The Pianoforte Jumper: A Versatile Wardrobe Staple

If you're searching for a sewing project that’s both stylish and practical, the Pianoforte Jumper from Love Notions is the perfect pattern for you! Recently, I made this jumper, and I can’t wait to share all the details with you—from fabric recommendations to styling tips and sewing suggestions.

Who Is It For?

The Pianoforte Jumper is perfect for anyone who loves comfortable, stylish, and versatile clothing. Its relaxed fit suits a range of body types, and the pattern’s simplicity makes it a great project for beginner sewists or those looking for a quick, satisfying make.

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Two Timeless Styles

The Pianoforte Jumper pattern offers two distinct styles to suit your mood or wardrobe needs.

1. Classic Jumper with V-Neck and  Pockets:
   This version has a flattering V-neckline and practical big  pockets, making it ideal for layering over turtlenecks, long-sleeve tops, or lightweight sweaters. It’s perfect for a casual, everyday look while offering functionality and comfort.

2. Classic Jumper with V-Neck , Pockets and Zipper:
   This variation allows you to slip in and out even easier and show case a great zipper and your awesome zipper insertion techniques!!

Fabric Recommendations

Fabric choice is essential for achieving the desired look and feel of your Pianoforte Jumper. Here are some great fabric options:

• Cotton Twill: This medium-weight fabric works wonderfully for structure and durability. The floral version you see in the photos is made using cotton twill from Minerva Fabrics—a stunning choice that adds a playful touch to the design.
• Corduroy: Perfect for cooler weather, corduroy offers warmth and a lovely texture.
• Linen Blends: These provide a softer, more drapey effect, ideal for warmer months or a relaxed, casual aesthetic.
• Denim: Lightweight or medium-weight denim gives the jumper a timeless, classic look.
• Canvas: For a sturdy, utility-style jumper, canvas works beautifully.

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Styling Tips

The Pianoforte Jumper is incredibly versatile, and you can style it for different occasions:

• For Work: Layer it over a crisp button-down shirt and add a belt for a structured look. Pair with tights and loafers for office-friendly attire.
• Casual Outings: Throw it on over a striped turtleneck with sneakers or ankle boots for a laid-back, chic outfit.
• Seasonal Adjustments: In colder weather, layer it with thick knitwear or thermal tops underneath, and add cozy tights or leggings. For spring and summer, - definitely up my street is to go sleeveless with a tank top or lightweight blouse underneath 
  
  
  

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Sewing Suggestions

The Pianoforte Jumper is a beginner-friendly pattern, and here are some tips for sewing it:

• Facings: Ensure the facings are neatly understitched to prevent them from flipping out. Press them thoroughly for a professional finish.
• Fabric Preparation: Pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage, especially with cotton or linen.
• Notches :  Do not skip them! They will make your work look even better with  symmetry and great sewing lines.

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Adjustments for Fit

The pattern is designed to fit a variety of body shapes, but you might need adjustments if:

•  Fuller Bust:  This pattern already comes with a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) 
• You Carry Weight in Your Midsection: Grade the pattern out at the waist and hips to accommodate a larger belly or create a looser fit.
• Length Adjustments: The Pianoforte fits above the knee, so shorten or lengthen the hem depending on your height and preferred look.

Remember to make a muslin first to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.

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 Sale and Discount

Ready to sew your own Pianoforte Jumper? Now is the perfect time! The pattern is currently on sale, and with my exclusive code:  AUTUMN you’ll get an extra 10% off. Don’t miss this opportunity to create your own unique jumper!

Here is the link to the pattern : https://www.lovenotions.com/product/pianoforte-jumper?affiliates=493 

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The Pianoforte Jumper is a delightful project that offers endless possibilities for personalization and styling. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift, it’s sure to become a wardrobe favorite. Happy sewing!

Green Glam: Three Stunning Garments to Sew in Gorgeous Green Fabric!

 Hey everyone!

I recently added the gorgeous Chorus Top and Dress to my wardrobe, and I am thrilled with it! Check out the pictures to see how it looks on me – I'm absolutely loving it!

Highlights of the Chorus Top :

The top boasts a stunning draped neckline that brings a touch of elegance to any outfit. I chose to make mine with 3/4 sleeves to give it a slightly more formal look suitable for work. The 3/4 length is not only comfortable but also versatile, making it perfect for layering or wearing solo.

This top has a beautifully flattering fit, contouring gently without being too tight. The original pattern includes a side seam split for extra room around the hips, but I opted to skip this detail. For my fit, I made a sway back adjustment by sewing a center back seam, which isn’t in the original pattern but worked perfectly for me.

I love how versatile the top is , as I can wear it on the outside or inside.

You see how different it looks each way?!

