//THE WARDROBE PROJECT//

Hello lovely readers! I've been thinking about sewing patterns and my wardrobe lately. What makes a sewing pattern, a good pattern? On my opinion, one of the things that make a sewing pattern stand out is its diversity. Countless versions could be made out of this pattern and multiple fabrics would be appropriate to use. One such pattern I'm here to talk to you about today!

This is the newest pattern from Paprika patterns, the Opal Cardigan.

"The Opal Cardigan is perfect to throw on if you want to add more dimension to your outfit, or just to stay warm this winter. It’s even better for those days where you’re not sure you’ll need the extra layer since it’s so easy to throw on and off. It has a relaxed fit so you can wear it over anything if you need the extra layer. It’s just as easy to take off again since it has no buttons or buttonholes. This makes it a really quick sew as well, to be finished in just a few hours."

This pattern is really versatile! It has a dropped shoulder, three different hem lengths, two sleeve lengths and two different pockets, designed to fit both the shorter and longer versions. The front openings are finished with bands, as well as the sleeves, so no fussy buttonholes are needed!

You could use really any type of knit fabric you'd like and that will determine the overall look of your cardigan. Lisa has a blog post on the recommended fabrics for this pattern, as well as a 20% off from Gorgeous Fabrics on their sweater knits until March 15th with the code PARPIKA20.

For my version, I went with View C for the hem (the longer option) and View A for the sleeves (the longer option) and omitted the pockets, since I'm not really a fan. I cut a size B, without any modifications and the fit is perfect. For this one, I used a more drapey knit, to achieve a more relaxed look. I love the final look. I could throw this over anything and it would make for an interesting extra layer.

I can't recommend this pattern enough! The drafting is exceptional, the instructions are really clear and the possibilities are endless! I already have two more versions planned!

*Disclaimer: I received this pattern from Lisa for free to review. I was not paid to review this pattern and all the opinions are my own!*

Hello lovely readers! How is 2016 treating you so far? I feel like the first 15 days of 2016 for me, were all about re-organising, re-charging and basically everything that involves the prefix re- in. I even started reading this book, so I sense that a pretty big de-stashing of my house and wardrobe is coming soon. This month also has a lot of changes and late hours in my job, but also marks the beginning of the next level of my pattern drafting classes :D!

To be honest, I haven't even been nearly my sewing machine this month, but that's ok. I decided that this year is all about quality, over quantity, and I want to sew things that will be incorporated seamlessly with my current wardrobe and fit my lifestyle.

So, I thought I'd share with you some of my last 2015 makes. Starting with my Sydney jacket and Nettie combo.

Let me just start by saying this: WOW! This jacket is THE bomb! This is the Sydney jacket from Tessuti patterns.

"This oversized, draped jacket features a relaxed collar, back yoke, extended cropped raglan sleeves and side pockets. This jacket is ideal for layering over garments and is the perfect cover-up for the autumn/winter months"

I fell in love the instant I saw this pattern and every single version of this made me want to make one even more. I started with this idea of a grey felt wool jacket, but I didn't have enough yardage. So I moved to this heavy double-sided knit fabric I had in my stash, with the thought to become a cardigan. And let me tell ya, the perfect cozy jacket was born!

What I love about this pattern is that, basically, you can use whatever fabric doesn't fray when cutting it, which means you can achieve endless different versions. For mine, I cutted a size S, without any modification. I love the draped front and the side pockets make it a really practical jacket as well.

This is a fairly easy and quick make, since you don't have to finish any edges and with very clear instructions as well. At first you might be a little confused, since the pattern pieces fit together in an odd way, but in the end it all makes sense. Another lovely Tessuti pattern! I can surely see many more versions of this jacket in the future!

It's like wearing a big cozy blanket!

I've already made a couple of Nettie dresses, here and here , as well as some Nettie cropped tops, but I never made a Nettie bodysuit. So when I came across this lovely, soft striped cotton lycra at the fabric store, I knew the time had come to make one.

"The Nettie is a quick and easy to make wardrobe staple. Close fitting with high cut arms, she can be made into a knit dress OR a bodysuit. This pattern is infinitely customizable with a choice of 3 sleeve lengths, 2 neckline and 3 back variations."

I made a scoop front, high back version with long sleeves. I cutted a size 10, without any modifications, which worked out pretty well! What I like about this, is the low cut bum, which prevents unnecessary, annoying panty lines. I did use a snap crotch closure, for quicker bathroom runs!

I really love this pattern! The instructions are incredible clear that even an ambitious beginner could make this, the drafting is exceptional and the fit is spot on. I have to say: Hats off to Heather! Not only she created an exceptional pattern company, but her designs are modern, versatile and what a woman wants to actually wear. She always spots the gaps in the modern woman's wardrobe and delivers every time!