…Adding to My Coastal Preppy Wardrobe with the Love Notions Aria
The Aria Button Down is on sale today, Friday 4/4/2025 for just $6! If you purchase the Aria on-demand course for $25 today, you get the pattern for free. My code LOVEMARY10LN, can be used if purchasing the course or just the pattern. The course is regularly $30.
A classic button down is always a staple in any coastal preppy wardrobe. Worn open over a tee is such a classic coastal thing to do! It can also be worn under a cardigan or blazer. In the NorthEast by the coast, our mornings and evenings are often cool. Long sleeve shirts are really worn year round! I wear mine all Spring and Summer! When the weather gets hot I simply roll up my sleevesI My linen and seersucker Arias are some of my most worn! Want to read more about my “Coastal Preppy Wardrobe” and which Love Notions patterns I use to create it? Check out this blog post!
Nervous about sewing a button down shirt? No need to be! There is an awesome sewing course you can purchase that holds your hand every step of the way. Detailed information on the course can be found below. I have personally viewed the entire course and must say it is amazing!
These are the four new Arias button downs that I added to my closet these past 2 weeks. When I have several garments from the same pattern planned, I often batch cut, batch prep and batch sew.
…A Mini Tutorial: Quilting Your Own Fabric For The Oakley Vest
The Oakley and Acorn Vests are on sale Friday, 3/8/24 for just $5 each! Remember to use code 10MARYMAC for an additional 10% off.
When we think about sewing up a vest, we often think about our Fall and Winter wardrobes. I realized that last Spring and Summer that I wore my light pink fleece Love Notions Oakley way more than I ever expected to! (You can see photos of it at the end of this blog post). It was then I that I decided that one of my first early Spring makes was going to be a new Oakley just for the warmer months!
When I begin to plan my warm weather makes, I always lean towards my “go-to” colors: pinks, bright greens, navy and of course white. I also LOVE sewing and wearing linen during that time of year. So of course, I decided I wanted a white linen vest with a fun “coastal and preppy” lining. So I started by search for quilted linens~ and nope, there were none to be found. So I did what I needed to and quilted my own!
*The Bass Clef and Treble Clef (for Kids) Coat pattern will both be on release pricing from Tuesday, 3/5/24 through Monday, 3/11/24. They will be $9.50 and $7.50 respectively. Be sure to use code 10MARYMAC for an extra 10% off.Regular prices are $12.50 and $10.50.
I am so excited about the release of the new Bass Clef Coat pattern! I tested both the Woman’s Clef Coat and the Men’s Bass Clef Coat and let me tell you~ I am a BIG fan! (I’m sure the Kid’s Treble Clef is awesome too!) This coat is truly a pleasure to sew. It’s satisfying and quick~ what more could you ask for! Oh and the final result is pretty awesome too! I see many more Clefs in my future~ both for me and my husband. Don’t typically sew for the “men” in your life? This is the perfect pattern to change that.
The Details
The Bass Clef Coat is a relaxed fit, yet classic coat that can take on totally different looks depending on the options that you choose. It can be casual or dressy~ the choice is yours! And there are a lot of options!
Can be made with wovens or knits!
Stand Collar or Hood Options
Zipper or Button/Snap Placket Options
Optional Welt Chest Pocket
Front Kangaroo Pockets
Drawstring or Elastic Waistline
Endless Combinations!
Skill Level~ Confident Beginner, only the zipper and buttonholes/snaps may be a bit challenging.
Sizing and Fit
The Bass Clef is available in sizes XS-5X. Choose your size based on the chest measurement. If between sizes, choose the smaller size. As always, check the finished garment measurements chart to help you.
The Bass Clef is drafted for the average 5’8″ man. It is meant to hit at the full hip. It is designed to have a relaxed and roomy fit. If your “man” prefers a more fitted coat, you can always size down. Again, be sure to check the finished garment measurement chart to determine if you will have enough ease.
