of basic information about all the versions of the Sloane.)
Whenever I gain a a few extra pounds, it always winds up on my hips. My Sloane Sweater still fits fine in the shoulders partly due to the slightly dropped shoulder. They are just a tad too snug in the hip area for me to wear comfortably. My split side seam hack is working perfectly for me right now. I made a brown sweater knit version (with a funnel neck hack also) in November and I had been living in it, so I quickly made another one.
This gray rib sweater knit Sloane is now getting worn constantly. I WILL be making one or two more to get through the winter. Once I get back to my happy weight, I can still wear them as is, or I can hand stitch the split seam closed if I feel they are too baggy.
For directions on how to complete this split side seam and the funnel neck ~ visit this blog post.
Note: The gray rib sweater knit version has a slightly higher split (5″) than my original version. I found it was most flattering on me to the the split start above the fullest part of my hip. You can alway baste your side seam and try on your Sloane before you attach the bands to determine the best placement for you.
2. Rockford Raglan
The Rockford Raglan, View B, has just the right amount of “swing” or fullness to camouflage my fluff. My newest version, this floral hacci knit version is made in my pre-fluff size. (L-full bust graded to an XL). The design ease gives me the extra room that I need right now in the hip area. Later on there will just be a tad more fullness in the hip area(which the intended fit). If I decide I can always take in the side seams very easily later on, but I probably won’t.
I have written a whole blog post on the Rockford Raglan. You can read how I alter this pattern for my petite pear shape HERE. I’ve also included a few hacks on that blog post as well.
NOTE: The Rockford Raglan is my go to top for layering basics. I have this top in about 10 different colors of rib knit to wear underneath cardigans, blazers and vests.
3. Compose “Cardigan”
I love the Compose Robe I made myself last year, in fact I wear it every day. So I decided to make one in a sweater knit to wear as a cardigan!. This would also be a great option for those knits you might have that don’t have enough stretch for other knit cardigan patterns.
Don’t get me wrong I LOVE my Boyfriend cardigans. Since that pattern isn’t designed to meet at the center front, I find myself a tad uncomfortable at the moment. Cardigans are always great when you are between sizes since they are forgiving~ I just need a little more room right now. Down the road, I can wear these cardigans tied as a wrap cardigan!
Turning the Compose Robe into the Compose Cardigan
- Shortened the knee length robe by 9″.
- Decreased size of pocket.
- Slimmed the sleeve from underarm down to wrist.
- Shortened the sleeve and added a cuff.
- Narrowed the width of the belt loops and the belt.
- You can even add buttons if desired!
To learn more about the Compose Robe pattern~ read this blog post.
4. Aria
I fell in love with the Aria last Spring and Summer. But, I fell in love with it all over again when the weather got cooler and I started sewing for Fall and Winter. I made these long sleeved versions in a flannel plaid, seersucker gingham and plaid linen. They have all been getting worn a ton. This button-down has a casual loose fit and when worn open over a layering piece it makes a great transition piece. The Aria is perfect for going from warm to cool temps and back again. It’s also perfect when worn open as it gives me that extra room that I need at my hips right now. I typically wear my Arias over the short sleeved La Bella Donna or the Rockford Raglan.
I have another flannel version planned. The Robert Kaufman flannel is great quality flannel and so soft. It is definitely a thicker flannel than you might find elsewhere. Because of this, I only interfaced 1 collar piece so it wouldn’t be too bulky. I also created a continuous lap opening at the cuff instead of the tower placket.
Modifications made for my linen plaid version:
- Lengthened the sleeve and eliminated the cuff
- Added lower pockets
Right now I’m in the process of sewing up a worsted wool vest using the Aria as my base. I can’t wait to finish it and show it off! It took me a lot longer to cut it out (matching the plaid and playing fabric Tetris) than I had anticipated. Some of the modifications I’m making to create my vest are:
- Straighten the hem of the shirt version.
