Now that the storm of opening the shop has passed, the LSABLOGSQUAD is back up and running and the lovely Stef from StefMakes has made a Tilly and the Button Nora top from our Monochrome striped textured ponte. Here she reviews the pattern as well as talking about taking a break from sewing.
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Life got busy and I’ve been a little quiet for a while. I learnt that I can’t do ALL of the things ALL of the time, so took my foot off the social media/blog post gas for a bit in a bid to find a better balance. That’s not to say I haven’t been sewing; I have, just not as much. And it’s quite true what they say, distance definitely does make the heart grow fonder. I’ve been itching to get back to the blog and share the things I’ve been working on.
So here I am, making a brief come back with a quick post on a super cosy and very happy little make: my brand new Nora sweater!
The pattern…
Nora is a great beginner jersey pattern and Tilly has nailed it again with another staple wardrobe item. The construction itself is relatively simple. I made a half size between the 3 and 4, to suit my measurements. The finished sweater came up pretty baggy but I think it works with the style. The only adjustment I made was to remove some length from the sleeves and the lower hems. I made the stepped hem variation so that it is longer at the back than the front and, from memory, I took around 7cm off. Similarly with the sleeves, I took another good chunk off, which I did by eye following a first fitting. I used a 4cm hem all round instead of the recommended 7cm.
The fabric…
This gorgeous fabric is the Monochrome Textured Ponte Roma from Like Sew Amazing and it is an absolute gem to sew with. It is a classic Ponte in that the stretch is minimal however, it is just the job for a pattern like Nora and, due to its stability, is a breeze to sew with. It is also extremely soft and super cosy to wear. This top definitely qualifies for secret pyjamas!
The texture makes it a little different from your standard stripy fabric and can either be dressed up or dressed down for any occasion. As a serial stripe sewer, I rose to the pattern matching occasion (why do I do it to myself!?), as well as using the stripes as fold lines to get a clean finish on the hems and neck band. I even made sure that my stitching was within the black stripes so that the thread was less visible.
A final note…
I absolutely loved making Nora! It was a quick, simple project and a thoroughly enjoyable make. Every now and then it is great to pick a non-taxing project to get back in the groove and take the time to just enjoy the process. And that is exactly what I did.
For me, handmade clothes always prompt association of where I was when I was making or wearing the garment for the first time. Nora will not only be marking the jump back into blogging after a break, but also a special occasion for her first outing. I was a very lucky lady and was treated with a Birthday trip to the Royal Albert Hall last week to watch a matinee of classic show tunes performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and accompanying West End stars. It was a brilliant show and a perfect first outing for Nora!