Something to remember about this pattern is that fabric choice can really make a difference in how the coat fits. A thicker fabric is going to fit closer than a lightweight fabric. Make sure you take that into account when choosing your size.
Bill’s Sizing
I made a size Large for my husband. His chest measures 43″ which falls exactly in a size L. His waist is 37″ and his hips are just 38″. His hips are smaller than a size Large, but I did not grade smaller for him. I did however use a smaller length of elastic for the hem than recommended for the size Large. This pulled the bottom in just a tad more so it fit him better. The Large recommends 45″ elastic and I used just 43″.
My husband is 5’8″~ so I did not take make any changes to the length of the body of the coat. I did shorten the sleeves 1 1/2″, which is a typical adjustment that I make for him. The wrist elastic calls for 11″ for the size Large, I used just 10″. This is just a guide and can be changed for personal preferences.
I chose to use 3/4″ wide elastic for both the wrists and hem. This is a personal preference as well.
Modifications I Made
French Seams
I chose to sew French seams on the side seams and the sleeve seam. Since I don’t sew very often for my husband, I wanted to make this extra special and give the inside a cleaner look. In order to sew French seams, I needed to increase the seam allowance to 1/2″ instead of 3/8″. To do this I simply added 1/8″ to the side seams of the front and back pattern pieces as well as the sleeve seam. Choosing to sew these seams as French seams meant that I would be sewing the side seams before inserting the sleeve. The sleeve will then be inserted “in the round” after the side seams are sewn.
How to Sew a French Seam
Pin front and back together at the side seams Wrong Sides Together.
Stitch a 1/4″ seam
Trim seam to 1/8″
Press seam allowance to one side
Turn coat wrong side out, press seam really well.
Pin the side seams Right Sides Together.
Stitch a 1/4″ seam
Press seams well again.
Repeat this process for each sleeve.
First step~ pins wrong sides togetherFinished French SeamFinished inside of Bass Clef
Interfacing
The Bass Clef Coat does not require interfacing in the collar. I have worked with this Washed Corduroy before and I know that it is very soft and has a bit of a drape to it. I knew that I would want it to have a bit more structure. I used a lightweight knit tricot interfacing on the collar and it worked out very well. When zipped all the way up, the collar does not flop.
Pocket Edge Finish
Page 12, Step 1~ finishing the slanted edge of the pockets
Instead of finishing with a serger, I chose to use bias tape.
The bias tape added stability to the pocket edge so it would not be “droopy”.
After applying the bias tape, I finished the top, short side and bottom of the pocket with my serger.
Again, I knew this would be best for my fabric. If your fabric has more structure you wouldn’t need to do this, however it does give it a very professional look.
See below if you need more details on how to do this.
Finishing slant edge of pocket with bias tapeInside of kangaroo pocketBottom of coat~ elastic hem casing finished with bias tape.Bottom hem and elastic hem of the Bass Clef
Hem Finishing
Page 23, Step 1 instructs you finish the raw of the hem with a serger, overcast stitch, bias tape or by turning under 1/4″. I finished mine with bias tape, and I feel it was just one more way to elevate this coat. It only took a few minutes extra to do this and I think it was well worth it! This method really gives you a nice clean professional look.
To Apply bias tape to the raw edge:
Open one side of the bias tape.
Align the raw edge of the bias tape with the raw edge of the hem. Be sure you place the right side of the bias tape to the wrong side of the hem edge.
Stitch bias tape to the hem along the crease in the tape.
Fold the tape over the raw edge of the fabric to the right side
Topstitch in place.
Your raw edge will now be encased in the bias tape.
Fabrics and Notions
The Bass Clef is designed for light to medium weight woven or stable knit fabrics. Wovens such as twill, canvas, denim, wool, flannel and corduroy would all be great choices. Stable knits such a Ponte, double knits, fleece, sweatshirt fleece and cotton French Terry would also work.