- Added a lower pocket (like seen on the rust linen version above)
- Eliminated the sleeve and finished the armscye with bias tape.
To learn more about all the options of the Aria and how I fit this to my petite pear shape, check out THIS BLOG POST.
5. Arlington Sweater
I find the Arlington Sweater have a very generous fit. That combined with the a knit with a lot of stretch, it can be very forgiving for my problem area. These 2 Arlingtons were sewn last fall when the pattern was released. They are both made in my typical size L(full bust) graded to an XL. If I were to measure myself now, I would be an XL(full bust) graded to a 2X.
On the left is me wearing my black cable knit version last year. On the right is me wearing the same sweater this week.
For complete details on how I altered this pattern to fit my pear shape, visit this blog post.
Still need help deciding which patterns to grab during this sale? Check out my other blog posts linked below for more info and details on Love Notions Patterns.
The 5 Love Notions Patterns I’m Sewing This Fall (Fall 2022- Aria, Constellation, Metra Blazer, Terra Tunic and Boyfriend Cardigan)
The Best Bang for your Buck Love Notions Patterns (Spring 2022- Sloane, Arlington, Rhapsody, Terra Tunic and Forte)
My Top 5 Love Notions Patterns (Fall 2021- Sloane, Rockford, Harmony Blouse, La Bella Donna, Boyfriend Cardigan and the LDT dress)
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!
Mary Anne 🙂
Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes! @sewmarymac
You can shop for Love Notions Patterns HERE.
This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.
To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code10MACSEWS45. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $6 Feature Friday pattern. Please note that this code has changed. Going forward, the code will change each quarter.
sewmarymac.com 
Thank you for your blog post! You are an authentic REAL person and thank you for posting your actual fitting for these patterns.
Several are on my sale wishlist so I’ll be sure to use your link for purchase while on sale this week.
My petite figure thanks you again!!
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Thank you so much for all your kind words!
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My goal is the seersucker version of the Aria!
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I love the split hem, I wanna try that! I also love the sleeves on the Arlington. Great ideas, thanks.
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Thank you! My hips at the moment love anything with a split hem!
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🙂
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My sewing goal is the Aria in a seersucker version.
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Awesome goal!!!! My seersucker Aria is one of my favorites to wear! I was sad when it got too cold to wear it!
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🙂
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Lots of great information about the patterns. My sewing goals are to use some patterns that I have, but haven’t made yet, like the Boyfriend cardigan, Lincoln sweater, and the Terra tunic. And use fabric in my stash. Of course there are are always a few Love Notions patterns on my wish list (Arlington, Compose…), so thanks for the code.
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Those are all great goals and ones I should have as well. I think I can try to use my stash more this year than last. I’m off to a good start~ I purchased no new fabric during the New Year’s Sales!
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I love the sloane with the higher split, I will have to try that one, and the compose cardigan! I’ve made a few cardigans that are designed not to “close”, but have wished I could find a pattern with a bit more coverage, using the robe pattern is an awesome idea. My sewing goal is to sew more! Especially for myself. 2022 was a challenging year and my least productive sewing-wise as a result, I managed a few basics, mainly for my kid, and bought more RTWs than I have in a long time. I’m looking forward to getting back into it this year and filling up my wardrobe with me-mades again.
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Sorry for the duplicates! WordPress was forcing me to login and made it look like my comment wasn’t submitted
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I totally understand~ WordPress gives me problems at times too!
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🙂
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thank you for posting for real people! My goal is to get more of those LN patterns I’ve downloaded sewn and into my closet. I’m not really experienced in sewing clothes for myself but the Aria in a nice warm flannel is what I plan on making for myself. Thank you for your tips! I love your robe hack!
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You’re welcome! You will love your flannel Aria! I have a second one cut out and ready to sew! Thank you for your kind words!
