I got the chance to test the new Aspen pattern by Made for Mermaids last week, and I am so excited to share with you the two tops I made from the pattern. I have wanted to add some slouchy sweaters to my closet for fall, and this pattern was just perfect. For today’s post, I am going to review this pattern and chat with you about my current time management strategy.
The Pattern
The Aspen is a dolman top, tunic, or dress with a loose and relaxed fit. For sleeves, you can choose 3/4 sleeve with cuff, long sleeve with cuff or hem, or a long bell or bishop sleeve. The neckline can be low, high, or turtleneck. The bottom can be hemmed or banded.
I made two tops both with the high neck and banded bottoms. I cuffed the sleeves on my orange top and hemmed the long sleeves on my blue top. I used a blue rib knit from Sincerely Rylee and an orange rust jersey for my other top. Fabric choice will definitely affect how the top fits. My rib knit sweater feels looser and more sweater like, while the jersey one does not feel as loose and oversized. The jersey was a gift from a sweet friend of mine, Aimee!!
Size and Fit
I made a size grey for both tops. I chose the size to make based on my upper bust. My full bust and waist fit size pink, and since there is so much ease in the bust and waist, I did not grade out or do an FBA. My hips are 35, which fits in both size grey and pink, so I did not grade for them either.
The fit was spot on for me. I am so glad I made these tops because we have had really cold fall weather in the morning and evenings and HOT weather during the middle of the day. I have been wearing a tank top underneath and just taking my sweater on and off as the temperature fluctuates. Once winter is here, I will be able to layer a cardigan or jacket over!
Time Management
I am gravitating towards quick and easy projects lately. It gives me the satisfaction of sewing without hours and hours spent in the sewing room. Slowing down and taking time to rest is a good thing, and I have been trying to do a better job of balancing everything that I add to my plate.
Sewing is a HOBBY, and it is not fun for me if I take on projects that take more time in a day than I have. I have learned to jump on projects that make me feel good, that I know I will wear, and that I can make in an hour or two tops.
I LOVE to follow other seamstresses in the sewing community, especially on Instagram. I feel inspired and find out what patterns and fabrics are new and fun and that I may need. I also get a sense that sewing isn’t such a strange and solitary hobby. I had never met anyone who sewed until I joined the online sewing community!!
The downside to it, though, is that I can so easily fall into the comparison trap. Sometimes, I will see elaborate projects and feel like my twentieth pair of leggings or simple knit top just isn’t that exciting to show my friends. That is so silly, and I think it discourages beginners and those who seriously only have a few minutes of their day to dedicate to sewing. So, this post is to all my fellow friends who may be in a season of time crunch (hello, holidays looming around the corner!) – Make those things you will enjoy sewing and wearing and don’t get caught up in impressing others!
Complex projects can wait for when I have longer chunks of time and mental energy to give to them. Yes, it is still good to challenge myself and up my sewing skills, but it is not worth it if I am missing time with my family or sleep to do it. (Note: Am I the only one who does this? I may be just talking to myself in this post, so just skip this part if it doesn’t apply to you!)
Photography and Posing
Posing for photos is quite interesting. I either need to tell myself a good joke so I don’t look angry, or find something to do with my hands. A fun idea that I saw on Instagram a few weeks ago is … to just touch your hair. I think it really shows how happy I am in my new shirt. Bahaha! It also shows you the intended ease in the cuff of the sleeve!
Thanks for stopping by today! I would love to stay connected with you. You can find me on Instagram. If you want to take a look into the things that inspire me, you can follow me on Pinterest. You may also follow my blog with Bloglovin.
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