Lots and lots of people are making McCalls 7542 but that pattern is a little boxy in the body for me, I much prefer this princess seam fitted body. I haven't seen many versions of this, but that may be because some of the sleeves are a bit much over the top. However, I think the plainest sleeve option is a winner.
I cut a size 14 (having only bought the first size which goes up to a size 14), but was a bit worried that this was for a 36" bust and I'm a 37 1/2". The size ended up to be fine and so it may be a bit on the large size.
The pattern calls for a 22" zip, but I couldn't see the need for this and that it might be too heavy on my fine fabric, so I just made a short fastening with tiny buttons with loop fastenings. The fabric is from Stoff and Still and is woven viscose at £11.50 a metre. It is incredibly soft, one of the softest fabrics ever.
I really like the sleeves, though wonder if they should either be a little longer or a little shorter. I used my small hem foot for all the hems. I look the effect of this, but I just haven't cracked how to get over seams and also sew in a round.
I lowered the neck a little, because I hate high necks. The neck uses bias binding as a facing and this worked pretty well.
I also made a skirt in the left-over fabric from my cashmere jacket This is my second Colette Selene and I love this pattern. It's a great work skirt and a very flattering fit. The fabric was little thick, but it is wearable. I'm wearing with a blouse I made last year, which is another on trend blouse!
Sewing apart I really enjoyed a week off during half term. I met Dan and Gemma in Birmingham and we had a lovely day. Especially as I did a bit of fabric shopping at Barry's and bought 4 great fabrics (2 for Gemma), this was on top of a bit of an internet haul from Fabric Godmother. I had been pretty good over the last 2 month but it was only a matter of time!