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I love the sloane with the higher split, I will have to try that one, and the compose cardigan! I’ve made a few cardigans that are designed not to “close”, but have wished I could find a pattern with a bit more coverage, using the robe pattern is an awesome idea. My sewing goal is to sew more! Especially for myself. 2022 was a challenging year and my least productive sewing-wise as a result, I managed a few basics, mainly for my kid, and bought more RTWs than I have in a long time. I’m looking forward to getting back into it this year and filling up my wardrobe with me-mades again.
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The Compose “cardigan” is now one of my favorite makes!! I’ve never been a huge fan of cardigans that don’t meet in the front. I find they look great~ like I love the way my boyfriend cardigans look, but sometimes I find myself tugging at the front. It might be the fuller bust that makes me want my cardigans to close in front. Your goal sounds great!
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Enjoyed your blog today. Thank you.
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Thank you so much!
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Love your hack with the Compose robe turned sweater. Really want to give it a try.
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Thank you! I didn’t realize I was going to love it as much as I do!!!
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Thank you for sharing your sewing knowledge/thoughts with us all. My sewing goal is just to learn more. I’m relatively new to garment sewing and there are so many things that are waiting for me to learn. I’m especially wanting to explore pattern hacking and understanding the various kinds of fabric.
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You are so welcome! I just love sharing what I know to help others learn to love sewing as much as I do! The Love Notions Blog is a great place for more detailed info.
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Thanks for your inspiration!! My sewing goal is to get my sewing room organized and then to just sew more!
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You’re welcome! I need to do that as well!!!
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As a gal whose weight is “fluffier” at different times of the year, I really enjoyed reading about the LN patterns that are forgiving! Your side slit idea is great, along with all the hacks I read about on your blog. Thanks for always sharing and inspiring me to stretch and learn new things! Happy 2023😊
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Thank you so much for your kind words! They really help me keep creating and sharing! Happy 2023!
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DAWN VEREEKE. You are the winner of a FREE Love Notions pattern from me!!! Please check your email!
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I love your makes. My sewing goal is to reduce my stash of fabric by trying more patterns. I have several Love Notions patterns I haven’t made yet- got to get busy. I’ve only tried the knits so far and with my new serger I love how easy they are to make. All the fitting help and hacks from everyone are great. Thank you for all you do to motivate me.
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You are so welcome! I really just love helping others learn to love sewing as much as I do!
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Your photos have inspired me to dust off the sewing machine!
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Yay! I’m so happy I’ve inspired you!
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This year I will focus on organization, fitting and sewing pants, jackets and new techniques. Thanks for so many ideas.
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You’re so welcome! Getting organized is something I should do as well!
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Thank you for all of the pattern/fabric inspiration as well as great tips/hacks in your blog posts. My 2023 sewing goal is to sew more-especially patterns I haven’t tried yet.
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You are so welcome! That is a great goal! I need to do that as well~ but I love all my go-tos and hacking them!
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I love reading about your modifications and tips- you make me feel like I can sew too. This year, I want to tackle my first knit pattern.
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Thank you! Anyone can sew~ just practice and take your time!
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I love this whole post and your pattern ideas and modifications. I especially love the Compose Robe as a cardigan! I don’t like a dropped shoulder on myself, so this is definitely one I’m going to try and maybe also will try putting this sleeve on the Boyfriend Cardigan. I have debilitating health issues, so my very small goal is that I’ll make at least one of these in the new year.
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Thank you so much! I was hoping that some others might find this info helpful! Sounds like a great realistic goal!
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I like them all, but especially the Rockford Raglan.
That is a great go everywhere top, can be casual to fancy and when one sits down in public, say a bus, everything wont show. I think in terms of bus tops, how will it look
if it’s stretched out in public. My goal would be to make it a V neck.
Not everyone looks good in round necks.
I hope that I can make it into a V and not ruin it.
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Great goal! My advice is to find some cheap fabric to practice on~ I do this all the time. I find things in my stash that I know longer like and use them for
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Oops… fabrics that I no longer love and use them to try out pattern hacks.
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Love all the patterns, but especially the Rockford Raglan !
