This is the first time I have made the Esme with sleeves. The only pattern alteration I made was to lengthen the body by 5cm, the same as my previous versions, see blog post here and here. This length is much more flattering on my figure.
I like the bottom coverage at the back. The fabric is a deluxe ponte from Spotlight in a lovely fushia pink. I am continually tweaking the Elle pants pattern trying to achieve that elusive perfect fit. I still seem to have far too many wrinkles, but maybe this is the nature of slim pants? Fabric used was denim blue stretch bengaline from Style Arc. They have the best bengaline...great quality.
As instructed, I pressed the seams open and top stitched them down. I like the subtle interest this gives the top. The collar is my favourite feature and it turns out so beautifully, especially when cut on the bias.
This pattern is drafted very well, and everything turns out so neat. I must say I prefer the sleeveless version. I think it works better. The addition of the sleeves creates extra fabric folds at the underarm/bust area which just don't look quite right. Despite this, I have worn this top many times since completion back in May (you may have seen a sneak peak during Me Made May) and it works equally well with long pants or a slim skirt.
The top stitching down the side seams continues down the side split and across the deep hem and back up the other side.
Even though I love the collar on this top, I would like to make the collar less version so I can accessorise with a scarf or long beads. The collar limits how you can accessorise.
Two garments that have already seen a lot of wear in my wardrobe already.
Happy Sewing
These are both really classic makes with that fine detail which keeps them interesting - something I think StyleArc excels at. You've done a beautiful job. I especially love the colour of the tee.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are another Style Arc fan, Siobhan. Thanks for your lovely comment.
DeleteSimple but with interesting lines! That is also why I like StylArc. So great that you wear and enjoy this makes.
ReplyDeleteI find Style Arcs designs are very wearable and fit into my lifestyle easily. I do like to sew garments that I will wear a lot rather than just clutter up the wardrobe. Thank you Camelia.
DeleteI think all drop shoulder seams add bulk. But the top still looks great, and very wearable. And I agree, all slim pants tend to wrinkle more down the legs - I think it is quite unavoidable. I study the back views of slim young girls with slim jeans on (sewing research only!) and certainly wrinkles feature!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah Liz, I agree with all your comments.
DeleteGreat outfit: love all the topstitching detail on the top and I think the pants look great. I am trying to make a pair of slim chino style pants using a simplicity pattern: not as easy as it looks!
ReplyDeleteThank you Manju. Good luck with your slim pants.
DeleteGreat outfit, that pink is such a nice colour on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Marianne, I do feel good in that colour.
DeleteWhat a beautiful Esme - your collar looks impeccable, and I love the longer length. The pants look to fit you really well... I think it's pretty hard to eliminate all wrinkles unless you don't plan to walk, and the wrinkles at the back all look pretty small.
ReplyDeleteCan I ask you about the stylearc bengaline? I made pants using some bengaline (not theirs) recently and was surprised at how noisy it was - is the stylearc bengaline noisy? Thanks in advance!
Thank you for your lovely comment Gabrielle. I have bought quite a lot of stretch bengaline from Style Arc and I have always been very pleased with the quality. I have never noticed it being noisy at all.
DeleteLove your outfit! You look great in fuchsia pink. You did a neat job in your top and the pants too :)
ReplyDeleteThankyou for your kind words Hana.
DeleteSuch a nice outfit and well fitting as usual. The collar is unique but I agree that it would be hard to accessorise (Well I know that's spelled wrong but I can't come up with the correct spelling ).
ReplyDeleteThank you Diana.
DeleteYour pants look great - I've come to the conclusion that it is nigh on impossible to get rid of every wrinkle in pants. So much depends on the fabric you are using, anyway. And I agree Style Arc bengaline is the goods.
ReplyDeleteThank you Paola. Style Arc do manage to source the best stretch bengaline.
DeleteFushia is a gorgeous colour on you and I love the collar on your Esme. Oh pants, Like Paola said I don't think you can get rid of every wrinkle however the Elle pants look very good on you.
ReplyDeleteI do love that pink and the collar is the best feature of the Esme. Thanks for the lovely comment Sharon.
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