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 😉
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).
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.
I had a little bouclé left over which I wasn’t about to put in the scrap pile……… How fun is this?
It’s Style Arc’s Esme Top.
I’m loving the bias cut turtleneck with the split back.
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!
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!
Have a good one!
** Fabric provided by Style Maker Fabrics
Becky T
Posted at 07:58h, 01 OctoberLove it! I jumped over and bought some. 😊 And girl, you OWN that white after Labor Day!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:11h, 01 OctoberLOL – It’s winter white – I promise!!!!!! You’ll love the fabric 🙂
Kathy Hills
Posted at 08:01h, 01 OctoberThese 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 OctoberThank you, Kathy! This is an inexpensive cotton boucle which will be a great introduction to the fabric 😉
Becky
Posted at 08:04h, 01 OctoberThese 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 OctoberThank 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 OctoberYou 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 OctoberOctober – 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 OctoberLove 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 OctoberThank 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 OctoberGorgeous, 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 OctoberLOL – Baby Boomers perhaps? Many thanks, Loretta 🙂
Gayle
Posted at 08:35h, 01 OctoberAnother 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 OctoberThank you, Gayle! The fabric is not expensive and sews nicely – I’d call that a win-win 🙂
Sharon Eisen
Posted at 08:43h, 01 OctoberThe entire look is fantastic – and inspiring!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:45h, 01 OctoberThank you so much, Sharon!
Julie Starr
Posted at 09:09h, 01 OctoberWhat 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 OctoberThank 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 OctoberHi 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 OctoberHi 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 OctoberThis 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 OctoberThank 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 OctoberLovely and useful garments, both! Thanks for the inspiration. 😉
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:02h, 01 OctoberThank 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 OctoberVery 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 OctoberI sooooo feel you, I’ve sewn a few duds lately myself…..
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:04h, 01 OctoberThank 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 OctoberWow. 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 OctoberLOL – Style Maker should love that and you should love the fabric! Many thanks for the comment, April 🙂
Judy Gordon
Posted at 14:30h, 01 OctoberLove 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 OctoberThank you, Judy! I had three yards total 😉
Debi
Posted at 15:18h, 01 OctoberSo cute…both of them!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:06h, 01 OctoberMany thanks, Debi 🙂
Mary Funt
Posted at 16:13h, 01 OctoberWonderful 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 OctoberHi 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 OctoberGorgeous, I love, love, love it!!! <3 <3 <3
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:09h, 01 OctoberThank you, thank you, thank you!! 🙂
Brenda Zedella
Posted at 16:16h, 01 OctoberLove the Style Arc top, I think I will have to try it, also eliminating the hi-lo hem….
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:10h, 01 OctoberMany thanks, Brenda 😉 There are some looks that just don’t flatter me and this is one!
Mary Lynn
Posted at 16:49h, 01 OctoberI 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 OctoberSo 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 OctoberYou used the boucle to create two beautiful garments! You look so lovely in them!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:12h, 01 OctoberThank you so much, Vanessa!!
Patty
Posted at 18:01h, 01 OctoberYour jacket and turtleneck are beautiful!
Did you line the jacket?
Thanks, Patty
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:15h, 01 OctoberMany 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 OctoberI love this fabric as the cardigan as well as the split neck top!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:34h, 01 OctoberLOL – 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 Octoberperfect color, fabric and style—a real winner!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:23h, 02 OctoberThank you, Maureen!
Jane M. Green
Posted at 21:37h, 01 OctoberOutstanding!!!! Love…love this design!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:23h, 02 OctoberMany thanks, Jane 🙂
Karen Helm
Posted at 21:52h, 01 OctoberInspired choices – both patterns – for that beautiful fabric. And you look classic and chic in both styles!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:24h, 02 OctoberHi Karen! Thank you so much. The fabric is sold in different colors and I am so tempted………… 😉
Carolyn Castino
Posted at 23:18h, 01 OctoberThank 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 OctoberThank 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 OctoberBoth 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 OctoberLucy, 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 OctoberWhat 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 OctoberMany 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 OctoberLove, both!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:15h, 02 OctoberThank you, Becky!!
Amanda S.
Posted at 10:05h, 02 OctoberI like them both! Very lux looking!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:16h, 02 OctoberMany thanks, Amanda 🙂
Ginger Lane
Posted at 15:36h, 02 OctoberSarah thank you for sharing your designs, fabrics, and sewist info – such an inspiration! Ginger in WV
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:17h, 02 OctoberIt’s my pleasure, Ginger! Thank you so much for following along 😉
Julie Zammarchi
Posted at 09:48h, 03 OctoberHi 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 OctoberJulie,
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 OctoberOnce 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 OctoberYou 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 OctoberFor the first time ever, I bought the fabric and the pattern. I want this jacket, too!
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Posted at 17:17h, 15 October[…] Day 7 – Goodbye Valentino […]
Mary
Posted at 17:15h, 16 OctoberLove 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 OctoberMary,
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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Posted at 13:17h, 14 December[…] might remember this fabric from our Fall Style Tour—Sarah of Goodbye Valentino wowed us with two amazing garments in this gorgeous boucle. Check out her post […]
Mary Winningham
Posted at 19:29h, 22 JanuaryYour making me interested in sewing again. Can’t wait to hear more about the Pfaff Creative Icon.