If you have a knit that doesn’t have enough stretch for other garments~ this would be a perfect pattern to use it for. If choosing a lighter weight knit with more stretch, it may be best to size down.
For the tester version of the Clef, I used a fleece from my stash. I omitted the welt pocket for a quick fit test. This fleece sewed up perfectly for this pattern!
For the final version, I used a washed corduroy. This fabric is not as stiff as many corduroys so I did make a few changes as mentioned above for this fabric.
Remember the fabric you choose to use can and will change the look of your Bass Clef drastically. The best recommendation I can make is to look at all the tester versions and see what fabric they used. Sometimes this is the best way to determine how your fabric might work for a pattern.
This is the totally wearable fit test version made from fleece.
Notions
All Views: thread, 1/2 yard of 3/8″-3/4″ elastic (for sleeves)
Optional: Interfacing and bias tape
Other Notions will vary depending on what features you have chosen for your Bass Clef.
Button Option: 3/8″- 3/4″ buttons or snaps (6 for the collar version, 5 for the hooded version)
Zipper Option: 28″ separating zipper (longer zippers can be shortened)
Here are our “coordinating” Clef Coats. Both are made from fleece.
It was super cold at the lake behind our house this day, but our Clefs were snuggly!
Tips For Sewing The Bass Clef Coat
Staystitch the neckline edge (both knits and wovens)
Make a practice welt pocket before cutting into the front of your coat.
Fray check the inside edges of the welt inside. Be careful to not let it soak through to the front.
For a really quick sew, omit the welt pocket! However, let me say it really does elevate the look of your coat and the directions are awesome!
If sewing with a fabric that frays, finish all sides of the kangaroo pockets before attaching to the front. After Step 1 before moving on to Step 2.
Finish the center front edges of both front pieces before attaching the zipper.
Another way to elevate your Bass Clef is to finish the neckline/collar/hood seam with bias or twill tape. I did this on both of my versions. (You can also see I used contrasting bias tape on my 2 Clef Coats below.)
More details on the Women’s Clef Coat can be found below, along with more information on these 2 versions.CLICK HERE
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
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These are affiliate links. It costs you nothing to purchase from these links, 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 code 10MARYMAC.This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern. My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working.
Fabric Resources
My husband’s wearable muslin was made from fleece I had in my stash. I’m going to guess that is from Joann Fabrics from a few years ago. My color blocked Clef Coat was made up from various scraps of fleece I found when cleaning out my sewing closet. These scraps too were most likely from Joann Fabrics.
The Washed Corduroy was purchased from Stylemaker Fabrics. It is available in a few different colors. This Bass Clef Coat is made in the “Redwood” color way. It is so soft and comfortable. I used this fabric in the “Sea Glass” color way to make an Aria button-down for myself earlier. My husband always said how much he loved this shirt every time I wore it, so I figured I would buy some for his new coat.
Edited : The Aurora Dress and Tunic is the Feature Friday pattern today 3/28/2025. Pattern is just $5- with an additional 10% off if you use the code MARYMAC10.
I have been looking at all the tester’s versions over the last week or so~ and it’s such a great classic pattern yet has an updated twist. Be sure to visit the Love Notions Facebook Group (or the pattern listing) to see all of the amazing versions.
I didn’t test the Aurora pattern~ but as a Love Notions Ambassador I did get a copy in advance. (A perk of being an Ambassador!). I couldn’t wait to sew one up!
If you follow my sewing journey here at Sew Mary Mac or on Facebook or Instagram, then you know that my style is very “Coastal grandma/preppy”. So, of course I had to make my Aurora Tunic fit my life style!
The Aurora is a classic yet modern dress or tunic. The Dress version is fitted at the waist, while the Tunic has more ease in the waist and hip areas. The Aurora is so versatile~ it can be dressier or more casual depending on your fabric choice. My favorite things about this pattern~ the fit, the pockets and the ruched sleeve!