I used the ITY Silky Stretch Knit Fabric for this project in spearmint , and it turned out fantastic. This fabric has the ideal drape for the deep front drape version I chose, along with a regular back with facing. The fabric’s softness and silkiness make it a joy to sew with and wear.

Highlights of the Chorus Dress 1:

I made my dress using double brushed poly .

This dress used the shallow front drape and regular bodice back. 

I also used the split sleeves option for this style.

The double brushed poly had just the right amount of drape to make this dress special.

The fabric is lightweight enough to just float on the body. 

This version is perfect for my casual occasions. 

Highlights of the Chorus Dress 2 :

My third sew is with Stretch crepe, a more stable fabric but still light enough to give some amount of drape to the shallow front neckline. I also used 3/4 sleeves, but this was from an earlier version of the sewing process, the sleeves have been adjusted to be a bit closer before pattern release. None the less, I wore my dress out and got so many compliments.  I love that the dress is unlined making it cooler in this heat and the fact that it is such an easy sew for all sewing levels. 

The elastic band waist is an easy technique and is easily customizable.

I highly recommend the Chorus Top for anyone looking to add a stylish and comfortable piece to their wardrobe. This pattern is a  winner!
You can find the pattern here to see all the other style features included in this pattern https://www.lovenotions.com/product/chorus-top-and-dress?affiliates=493

If you use code BESTSUMMER you can get an an extra 10% discount on this pattern even when it is not on sale.

 

Happy sewing and styling! 🌟

#Fashion #Sewing #ChorusTop #ITYKnit #WardrobeEssentials

LOVE NOTIONS AURORA DRESS : SWAYBACK ADUSTMENT FOR A DRESS WITH DARTS AND NO CENTRE BACK SEAM

 

Today I am sharing with you the newest pattern by Love Notions called the Aurora Dress.

This pattern also comes in a tunic length and it is truly a beautiful pattern.

The pattern is quite easy to sew and you will love the outcome.

But one adjustment I had to make was a swayback adjustment and I thought I would share the process I used with you.

If you love the pattern you can get an additional 10% off even on a sale price using code NEWSTART

The pattern comes with great features : 

 So here are the steps to be done on the paper pattern for the swayback. 

Step 1:

Divide the amount that you  need to adjust by in 2 . My sway back is extreme - like 2 " and so I had to make a 1" adjustment on the bodice and another 1" on the skirt.

Step 1:

Using a fabric marker draw a straight line from your 1" mark to end at the bodice hemline, stopping  at the base of the first dart leg

Step 3:

Cut the paper pattern along the marked line 

Step 4 : Use the paper pattern to cut out your fabric which will look like this. 

Your adjusted paper pattern is now ready, the following steps are on your fabric. 

Step 5 : Sew your darts as per the pattern instructions. Pin the bodice and skirt back pieces  right sides together.

Step 6 : 

Sew the bodice and skirt together. 

Continue making the dress as per the pattern instructions.

The dress is really cute and the the pocket style really elevates the dress. Here is a picture of how to attach the pockets to the dress.

I hope you enjoy making your dress. Happy Sewing!!

You can follow me on Instagram for more sewing

 https://www.instagram.com/sewhoneydesigns/

Debbie

MAKE MORE PANTS!! THE DUET TROUSERS BY LOVE NOTIONS

 I am slowly conquering my fear of pants.  

Here is a video of me wearing my latest make the Duet Trousers by Love Notions 

The Duet Trousers by  Love Notions   has given me the superpower to make more of these comfortable trousers. The pattern has a large size range  so everyone can enjoy making pants

What is great about the pattern is that you can make it in both knit and woven. Here are some of the great features on the pattern cover sheet. 

The pant fitting workbook is a gold mine of information to help with all your pant fitting needs. This is a free workbook included with the pattern.

I made my version out of suiting fabric and it is now a staple workwear.  This is the straight-leg style. 

The curved waistband gives me a much better fit and did I mention it has pockets ?!

I enjoyed inserting the invisible zipper - which is only required for the woven version. Do not stop reading because you realize it has a zipper!  Invisible zippers are actually way easier to install than regular zippers. 

But if you feel that this sew may be something you cannot achieve alone, no worries! To help you along,  the Duet Trouser also has a sewing course that you can purchase from the website.  

You can get at a 10% discount using the code found HERE. This discount code applies to all patterns on the Love Notions site even if it is on sale. 

I hope you enjoy making your Duets and please come on over to the Facebook group if you are not already a part and share your sewing journey and successes.

Happy Sewing! 

MARGOT BY LOVE NOTIONS - PATTERN REVIEW AND DISCOUNT CODE

 Today I am featuring the Margot by Love Notions Patterns.

It is the Feature Friday pattern for today March 17, 2023, this means you get the pattern for $5 today!

