Bring on the Bouclé!

01 Oct Bring on the Bouclé!

Do you fall for fashion trends or do you aspire to classics?

When I was asked to participate in Style Maker Fabrics’ Fall Blog Tour, I selected this nubby cotton bouclé sweater knit.  The bouclé, categorized under Trend Proof Neutrals, is a classic, leading me to create a traditional garment that I’ll wear forever 😉

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It’s vanilla and winter white base laced with beige and black represent my favorite cold weather neutrals, and the 10% stretch made it perfect for McCall’s 6844,  a cardigan pattern I’ve sewn before (blogged here).

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I love this pattern because it is fitted fairly closely and accommodates heavier fabrics beautifully. I suppose I could have made it trendier by adding more length to make a sweater coat or embellishing the sleeves, but this wonderful fabric deserves to be worn regularly, and by keeping it classic, it will be.

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I had a little bouclé left over which I wasn’t about to put in the scrap pile……… How fun is this?

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It’s Style Arc’s Esme Top.

ESME-TOPI’m loving the bias cut turtleneck with the split back.

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I questioned whether the bouclé was too heavy for this style, and it might have been had I sewn the version with long sleeves, but I found it ideal for the sleeveless – in October – in South Carolina!

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Since I gravitate towards the classics,  I omitted the pattern’s high-low hem…….. Maybe this should read, if I was 6 inches taller I would have sewn the high-low hem 😉

Bouclé is one of the most forgiving fabrics to sew. Topstitching sinks into the fabric, narrow hems clipped to the stitching look perfectly finished, and it is extremely supple for a heavier fabric.
Many thanks to Style Maker Fabrics for including me in its Fall Blog Tour – the tour continues tomorrow with Kimberly at Straight Stitch Designs!

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Have a good one!

 

** Fabric provided by Style Maker Fabrics

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
75 Comments
  • Becky T
    Posted at 07:58h, 01 October Reply

    Love it! I jumped over and bought some. 😊 And girl, you OWN that white after Labor Day!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:11h, 01 October Reply

      LOL – It’s winter white – I promise!!!!!! You’ll love the fabric 🙂

  • Kathy Hills
    Posted at 08:01h, 01 October Reply

    These are lovely. I have several garments of bouclè in my closet but have never sewn with it. Nice to know it is very forgiving. I’ll have to give it a try.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:12h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you, Kathy! This is an inexpensive cotton boucle which will be a great introduction to the fabric 😉

  • Becky
    Posted at 08:04h, 01 October Reply

    These are fabulous! I gravitate to classics myself, and you are right, you will wear these pieces until they fall apart. That Esme top is perfect for the South, isn’t it? I will have to get a copy of that pattern. The collar framing your face is so flattering. You are starting off the new season with a couple of winning garments.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:14h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you, Becky! I know I’ll wear the sweater from now until next May 😉 The Esme top is one I wanted to try and will most likely try again. Style Arc patterns fit so nicely.

  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 08:11h, 01 October Reply

    You will certainly reach for this cardigan constantly this winter. And I love the Esme pattern made with the leftover boucle. I love that pattern, too!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:17h, 01 October Reply

      October – April is the way I’m looking at it 😉 The Esme pattern illustration caught my eye, and I’m glad I gave it a try as this is a style I wasn’t sure about on me.
      Many thanks for the comment and I hope you’re sewing lots of gorgeous clothes this fall!

  • Doreen Auger
    Posted at 08:21h, 01 October Reply

    Love both garments but am especially loving the sleeveless top!!!!!! The dropped sleeve-line and back collar detail is awesome and works perfectly with the boucle!!!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:40h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you, Doreen! The Esme top caught me by surprise too. I tried it out on a whim with the extra fabric and absolutely love it 🙂

  • Loretta Somerville
    Posted at 08:31h, 01 October Reply

    Gorgeous, timeless, fabulous choice of fabric for this pattern! I agree with you on omission of the high/low hem. I am 5’2 and often struggle with fashion decisions such as this……..like it on others, question when for myself! As always, you are a “woman of a certain age” fashion inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:43h, 01 October Reply

      LOL – Baby Boomers perhaps? Many thanks, Loretta 🙂

  • Gayle
    Posted at 08:35h, 01 October Reply

    Another great job! I saw the fabric on line and wondered what it would look like made up; looks great! I might have to make this also!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:43h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you, Gayle! The fabric is not expensive and sews nicely – I’d call that a win-win 🙂

  • Sharon Eisen
    Posted at 08:43h, 01 October Reply

    The entire look is fantastic – and inspiring!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:45h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you so much, Sharon!