I don’t know about you~ but I’m ready to sew for Spring. I always like to add a few transitional pieces to my closet this time of year. Things I can wear now and right into the warmer weather. I tested the Lincoln Top pattern from Love Notions back in 2022. I fell in love with this pattern because of the cute button side detail and that it’s a pretty quick sew. Last year I made I made a longer version and loved it so much! So for 2024, I made another long version and changed the neckline!
Have you made a Lincoln Top yet? The Lincoln Top is just $5 today, 2/7/25. Use my code MARYMAC10 to get an additional 10% off.
Looking for a quick sew? Want something as comfy as a basic Tee, but elevated? Then the Vivace Dolman is the perfect pattern for you! I’ll be honest, when this pattern first was released, I had no interest in making one because dolman sleeves typically don’t look great on me. I should know better by now, because I think every Love Notions Dolman top looks good on me ( the La Bella Donna and Melody). Last year when it was the $5 Friday pattern, I quickly sewed one up and I kicked myself for not sewing one up sooner. Its’ relaxed fit makes it cool to wear in warmer weather yet it’s also perfect in the cooler weather layered underneath a cardigan. And I just LOVE the cute overlapped V-neck!
In honor of today’s Feature Friday, I’ve sewn up another Vivace ( it’s hot off the machine!!) AND written a blog post all about it!The Vivace is just $5 today, 3/21/25 and you can get an extra 10% off by using the code MARYMAC10.
Love Notions is starting the new year off with a bang!!! The Clef Coat is that pattern that you didn’t know you needed. I was lucky enough to test this pattern, and believe me I am a BIG fan of this one! This pattern is so versatile depending on your fabric choice.
The Clef Coat is on release week pricing from Friday, 1/12/2024 through Thursday 1/18/2024 for just $9.50. After release it will sell for $12.50. You can use my code 10LOVEMARY for an extra 10% off.
It’s hard to believe that with a closet FULL of Love Notions Constellations, that I’ve never written a blog post about them! This pattern has really become a go-to for me. I wear them year round! I find it a great alternative to a “hoodie” or basic sweatshirt. It’s just as comfortable, yet looks so much more “polished”. It sews up so nicely in a variety of fabrics, which truly makes it suitable for all four seasons!
All 3 Pullovers- the Ladies Constellation, Men’s North Star and Kids Navigator are just $6 Friday, 12/19/2025. Remember to use my code 10MACSEWS45 for an extra 10% off.
Quilted KnitCotton French Terry/RCFSPF50 Swim Knit/RCFSweatshirt Fleece/RCF
Above you can see my Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall versions! Four different fabric bases perfect for four different seasons! As you can see, my favorite version is the collared version with the curved hem.
30% off ALL Love Notions Patterns and Courses All Week!
Happy New Year! What better way to kick off the new year than with a sale of our favorite patterns?!? Now is the time to treat yourself to a few new LN patterns that you’ve wanted for awhile. Just in case you need a little help~ here are my favorite Love Notions patterns for winter sewing. The sale runs from Monday 1/8/2023 through Friday 1/12/2023. Sale includes all pattern except the newest release (the Encore Skirt) and courses. Remember to use my code 10MARYMAC for an additional 10% off.
So how many encores are too many? In the case of Love Notions’s Encore Skirt pattern, the answer to that question would be~ there could never be too many!
Back in 2023, I didn’t test this pattern, but I did get my hands on a copy of it and was able to sew up 2 different versions of this new skirt. As a person who doesn’t wear skirts very often (I usually prefer dresses), I have to admit I really like this one!!
The Encore Skirt is the Feature Friday pattern and is available today, 10/31/2025 for just $6. You can get an additional 10% off by using my code 10MACSEWS.
Hello! Welcome to my blog. I'm Mary, a retired Family & Consumer Science teacher of 32 years. I now spend my time making all my own clothes because I'm fun! I have an amazing daughter who made this blog for me.
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