Debbie’s Garments:

I don’t wear black often but sometimes a black pair of pants is a need. This pattern release inspired me to try out a muslin with Ponte in my stash – exactly what the pattern recommends.

Love Notions are excellent patterns in terms of fit and construction. Options for fit include full belly and full bum, 3 inseam lengths and two leg widths. It is a high waist pant with back darts and contour waistband. Slash pockets are included as well as optional welt pockets.

To meet my needs I did my standard length adjustments. Since this was a muslin I eliminated the welt pockets and belt loops. Then I continued the project as pattern directs. In the end I like the fit from waist to hips but not fond of pant leg width.

The only construction detail that seemed odd was folding over 1/4 inch at edge of leg hem and then stitch. That seemed a little homemade to me. I would rather serge edge and hand stitch or cover stitch.

1. This was a fun make but I did not enjoy working with the silk fabric!

2. The pattern instructions are very good and relatively easy. There is no front placket -just slip it over your head and tie a fun bow. For the center front seam I serged the edges and topstitched the top of the seam from V opening to shoulder. The pattern instructions direct you to make a “narrow” hem along center front seam – I didn’t feel that was necessary.

3. The bow construction is very much like a burrito method and the directions are clear. If you are a visual learner check out Lifting Pins and Needles – Heavenly Bow Ties is a good resource on You Tube.

4. For fit I petited between shoulder and bust, bust and waist and waist and hem. I also did a narrow shoulder adjustment.

5. I give this pattern 5 stars and will definitely make it again in a more user friendly fabric!

This is a TNT jacket pattern for me. It goes together quickly whether you choose to line it or not. Next time I make it I need to remember to shorten the sleeves!

I like the casual tailored look and appreciate how easy it is to wear and to complete an outfit.

Wow- this make was a challenge for me.

The pattern is extremely oversized. I used the smallest size and shortened body and sleeve length.

The fabric was not easy to work with-mostly because I did not do well matching fabric to pattern. It was not only too bulky but spongy and moved around a lot.

The fabric did not like the standard or walking presser foot – I found the teflon foot the best option.

I stitched the seams with the sewing machine and then serged the raw edges. I like the welt pocket. But they are messy on the inside and topstitching was difficult.

I feel the directions for construction need much improvement in every aspect.

Kristin’s Garments

The long version of the Loren has been so fun to wear that I had to try it short (9.5” shorter 🙂 I purchased the extension pack (lining, sleeve and collar variations) and used the lining but still used the shawl collar.

Velvet was tricky to work with but love it now that it’s done. The first jacket had some stretch to it so was curious to see how it would fit in a woven. The shoulders are a size smaller but everything else is the same and fits very well.

Stylearc is including more directions but still a bit confusing.

I have a pair of Closet Core/Rika Pants cut out in the same fabric for a tuxedo look!

Like Debbie says-a great sew and pattern and I’ll use it again!!

There’s a tv show called Elsbeth-she wears blouses in bold prints and colors with frills at the neck and wrists under jackets in colors you and I would never put together. Fun!!

Because there is very little stretch in the fleece I cut out three sizes larger and still had to add an inch to the sleeve width to make it comfortable but the fit was good otherwise.

The hem band has been omitted to keep it short. The stability of the fleece worked well for the hem.

The phone pocket is 6.5”x7.5” and is a welt square for the zip opening and then sewn together top and bottom and one single vertical seam, then turned right side out and sewn on to garment.

1. Fun make in canvas. Used Bosal for stabilizer/interfacing.

January 2026 Garment Sewing Group

Thursday, January 8, Creative Sewing, Apple Valley

Saturday, January 10, 10:30 at Sewing Lounge, St. Paul

Wednesday, January 14, 10:30 at Lakes Makerie, Mpls.