Hello!  Long time no see…I’ve been hanging out over on Instagram, but it’s nice to post here very now and then too.

A while back the folks at The Fabric Store offered to send me some of their fabrics- it was such a  nice coincidence because I was JUST stalking their merino jerseys a few days before!  I’ve been wanting to move to more long lasting, hard wearing fabric for my tees and such, and wool seems like a great choice.  I also got some of their silk crepe de chine, because I had been dying to sew up a Ogden Cami (pattern from True Bias). This fabric is lovely and a perfect fit for this pattern.  The fit was spot on without any changes, and the only thing I would do next time (because there will be a next time!!) is lengthen the partial lining by 1/2 inch or so….it hit me at an awkward spot so I took the hem out and serged the edge instead to gain a little extra length.  If your fabric is more sheer you can easily do a full lining as well!

I have been living in my sleeveless Grainline Hemlock Tees for years now, and they are all starting to look a bit ratty- so I sewed up this one in a great camel colored merino jersey.  It feels great and looks a little nicer than a cotton tee I think! Next up is another Grainline make, the Driftless Cardigan…this pattern didn’t jump out at me when it was first released but now that I’ve made one, I pretty much live in it!  This merino jersey is a perfect match for the pattern…It is a nice weight, providing warmth without being bulky.  I think I need another one in grey!  

All of these fabrics are available from The Fabric Store- the premium merinos are available both in the online store at $38.00NZD per meter and also in the Los Angeles physical store for $25.00USD per yard.  They have free shipping over $150NZD and my fabric arrived so fast- just a few days!