It’s another bumper two for the price of one post today after another longish gap. Sorry, I’m rubbish. Life and work are really hectic at the moment so I haven’t been finding the time and energy to blog or even sew much to be honest. I’m having a bit of a knitting phase at the moment instead. I’m about half way through the body of this jumper but without stripes.
Today’s post is about sewing though. I took these photos over a month ago now, I went for a dog walk with my mum and we stopped for photos whenever we thought the backdrop looked autumnal and pretty.
New Look 6096
First we have New Look 6096. I’ve made this as a maxi dress before for myself and as a short version for my Nan. My maxi dress gets worn a lot in the spring and summer so I’ve wanted a shorter version for a while but I finally got round to it (umm, in August).
I didn’t really change anything from the first time I made it for myself and it’s a straight size 10 but shortened slightly (perhaps a little too much). I mostly used French seams except for a couple that I overlocked.
There’s not a lot to say about the dress as it’s pretty simple so this is probably going to be a more photos than text kinda post. Especially as I’m full of cold so my brain is a bit fuzzy and I’m not so hot with the words.
The details
Pattern: New Look 6096 View A
Measurements: I haven’t checked these in a while so they may not be entirely accurate as I’ve been digging into the office treats with abandon but last time I checked they were: Bust – 38″ Waist 30.5″ Hips 39″
Size made: 10
Alterations: I took quite a bit off the length but I couldn’t tell you how much sorry, probably at least 4″ though.
Fabric used: 2m of 150cm wide viscose (but only just, there’s a bit of selvedge in the skirt seam)
Another version?
Probably yep, unless I’m forever distracted by the new and the shiny.
Any changes next time?
I might try to narrow the neckline and bring the shoulders in a bit, they sit quite wide at the moment.
Final Thoughts
It’s a comfy dress and I like it even though it makes me look a little bit pregnant.
Seamwork Oslo Cardigan
I’ve had a Seamwork subscription for aaages and I made the Manfriend a Paxson sweater last Christmas but this is the first of their patterns I’ve got round to making for myself. It’s a bit of a funny one because I’ve worn it loads since I made it but I’m still not sure how much I actually like it.
I love the colour of the fabric I used. It’s a polyester sweater knit kinda thing and it’s soft and lovely. It dries really quickly too which is good during winter when it’s difficult to get washing dry.
Being a Seamwork pattern, it was a nice speedy sew, almost entirely sewn on the overlocker. I did have to go over a couple of bits again though where I’d cut my notches a bit too big so I had teeny holes – I need to be more careful with notches.
The details
Pattern: Seamwork magazine Oslo cardigan
Measurements: Bust – 38″ Waist 30.5″ Hips 39″
Size made: Small for shoulders, armhole, sleeves, and collar grading out to a Medium from the bust down.
Alterations: I shortened the cuffs by about 3″
Fabric used: Just shy of 2 metres of 150cm wide “wool type knit” from the Textile Centre.
Another version?
Yes I think so, unless I find a different cardigan I like more.
Any changes next time?
Yes, I’m going to size down I think.
Any tips or advice
There is an error in the instructions for the cuffs (at least there is in my version, I don’t know if it’s since been corrected). It says to match the short edges of the cuffs and stitch but it is the long edge you need to stitch. That one had me second guessing myself for a while. Especially as I had shortened the cuffs so the long and short sides weren’t that different.
They say to go for the size up if you’re in between sizes but I think I’d probably say the opposite. My measurements put me at the upper end of the medium and I could quite happily wear the small. But then I suppose that depends on the look you’re after, I like big and cosy but don’t want to feel swamped in fabric.
Non-clueless versions:
- Melissa of Fehr Trade’s black wool Oslo
- Lori from Girls in the Garden’s version
- Sarah from Thread Paper Paint’s mustard Oslo
Final Thoughts
I reach for my Oslo all the time so I must like it, I think it’s just slightly baggier than all the cardigans I’ve ever bought myself so it feels not quite right. Looking at the RTW cardi I have on right now I think it might be the fit of the sleeves that bother me as most of my shop bought cardigans are definitely slimmer fitting on the arms.
Have you ever finished something and not been sure if you actually like it or am I being a weirdo?
I absolutely love these two pieces! The dress seems to be the kind that you can easily wear in summer and winter with tights. So pretty, and I think it is actually very flattering on you. I also love the cardigan! I have been wanting to sew it for a while and I think I will give it a try now! I may make the sleeves a little narrower on your suggestion. Yours looks great!
Thanks Anya. The dress is definitely a good all rounder, I think the dark pink roses help. Looking forward to seeing your Oslo.
These both look great on you but I know what you mean; I’ve got a couple of things I wear because they’re so comfy but if I catch myself in the mirror I ask myself what I’m doing! Some days comfort just has to top style eh? That said, neither of these two pieces should fall into that category; the colour of that cardi is spot on!
Thanks lovely. Cozy and comfy seems to top style for me most of the time at the moment, I just want to wrap myself in big squishy things (and then bake once I get to the office…) It’s a gorgeous colour isn’t it? I love green.
I love your dress, the fabric is lovely and really suits you. The cardi is a fab colour and looks very cozy.
Thanks Lynsey, it is soo cozy and I totally see green as a neutral so I’ve practically lived in it.
I’ve got many clothes like that… you just keep grabbing them but you’re not quite sure what’s up they fit but just don’t sit right but you wear them anyway.
awesome dress and cardigan…. I have that cardigan on my list to make eventually.
Exactly! I made my mum an Oslo for Christmas and the sleeves are fitted on here and it looks much nicer so I think it must be that that bothers me about mine.