Love Notions Arlington Sweater

Hi Friends! It sure feels good to be back in some pattern tests and sewing up some wonderful clothing. I knew the minute I saw Tami post her idea for the Arlington Sweater, I needed it in my life. So let me show you why.

This pattern features three neckline options. With the choice between mock, turtle, and cowl you can pick your favorite or give in and make all three. You could also just calculate your own regular neckband and be good to go! I do love options. There are three length options as well ranging from high hip to just above knee length dress. While this pattern doesn’t include a tunic cut line, I plan to make one by just adding a few inches to the length of the top cut line. Honestly, it is a super quick fix if you are like me and prefer tunic length things. Here is the entire options chart.

  • 3 lengths: banded shirt, hip length shirt and above knee dress
  • 3 necklines: turtleneck, mock-neck and cowl
  • 5 sleeve options: short & long puff sleeves, long sleeve, bishop and elbow length sleeve
  • Full bust option
  • Sizing through 5x
  • Sway back stitch line included

I made two different dresses during test, but both are made from brushed poly. This pattern is designed to work with a variety of knit fabrics, so dig deep into those totes and find something lovely. You can use knits with 40% stretch so that can be a French Terry, Jersey blend, or sweater knits. Keep in mind a drapier fabric will create a lovely cowl or turtle neck, but a mock collar won’t stand up really well.

For my color blocked dress, I used a random 1 yard cut to make the cowl and the puff sleeves. This used almost the entire 1 yard cut so keep that in mind for when you have small cuts. I personally shop at Stitchin’ Pretties where you always get a bonus 1 yard coordinate if you order two consecutive yards. I believe that is where my polka dots came from. My black with the small floral print was from an auction destash box. My navy with the large red floral print is from The Fab Clique Fabric Shoppe and here is the link. I picked it up during one of their $4 Friday sales because I love a navy background!

The Arlington Sweater is now on sale for $9.00 as a newly released pattern. Now is your chance to save a few bucks and add this gorgeous pattern to your collection. I thank you for clicking my affiliate link.

Rapports: Are they plus size friendly?

Today I am doing a little experiment. I recently had the opportunity to sew up my first rapport, which happened to be from George and Ginger. I wanted to know if they were usable for a garment for a plus size body and I am now here to share it with you.

Additionally my video will show you exactly how to install the twist neck detail and facing! Trust me, it is very easy.

I put together a video to give you the deets and show you what I came up with.

Affiliate Links

George and Ginger Rapport Fabric

Vista Top and Dress

George and Ginger – Batwing Tunic

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na Batwing! For those keeping track that is the second time I have began a post here by saying that. I hope that is now stuck in your head because it has been stuck in mine for a few days now.

Bat Wings!!

I think it’s time to kick off Fall sewing season! I love fall and I love layers. I have written about that so many times here on the blog. Plus, this fall I am planning a geocaching road trip so that warrants a new wardrobe right? Even though it is still August and nearly 100* F outside, I am already wearing long sleeves to work so I don’t freeze to death!

This is the George and Ginger Batwing tunic. While this tunic is pretty awesome on its own, it also has a cardigan included in the pattern. It is like a 2 for 1 deal! This time, I only sewed the straight hem tunic version, but that cardigan is coming up soon so stay tuned! You could also make the included hi lo hem option! I really love pattern options!!

I have to admit, I have only sewn a few Batwing tops, but I feel like this one is my favorite. I really love that it has an overly slouchy fit and I already want another one. As I was figuring out which pattern I planned to use for this fabric, I knew I wanted something I could wear with jeans or dress pants, a skirt or even over a dress to mix up the look a little bit! I have been mentally thinking of garments which will be more versatile in my wardrobe. I have a lot of single purpose garments that don’t mix and match well with what I already have and I need to fix that. Which patterns are your favorites? LMK.

I used this midweight Black French Terry from Stitchin’ Pretties. It is fantastic, Friends! I love the weight and feel of it. I kinda need it in all the colors. I had a two yard cut of this and even though the Batwing Tunic directions said I would need 2.5 yards, it worked with my 2 yard cut! Success!!! In case you have been out of the loop for a long long time, SP still has their buy 2 continuous yards and get a surprise yard of fabric free! BONUS!

I made a few minor tweaks to my pattern. I am at the tippy top of George and Ginger’s “Old School” size chart so I added a little additional width across the belly and hip area. I didn’t want it to be fitted here since that was not the intended fit. For my next one, I will also add about .5 inch additional width around the cuff so it is slightly less snug on my forearms. The best part of sewing my own clothing is that I can made these adjustments and then the fit is spot on!

When I first became a tester at George and Ginger, I know I was going to have to expand my closet colors and prints because I am a floral girl at all times, so here we go…black. LOL I think the Batwing pairs perfectly with my Snakeskin pants! I made the pants too and they were actually the first episode of Refashion your Closet on my Youtube channel. You can watch as I make them here. (Please go show me some love, Friends!) That was a really fun make and I love the concept of the series. My plans for that series has been derailed by medical issues, but stay tuned! It is back in September!

With Spooky Season approaching now (It is Septemeber 1st, after all) is the time to get your fall sewing underway. I do suggest the George and Ginger Batwing pattern for you! Are you interested in a video on assembling this top or cardigan? I think that could be fun plus some plus size styling tips all in one video. Let me know as always. You can pick up the pattern here using my affiliate link. I can’t wait to see what you make!

Batwing Tunic and Cardigan

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