Overlooked pattern #1
Posted: March 22, 2020 Filed under: #Overlooked Patterns, Crochet, Independent Patterns, Stashbusting, Style Arc | Tags: #Overlooked Patterns, Crochet, Independent Patterns, Stashbusting, Style Arc 20 CommentsIn common with everyone else life here has been a bit frustrating of late. I’m finding it very difficult to settle to anything at the moment and as a result there’s really not a lot getting done. It’s taken a while to decide what pattern I’m going to start with – there were just so many patterns to choose from!
The eventual choice was the Style Arc Teddy Designer Pant. I’m very sorry but I’m afraid they really should be ‘pants’ and that will be how I refer to them. I think the first time I saw these made up was in Ann’s blog – The Compulsive Seamstress . This was back in March last year, so this is a fairly recently overlooked pattern by comparison with many I have. Back then I knew that I had some linen that would work beautifully for this pattern but I’ve dredged deeper into stash to find something I’m not feeling too precious about. I love the shape these trousers in principle ….. but I’m not certain how I will feel about wearing them.
The pattern has been traced, and the chosen fabric ironed. The fabric is a polyester lightweight suiting which was sold to me many years ago as Trevira. Judging from the way it has creased in storage it should take the front pleat creases well! I found a suitable zip, which I will shorten to the desired length, in stash and I know I have plenty of light grey thread and the required interfacing so I can crack on when I’m ready.
In addition to planning this (OK, it didn’t take too much planning once I’d chosen the pattern!) I have been learning a new skill. When the wonderful Fadanista came to visit Bewdley she was wearing the Stitch Diva Anais jacket. I had admired this previously from her blog posts so it was wonderful to see the actual garment.
I had no idea how Tunisian crochet was done – but isn’t that what the internet is for? Armed with the pattern and the online instructions I made a start. The yarn is Hayfield chunky with wool (80/20) and was very nice to work with. As I be no idea how well I would get on with this new technique I thought it wise to us a yarn that could take a bit of punishment! As it turned out this wasn’t quite as difficult as I expected and whilst I know that there are one or two imperfections no one is going to see unless I point them out.
This was an absolutely engrossing project – every spare moment I had I was hooking away like a demon! As it was chunky yarn it grew satisfyingly quickly too. I thoroughly enjoyed learning this, and now have a fabulously warm layer to wear when I can shed my winter coat but still need some help. Will I be making another? Erm…
Stay safe, and keep sewing!
Kim x
The Material Lady 
I can’t make my mind up about the wearability of these balloon shaped trousers, looking forward to your take on hem. That is one CUTE little cardy madam!
I thank you 🤗
😆😆😆
Love the colour!
Cardy or trousers. Or new yarn? All great in my opinion 😹
Oh! Sorry, was looking at that golden (?) yarn!
Yes, it is truly gorgeous. It’s so soft too!
What a lovely yellow!
Interesting thought about not wanting to use precious fabric right now. I’m thinking I need a really involved project that’ll last a good long while.
Yes, a complicated project to occupy time is always good. Also you get the benefit of something lovely at the end 😊
I’m often tempted by different sorts of ‘pants’ but I’m short and think maybe the wider ones suit longer legged ladies better. I did buy some RTW very wide legged but tight, high waisted ones in the summer and have yet to wear them.
You tempt me with your little jacket! I crochet but have never done the Tunisian type – is it very different?
I’m 5’4″ and hardly what could be described as willowy so we will see how these pants work out.
The jacket is fabulous – and Tunisian crochet is pretty easy to get a grip of if you have an understanding of crochet generally. The main difference is that you are using a book with a long tail for multiple stitches. Look it up on the Stitch Diva site – it’s not too scary 😁
and such a diva collar too! Will it go down or up? Maybe it depend son the occasion? I imagine it will work well both ways. I have been very tempted by the Teddy pants. I kind of like billowing trousers, but since I’m largish up top I worry there will be too much fabric generally. I do wear those self drafted linen-y jeans quite a lot and they’re hugely baggy, so maybe I shouldn’t worry.
Stay healthy dear Kim. I watch a Dr from Carlisle for the UK COVID-19 updates, he’s a gem and his info is very approachable and thorough. x
Thanks Lesley! The collar will work as required – and I agree it’s very Diva 😁.
I have the same concern about the trousers. I’m concerned that being busty and wearing them may just make me appear large all over. I love the design though so I’m giving it a go.
All well here, now on lockdown. Fortunately we crafters can occupy ourselves happily. Stay safe there too 😘
Oh how I agree with you about the pant. And the lip! Really? Such a pretension! I have to say that I just adore your Anais jacket. You have done a brilliant job and I love the red. It should be so useful as the weather warms up. Stay safe Kim!!
Thanks for letting me try yours on Sue! I really enjoyed making this, and I NEED my yellow one 😂.
The ‘pants’ are cut out and ready to go but it’s sunny so the garden is taking my attention for now. It’s a safe space and while the weather is good I’m making the most of it – we don’t get enough sun!
Ooh that’s a pretty cardi.
Thank you! It was surprisingly good fun to make.
Beautiful cardigan, very opera (sophisticated). And I love the new yarn. Look forward to your update.
Thanks! The second is well on its way 😁
Beautiful cardigan and I do like the little cropped shirt design!
Thanks Alison. I’m hoping to get back to sewing for me again soon and may well make this shirt.