WBM half zippered sweater and sweatpants

 

I recently tested for Wardrobe by me's half zippered sweater and sweatpants and halfway through the testing, I caught the covid virus and was practically down for 11 days or so. Thankfully, during the really feverish period of the illness, I was able to recover in comfort wearing this. 

In fact, I think I lived in this exact combi of top and bottoms for about 3 days... oops. 

I don't own a lot of cold weather clothes so this test came just at the right time. I love the fit of this. The ease is perfect for lounging around. And that inseam length for the shorts is really great - not too short and not very long either. 

This was the first time I attempted a half zippered pattern. I took my time with the zipper application and I'm really proud to say that I managed to do this on my first try! The key is to go slow, pin pin pin and use the correct zipper foot! I'm usually a clips-person but for this, I really pinned the entire length of the zipper down and took my time. 

The hardest part was probably aligning this such that when the zipper is fully zipped, the necklines are aligned. Again, this is where pinning a lot helps!

I used a plastic zipper with a fancy zipper pull and I saw others use metal ones too. I think the choice of the zipper can greatly change the look and feel of the sweater so do play around with the combination and have fun! 

When I finally recovered from Covid - which was after the release of the half zippered sweater, I also went ahead to make my second pair of the sweatpants. This time in full sweatpants length but in ottoman knit and hemmed without elastic so that I can make secret pajamas.

And secret pajama pants they are indeed. Here's the pants paired with my Mirri top and I think the combi is definitely suitable for work! 

This is my first time working with ottoman knit fabric and one thing I realise about it is that it can be quite drapey! I am thinking of what else I can make with these lovely knit fabric that's so easy to work with. 

My favorite part about this pants pattern are the way the pockets are constructed. I love that the construction meant that the pockets stay put and will not be pulled out easily. The pocket opening also looks really nice and neat. 

Half zippered sweater link

Sweatpants link

IVL Hecho Dotty Jacket

I just love my new jacket. It's giving me a very couture vibe. This is the Dotty jacket by ivl_hecho and it features a tailored and cropped bodice with set in sleeves that are contoured to fit - they come in 2 pieces! 

The jacket is fully lined so technically, you can make the jacket reversible - I didn't cos I chose to line this with voile in a colorful print. 

The pattern has 2 different sleeve lengths, full and 3/4 length and patch pockets (which I omitted) and also an option to make it sporty with a zipper closure. 

The Jacquard I used had lovely raised designs which I loved and the white made the jacket really classy. One thing to note though - jacquard frays like crazy! I had to serge all the edges to keep it from disintegrating as I sew! 

All worth it though. Don't you think? I added a rose brooch which belonged to my mum and I think it fits really nice too! I like how I can wear this with a fitted dress or a pants/ top and both will look elegant and professional. The addition of the brooch also helped elevate the outfit. 

If I were to make it again, I will prob hack a pocket along the contour seam on the inside of the jacket. That would be such a lovely detail! 

Here's the direct link to the pattern:

https://www.ivlhechoconamor.com/listing/1182355030/women-short-jacket-sewing-pattern-short

Designer Stitch Cherish Wrap Dress

 

Designer Stitch Cherish Wrap Dress

I was happy to be back testing for Designer Stitch. So far the patterns she has are really flattering on me and I know my adjustments for her block which makes it so much easier to make new patterns of hers knowing exactly what I need to do to make the dresses I sew from her patterns fit me. 

Just look at the back of that dress! 

Now this Cherish Wrap dress is a true wrap dress and what that means is that technically I can gain some weight or lose some and it will still fit me. That said, we all know the worry when it comes to wrap dresses - does it fly open and reveal your legs? 

Well, I'm happy to report that this wrap keeps you covered well even on windy days! 

Here's a close up look of the wrap. there's a small opening on the side for the wrap ties to go around ur body and it is long enough for me to tie a pretty bow or even go 2 rounds if I wish. In this closeup, I wrapped it a little lower - great for date nights! While, in the photos I took outdoors, you can see that I wrapped it a little higher cos running around with children means I rather be sure that I will not reveal too much when doing mummy things. 

You can't really see it here - I blame it on my choice of fabric print, but the skirt is actually pleated and darted! That helps with the shaping alot and you can see how it really wraps ard beautifully. This version I made is with Rayon Spandex - I forgot from where since I have had this fabric in my stash for a while now - I guess I meant it for Cherish and just didn't know it till now! 

The actual dress pattern has sleeveless and also sleeved options. The sleeved options include short, 3/4 and long. The dress length I selected was the longer version and there is also a slightly shorter one for those who prefer it above the knee. 

I also saw a tester who did a top version which was SO CUTE. 

Thank you for reading my review of the dress. If you would like to purchase it with my aff link it is here below:

https://designerstitch.com/shop/cherish-wrap-dress/?affiliates=227