It looks like a go everywhere top.
My goal would be to make it into a V neck and have longer/deeper side splits,
those are kinda necessary when sitting down, especially in public.
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You are so right! The Rockford is so versatile depending on fabric choice.
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Thanks for sharing your makes and info. Really helpful. My goal is to use some of the patterns and fabrics Ive ‘accumulated’ into wearable masterpieces!
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You are so welcome! That is a great goal!
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My goal for 2023 is to use Love Notions patterns to up-date my wardrobe and use some of the wonderful fabrics from my stash that I hadn’t found patterns that I was willing to use my fabric with. The LN patterns fit me wonderfully and are easy to adjust if needs be. I am looking forward to sewing this year.
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Sounds like a great goal! I feel the same way sometimes with some of my precious fabrics!
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I really enjoy reading your blog and learning what you’ve done to make the pattern really work for you. I used to be able to sew like that(!) and my goal for 2023 is to get back to that level of confidence and competence.
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Thank you so much for visiting and reading! That’s a great goal!
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My sewing goal is to get trousers cracked. My tops are fab, but all the bottoms I have attempted just don’t fit.
Thanks for all the inspiration you share, I love seeing it. Barbara x
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It seems like pants is the goal for so many of my readers! My weight fluctuates so much that I haven’t put my time and effort into sewing them yet.
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Love your fabric choices. Everything looks awesome on you and you look well put-together. I discovered LoveNotions this past summer, starting with the cami pajama pattern, Sabrina slims, duet trousers and several tops. Now I’ve got the canyon cardi printed out just waiting for a trip to the fabric store. It will look great with the Sabrina slims and a great piece for air travel. Love the Sabrina slims and duet trousers so much I’ve made three each trying to decide which pattern I like best. Couldn’t decide.
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Thank you so much! Although I do sew patterns from other designers, LN is my favorite!
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Thank you for your lovely blog – I get ideas from it constantly. My sewing goal is to sew more garments for me and maybe even venture into smashing two together for nursing garments for my daughters! Happy sewing!
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You’re so welcome! Those sound like great goals!
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trying again, silly wordpress…. Gonna sew more for myself this year! Hoping to find sew new sources for knits and seersucker!
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Great goal! I’m always on the hunt for great seersucker which is tough.
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Love all these makes! I too get fluffier and then less fluffy…my goal is to sew at least 6 gawnts for me – and maybe for some tiny cousins!
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That’s a great goal! Thanks~ my weight always fluctuates which is why I stick to certain patterns.
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It’s the Sloane pattern in my cart. I love your versions and the split seams at the hips
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The Sloane is such a great pattern! So many ways to hack it!
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I love all your practical sewing advice! I want to crack open that Aria pattern this year. Who doesn’t need a dozen button ups?!
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Thank you! I think I try to give advice on my blog that I would give to my former students. I know many people probably already know some of the info I share~ but everyone has to learn somewhere! And you are right~ always room for more Arias in one’s closet!
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My sewing goal is a pair of pants. Not just pull up ones, but rather proper good fitting pants.
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That is a wonderful goal!
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I have a goal of sewing through every pattern I own by a few of my favorite designers.
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That is a great goal! I need to do that as well.
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I would like to sew through my whole Love Notions pattern stash! And that’s quite a goal! 😁
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WOW~ that is some goal! Good Luck!
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Thank you for this post! I am both post-holiday “fluffy” as well as pregnant, so this is perfect! My sewing goal for this year is to be more intentional with my makes as well as up-level my sewing skills, e.g. tackle pants fitting and making something that is lined!
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You are so welcome! That sounds like a wonderful goal!
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I would like to sew the compost robe- looks very comfortable!
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Oh you will love the Compose!
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Your title made me laugh! My goal is to sew more of my previously purchased patterns that I have yet to sew.
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HEHE~ I have to laugh about my “fluffiness”. I totally get it~ I have many PDF patterns that I have never sewn up.