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 09:09h, 01 October Reply

    What a beautiful cardigan to herald the arrival of sweater weather. If I owned it I’d certainly be wearing it this morning! Never noticed that Style Arc top and it’s a winner for sure. Great shape and it looks so fun sewn up in boucle.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:23h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you, Julie! I’m trying the Blackwood Cardigan next thanks to your lovely version. I sewed the turtleneck on a whim and the result reminded me of the importance of spontaneity 😉

    • Heather Myers
      Posted at 12:00h, 01 October Reply

      Hi Julie, I’ve lost track of how to follow your sewing adventures since the RTW blog has apparently slowed to a crawl — or I missed the new one? All hints appreciated! Thanks. Heather

      • Julie Starr
        Posted at 19:12h, 02 October Reply

        Hi Heather! Great to hear from you. I’m still posting frequently on PatternReview.com and Instagram. I buy a piece of RTW every now and then but fasting definitely changed my habits for life!

  • MaryEllen
    Posted at 10:06h, 01 October Reply

    This is a great fabric & style on you Sarah . I just ordered the Blackwood Cardigan also . Your sweater would make a great winter coat for my climate 😜

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:00h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you, Mary Ellen! It would be perfect for Arizona winters. Good luck with the Blackwood Cardigan. Julie made a lovely version 🙂

  • Heather Myers
    Posted at 11:39h, 01 October Reply

    Lovely and useful garments, both! Thanks for the inspiration. 😉

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:02h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you for the comment, Heather! RE – how to follow Julie…. she is on Instagram as Julie Starr 😉
      Also the RTW Fast was over a few years ago, but it certainly was fun, huh?!!

  • Stephanie
    Posted at 11:55h, 01 October Reply

    Very inspiring. Makes me want to sew apparel again. After two tops and a dress that didn’t fit well I sort of put sewing clothes to bed. Love these.

    • Brenda Zedella
      Posted at 16:18h, 01 October Reply

      I sooooo feel you, I’ve sewn a few duds lately myself…..

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:04h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you, Stephanie! The cardigan would be a good garment to re-enter garment sewing – very few pieces and easy fitting. Go for it!!

  • April Bailey
    Posted at 12:45h, 01 October Reply

    Wow. What a lovely make! This inspired me so much, I clicked the link and purchased 2 yards, before I even finished my coffee this morning.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:05h, 01 October Reply

      LOL – Style Maker should love that and you should love the fabric! Many thanks for the comment, April 🙂

  • Judy Gordon
    Posted at 14:30h, 01 October Reply

    Love both garments. You look fabulous. What yardage did you have to make both? The fabric looks so comfortable and classic
    Judy

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:06h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you, Judy! I had three yards total 😉

  • Debi
    Posted at 15:18h, 01 October Reply

    So cute…both of them!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:06h, 01 October Reply

      Many thanks, Debi 🙂

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 16:13h, 01 October Reply

    Wonderful classic looks. I never looked closely at the Style Arc pattern but will need to consider it. I have several fabrics in the stash that would make up in these styles. Thanks for the inspiration.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:09h, 01 October Reply

      Hi Mary! I find that Style Arc patterns are cut very well and come together nicely. The instructions are sparse which is a non-issue for someone with your skills 😉
      Many thanks for the comment.

  • Brenda Zedella
    Posted at 16:14h, 01 October Reply

    Gorgeous, I love, love, love it!!! <3 <3 <3

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:09h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you, thank you, thank you!! 🙂

  • Brenda Zedella
    Posted at 16:16h, 01 October Reply

    Love the Style Arc top, I think I will have to try it, also eliminating the hi-lo hem….

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:10h, 01 October Reply

      Many thanks, Brenda 😉 There are some looks that just don’t flatter me and this is one!

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 16:49h, 01 October Reply

    I loved the cardigan! Great for our “winter” weather. I ordered the fabric and saw that you said it was easy to sew. Did you use your
    serger? Not progressing as quickly and well as you with my embroidery machine. You’ve made some lovely embroidery!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:12h, 01 October Reply

      So nice to hear from you, Mary Lynn! Indeed it is a perfect weight for Southern winters. I used the serger on the shoulder and side seams and a narrow hem clipped closely to the stitching line on the rest. Have fun!

  • Vanessa Thomas
    Posted at 16:50h, 01 October Reply

    You used the boucle to create two beautiful garments! You look so lovely in them!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:12h, 01 October Reply

      Thank you so much, Vanessa!!

  • Patty
    Posted at 18:01h, 01 October Reply

    Your jacket and turtleneck are beautiful!
    Did you line the jacket?
    Thanks, Patty

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:15h, 01 October Reply

      Many thanks, Patty! I did not line the jacket which is really more of a cardigan. I attached the front facing, flipped it to the inside, turned in the raw edge and topstitched around the seamline. to give it a finished appearance – no need for lining 😉

  • Linda LaMona
    Posted at 20:08h, 01 October Reply

    I love this fabric as the cardigan as well as the split neck top!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:34h, 01 October Reply

      LOL – I love all three too, Linda! It just goes to show the versatility of the fabric 😉 Many thanks for the comment.

