Sewing for Me: Perfect Pattern Parcel #6

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I hadn’t consciously planned on three tours in a row, but I’ve noticed that these opportunities to try non-Japanese patterns give me the much needed push to get me out of my sewing comfort zone and try something new. And when you combine a good educational cause with a bundle of patterns I’m eager to try like this Perfect Pattern Parcel #6, it’s all kinds of goodness.

I’ve been part of the Pattern Parcel round-up before here and here and here, and though they’ve all been great, this collection of indie designs is particularly appealing to me and includes:

I, of course, erroneously thought I would be able to sew the Julia Cardigan, Bronte Top and the Hudson Pants by today. Oh, and I thought I’d throw in the Syrah skirt and Zsalya Dress with the extra time I would surely have. I really need to stop overestimating my time management skills.
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I managed two Julia cardigans, though, and I love them! I’m confident that if a fabric store carries a fabric in a indigo + grey combo, I will sniff it out like a police hound, hyperventilate happily and unfailingly leave the store with at least a couple of yards. This polyester blend sweater knit is so soft and I’m gaga over the stripes, naturally. I sewed the version with the collar facing, and the additional fabric is so cozy and ideal for fall. The stuff is actually quite clingy and prone to rolled edges, so it wasn’t the easiest fabric to sew, but I’m so pleased with the end result. I believe I got the fabric from here.
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I’m not sure why my lower body is always in focus when I set the camera up to focus on my upper body, but my boots are cute, and I bet I’ll figure it out one day. I sort of wish I hadn’t worn such a body-hugging cami, but I was rushing to get photos in the dying light so I didn’t put a lot of consideration into the styling.
Anyway. The grey knit is textured with a subtle lace-like pattern. Super drapey and unlike the sweater knit, very easy to sew. I got it from here, and the bolt didn’t have any content info, but I suspect there’s a little bit of rayon and a lot of cotton.
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Because of the fluidity of this knit and because I didn’t use the facing, the collar has more of a cascading effect, which I like. It makes it seem more flirty and fun. I had in mind a 3/4 sleeve version (the stripey one is the longest sleeve length, which I actually had to chop a couple of inches), but I didn’t have quite enough of the grey knit. I do like that the simple shortening of sleeve length imparts a completely different look.
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I love love love polka dots, but now I remember why I rarely wear this RTW top: it looks like I smuggled one of K’s garments and threatens to be midriff-baring. Hmmmm….maybe I can lengthen it with a contrasting knit.
At any rate, like all excellent patterns that are easy to make, I want to fill my closet with Julia Cardigans! These are certain to be go-to items in my wardrobe for daily wear. And I’ll eventually sew up all the other patterns too…or so I say. Let me work on that time management thing.
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So here we go. Details about the Pattern Parcel:

How Pattern Parcel Works
Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we’ve raised over $12,000 for classrooms in need!

Bonus Pattern
Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #6 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That’s only $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll. Vintage inspired silhouette is had two flattering necklines and a gorgeous skirt. The Odette Dress pattern goes from a size 4 through a 24!

Pattern Parcel #6: Choose your own price and support DonorsChoose. Win/win
Pattern Parcel #6: Choose your own price and support DonorsChoose. Win/win

20 thoughts on “Sewing for Me: Perfect Pattern Parcel #6

    1. 🙂 It’s the eternal optimist in me – “I’ll sew up five things in a day, no problemo!” Thanks for including me in the Parcel fun, Holli!

    1. Ha, I’m forever overestimating, Sara! I love my long-sleeved Julia Cardi! I wore it again today (with a much looser top) and my love has deepened. 🙂

  1. I got the parcel because I liked the cardigan, Bronte and Zsalya. I’m in the middle of moving so not getting to sew them anytime soon… all this temptation is making it hard!

    1. Good luck with your move, Em! We moved every year the first four years of K’s life, and it’s such a crazy, overwhelming endeavor! Now you have something to look forward to once you’re settled, though, so that’s always good 🙂

    1. I really think this is the best pattern parcel so far, Maria! I hope I get my sewing mojo revved to get the others sewn up — they seem like such great patterns!

  2. I have been tempted by this parcel! Your versions of the cardi are great, love that yours aren’t as fitted as some versions I have seen. And the figure hugging top is so great on you!

    1. Thanks, Ute! This is a good one for sure! And good point about the looser fit – I forgot to include what size I cut in the post. I wanted it to be roomy enough to allow for layering, so I cut out the large, even though the medium would have probably fit just fine. I’m glad I went with the large! Thanks also about the figure hugging top…I normally wear this tank under something that fully covers my body and had forgotten how self-conscious it makes me feel. Oh well.

  3. I love the blue gray cardie – I’m a sucker for stripes, and blue gray black indigo also. Re the blur – it looks like camera blur due to slowish shutter speed and movement – you’ve planted your feet – so your lower half looks solid, but you’ve shifted your head and shoulders while the photo is being taken – my guess is this was shot on a fifteenth of a sec or similar? You could check by looking at the image metadata. Sorry – I teach photography …

    1. You’re good, Jo! It was a tenth of a second with ISO640, f4. I need to take lessons from you! Do you offer long distance photography consulting? 😉 Thanks for the info, so helpful!

  4. I should have a closet FILLED with handmade garments instead of, you know, the 6 that are there. ha. I understand the overestimation of time management. I bought the Julia Cardigan this fall with high hopes…I love yours! Perfect fall layering pieces. As always, you’re beautiful, Sanae!

    1. Aw, thanks Monica! The blurriness conveniently hides a multitude of skin issues I’m currently experiencing ;-). The Adirondack would make a perfect backdrop for the Julia Cardi… :-)!

  5. Ooh love your versions of Julia cardigan – especially the striped version . I am in the midst of kids clothes week – next week is my turn so this pattern collection will be on my list.

  6. such yummy coziness! cardigans become my fall/winter uniform around here, and these look like that they would fit the bill nicely. I really like the indigo striped fabric but also liked what you did with the cropped sleeves on the second one. Both great wardrobe additions!

    1. Thanks Jill!! This was such an easy and fun pattern, and I’ll slowly but surely make my way through all the other patterns too (I wish I had been able to get it all done while the tour is still going on – sorry!).

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