It is a beautiful simple top for any occasion and I would love it if you would give it a try. You get an extra discount at any time - even on the sale price if you use this link - https://www.lovenotions.com/product/ladies-margot-peplum-top?affiliates=493

The pattern comes with three skirt options and is easily paired with skirts from other Love Notions patterns. I choose to make the swing skirt for my version.

There are also 2 bodice styles, I made the solid bodice but if you love to colour block the princess seams, this top will give you the opportunity to do that. 

Then there are the sleeve lengths - one for all seasons. I am wearing elbow-length sleeves but it also comes in short, 3/4, and long. 

This is perfect for work but I am sure will also look but if great as a casual top too. This is a version I made last year and love it. 

Check out my twirl video of this floral black and grey top

 here on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp5LIuFOl7j/  or watch it below :

and for an earlier version I made here with short sleeves and the gathered skirt option- 

SWAYBACK ADJUSTMENT ON THE STITCH UPON A TIME RAYE RAGLAN TOP AND DRESS

 Hi Everyone, 

Today I am sharing a new pattern with you.

It is the Raye  Raglan Top and dress by Stitch Upon a Time.

This pattern comes with several sleeves, necklines, top and dress lengths that you can mix and match. 

Today I am going to show you how I do a swayback adjustment on my Raye top by SUAT.

Now you may be wondering what is a sway back adjustment and I will explain it with the photo below.

Thanks to tester Emily for allowing me to use her photo as an example. 

In this photo, you will notice that the fabric has pooled above the hip and in the waist area. 

Now a swayback is basically that curve in the small of your back and it causes the fabric to pool or sit in that curved area. This shape may be due to posture or just be naturally how you are shaped.

This sometimes causes your clothing not to sit nicely and results in the fabric pooling or folding in the small of your back. 

For this reason, I tend to always add a centre back seam to dresses and tops that do not already have one so that I can perfect the fit to my body.  

Sometimes the dress already has a centre back seam and I still need to curve that seam a bit more to get a proper fit. 

This pattern adjustment is quite simple and you will be happy with the outcome. 

METHODS OF ADJUSTING FOR SWAYBACK :

Method 1: You can sew up a muslin and then pinch out the extra fabric and measure it to see how much your adjustment needs to be. Once you have found out how much you will need to adjust, you can follow the adjustment steps below to make the adjustment. 

Method 2: Measuring your body and adjusting the pattern  - You could also be like me and take a shortcut route and measure your body, but you will need the help of someone else to take the measurements for you. I will be using this illustration to guide the measurement process. To take the measurements you will need :

- long hard ruler 

- measurement tape

- paper and pen to write down your measurements

Referring to the image above - 

BLUE LINE - this represents the long (hard ruler )- the person who is measuring you will place the ruler along your back. (No measurement will be recorded for this step). 

RED LINE - Your side waist measurement - measure from right above the bust (i.e where your armpit ends)  to your natural waist.  It is recommended to tie a string or piece of elastic around your waist to be sure where your natural waist falls. The elastic or string will usually settle at the narrowest part of your waist. 

You could also lean over sideways and mark that crease at your side seam to find your natural waist. 

Record this measurement from the armpit to the natural waist. 

GREEN LINE - locate where your back curves or  "sinks in" the most. This could be your natural waist or where your side seam ends. Once you determine this section on your body, measure out to the blue line.  In other words, you are finding the distance between your back and the blue line. This figure is the amount you will be adjusting your pattern piece so be sure to measure accurately. 

Record this measurement. 

In my case, the green line is 2" and my side seam is 9".

Now let us go to the pattern pieces.

ADJUSTING THE BACK BODICE PATTERN

Take your back pattern piece and measure from the underarm area to the length of your side waist measurement.  Square across on your pattern piece at the side seam measurement. 

Next cut alongside the waist measurement line (red line) leaving about a 1/2" left so that the pattern piece will stay together i.e you are not cutting all the way through the paper.

Divide the green line measurement  (i.e the amount of your sway back measurement)  into 2. In my example  2 / 2 = 1". I will mark 1" above and below the cut pattern piece. 

Overlap your 1" mark at the top so that the marked 1"  lines sit on top of each other.  

Tape or glue your paper together. 

You will end up with a funny-looking back bodice but it will work out in the end!

 You will need to cut out two mirrored back pieces instead of one piece on the fold. 

Because you are now cutting two back pieces, you will need to add back the seam allowance to  back bodice pieces. You can either add it to the paper pattern or like me just cut out the extra amount while you are cutting out the back pieces.

 

Pin your back bodice pieces together and sew.

Continue with the shirt or dress construction as given in the pattern instructions. 

Here is the end result of the top version after the swayback adjustment. 

And one of the features I really love about this pattern is the gathered raglan sleeve. 

The pattern also comes with several other sleeve and neck options which you can view here.