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My sewing goal this year is to sew myself at least 5 tops and 5 bottoms. I am just getting into garment sewing. Big 4 patterns don’t fit me so I am left frustrated and defeated. Finally happy to find LN and other Indie pattern companies that make patterns to fit my body size/style. Your garments are beautiful
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That is an excellent goal! I’ll be honest~ when I retired in 2017 I began sewing for myself a lot! Fresh out of college I worked for a Big 4 pattern company in their education department~ so I always kind of had a loyalty to them. But wow~ was I so discouraged when nothing fit me nicely. Then I discovered PDF patterns~ I don’t think I’ve sewn a Big 4 in 4 years!
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My sewing plans are to use up or destash more fabric from of my stash than buying new fabric. Wish me luck!
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Good Luck! I should destash some as well!
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One of my goals is to finally sew an Aria. I also just made me a Sloane sweater a couple weeks ago and I love how you made the split sides.
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Oh you will love the Aria! Yes, my hips are really loving those side splits right now!
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I mostly quilt but I have a goal to use some knit fabric that I acquired from my mother-in-laws stash.
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I love quilts and always say I’m going to make one, but have only attempted simple ones yet.
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My goal is to sew more for myself! I love sewing for my kids, but none of my clothes fit and I need some well-fitting work clothes. First up is Arlington. I love the split hem hack— gonna give that a try!
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I hope you sew more for yourself too! You deserve it!
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Thank you for sharing and inspiring those of us still learning. I’m looking forward to sewing the legatos in 2023.
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Thank you so much! As a retired teacher~ I still love sharing my knowledge!
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I love your posts! How you hack things to work for your body type. Think I’m going to put the funnel neck on a pattern I’m working on! My goal is to sew through some of my stash and try a couple of love notions woven patterns! Thanks for the inspiration posts!
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Thank you so much!
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Hi, I love all yours makes. My goal is to sew a Melody dolman and Margo or myself. I’ve had the patterns for a long time, and I want to stop collecting and start making.
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Thank you so much! I’ve made several Melodys and I love them!
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Mary,
I want to learn how to tailor my own clothes. I’m tall and have always had short pants legs and 3/4 length sleeves.
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The exact opposite of my fitting issues. I’m just 5 feet tall. Once you figure it out~ it becomes to easy to make those adjustments on everything.
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I want to make more woven patterns this year
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I can never decide which is prefer sewing, knits or wovens. I do think I sew more wovens in the warmer weather. I love linen so much!
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I have the Aria pattern but I haven’t made it yet. It looks so great on you and I love the variety of things you’ve done with it. That’s my goal! Thanks for the blog, I read it often.
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Thank you for visiting! It’s great to know that you find it informative! I do love the Aria. and have more plans for it!
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Thank you for your inspiration. I love that you post several different looks for each pattern
My goal this year is to sew up at least one garment from each unused or new pattern. How will I know how much I like it unless we give it a try.
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Thank you! I try to show different looks for all the patterns I sew. I love a pattern that can give me the most “bang for my buck” I love being able to use my patterns over and over!
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Neat ideas! I am sewing for (slow) weight loss so need to sew more quick things that fit now and make me feel good now. I am looking at the Aria top as something that would up my style and not be like any of the boring knit tops that I otherwise live in!
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Thank you! I’m one of those people who’s weight fluctuates so often~ just this year it just hit me harder after I had COVID in the Fall. The Aria is a great choice. It’s a satisfying and fun sew and can stick with you during weight loss.
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I always enjoy seeing your makes, they are so inspiring. The fall of 2022 found me living a nightmare, with a heart attack, and the passing of my husband. I find sitting at my machines is my happy place where I can escape the world for a little while. I plan to spent 2023 reinventing my life,and learning more about alterations and fitting. I want to challenge myself to take it to a new level.
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Thank you so much! I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m happy that you have your sewing to help you through this difficult time. I too find my sewing room my escape.
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