  • Maureen Lacey
    Posted at 20:36h, 01 October Reply

    perfect color, fabric and style—a real winner!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:23h, 02 October Reply

      Thank you, Maureen!

  • Jane M. Green
    Posted at 21:37h, 01 October Reply

    Outstanding!!!! Love…love this design!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:23h, 02 October Reply

      Many thanks, Jane 🙂

  • Karen Helm
    Posted at 21:52h, 01 October Reply

    Inspired choices – both patterns – for that beautiful fabric. And you look classic and chic in both styles!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:24h, 02 October Reply

      Hi Karen! Thank you so much. The fabric is sold in different colors and I am so tempted………… 😉

  • Carolyn Castino
    Posted at 23:18h, 01 October Reply

    Thank you Sarah for the great garments. I swthefabric in the fall fabric review and was draw to it also,but amremodeling my kitchen so my sewing is a bit curtailed. I like the length of the jacket as it will be perfect through the seasons. I will add the jacket pattern to my wish list, and the fabric too if the kitchen gets done early!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:26h, 02 October Reply

      Thank you for your comment, Carolyn! There is nothing like home renovations to bring sewing to a screeching halt. Good luck with the kitchen!

  • Lucy
    Posted at 00:20h, 02 October Reply

    Both pieces look wonderful in the boucle. I ordered the Style Arc pattern as soon as I saw your top. I love it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:27h, 02 October Reply

      Lucy, I think this pattern will adapt to many fabrics and look forward to seeing yours :). Many thanks for the comment!

  • joyjc
    Posted at 05:11h, 02 October Reply

    What a lovely ensemble . That top looks great on you; well done! Both pieces are a true asset to your what role. Great job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:28h, 02 October Reply

      Many thanks, Joy! I believe both will be worn regularly for the next several months. I’m tempted to buy the fabric in another color too 😉

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 07:08h, 02 October Reply

    Love, both!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:15h, 02 October Reply

      Thank you, Becky!!

  • Amanda S.
    Posted at 10:05h, 02 October Reply

    I like them both! Very lux looking!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:16h, 02 October Reply

      Many thanks, Amanda 🙂

  • Ginger Lane
    Posted at 15:36h, 02 October Reply

    Sarah thank you for sharing your designs, fabrics, and sewist info – such an inspiration! Ginger in WV

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:17h, 02 October Reply

      It’s my pleasure, Ginger! Thank you so much for following along 😉

  • Julie Zammarchi
    Posted at 09:48h, 03 October Reply

    Hi Sarah, I am wondering which size you used for the Style Arc top and how that corresponded to your measurements. My measurements put me in a 10 but then that translates to a large on their site. That’s not right since I am usually a small. To further compound my confusion, this is a knit top pattern and I would be using suiting weight wool. Thanks.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:36h, 03 October Reply

      Julie,
      I cut out a six and it is a little large. I’d recommend a muslin since you are sewing in a woven. Good luck!

  • Teri Stich
    Posted at 06:07h, 06 October Reply

    Once again you have inspired me. I so love your style and grace. That cardigan is perfect. I love the shell but it wouldn’t work here in NJ as well. hmm maybe with less sleeve width to wear under a jacket, hmm

  • Patty
    Posted at 17:44h, 08 October Reply

    You used a fabtic you had already purchased . How do you decide how much fabric to buy when you don’t have a pattern for t in mind?

    What do you do with your scraps? You had plenty for the lovely top but how do you decide what scraps/leftovers to save and what to discard?

    Many thanks,
    Patty 👗

  • Paula LH
    Posted at 11:02h, 10 October Reply

    For the first time ever, I bought the fabric and the pattern. I want this jacket, too!

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  • Mary
    Posted at 17:15h, 16 October Reply

    Love your cardigan and top. I’ve ordered the boucle and plan to order the StyleArc pattern but am hesitant about their sizing. I saw where you made a size 6 and it was a little large. Which size of the “Big 4” patterns do you usually use? Everything you make fits beautifully. I am small boned and usually make a size 8 (Big 4) with numerous adjustments from the bust down. And advice?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:56h, 17 October Reply

      Mary,
      Thank you so much for your comment!
      Sizing is so iffy on patterns to begin with………… Generally I wear an 8 but it can vary up or down a size depending on the fabric and pattern style.
      I downloaded the Style Arc pattern which is a 4,6,8. Good luck 😉 !

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