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LB Pullover from Paper Theory

Paper Theory LB Pullover

The LB Pullover from Paper Theory Patterns is available in sizes 6-28, with the size 28 being a 56″ bust and 57.5″ hip. Currently Tara has released her Kabuki Tee, Miller Trousers, Zadie Jumpsuit and this LB Pullover in her extended size range (and her website tells me that the Olya Shirt is coming early 2020)!

Tara has studied fashion design, and so is trained in pattern production so I’ve always found her patterns and instructions to be very exacting- no confusing instructions, no inexplicably shoddy finishes, notches always match, and I think she also does a great job for plus size bodies too (which is obviously an important consideration.

Paper Theory LB Pullover 2

Size details: My current measurements are around 47″ bust 44″ waist, 56″ hip and between and 18-19″ bicep. I cut a size 22 neckline/bust and graded out to a size 26 at the waist and hip. The sleeves I cut in size 28 (the largest size).

The pattern had small amount of tapering in below the armpit, and the adjustments to the size basically meant that I cut straight down from the size 22 armscye and where I was supposed to turn in, I cut straight down, meeting up with the size 26 line. Oversized tops can end up looking less-than-optimal if you have to grade out too much from the bust (because your grading out can cause a kind of trapeze effect around the hem).

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Flat-front wool Glebe Pants

Wool flat front Glebe Pants

I didn’t bother to brush my hair or tidy my lounge for these pictures- I figured that it was more important to take the photos than to wait for the perfect pictures! This is my first time making the pleated-front Glebe Pants that Leila and I released over at Muna and Broad!

I’m using these pants as a kind of test run for possible future versions- I like that the waistband isn’t gathered in the front here, which makes them look a little bit dressier (business in the front, comfort-party in the back)! These are made from wool and are fully lined, following Leila’s instructions on that front.

Flat Front Glebe Pants

I did a lot of pressing with lots of steam to get the seams to sit as flat as possible- often I’m very lazy about such things, but I’m glad I took the time here. The flat-front adds pleats (but I might to the math on how much room I can afford to lose at the waist and see if I can make the flat front without any pleats too)!

Size details: I make the size 1 for my 54-56″ hips and make no alterations (except shortening the pattern so that these are slightly cropped)!

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Viscose Tweed Sculthorpe Pants

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These are the new Sculthorpe Pants that Leila and I have released through Muna and Broad! We’ve been testing out a few different narrow leg pants options because we know that not everyone loves wide-leg pants!

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Size details: I make a size 1 in the Muna and Broad sizing (which is meant for a 54″ hip) but I have between a 53-56″ depending on the time of day and how much sun is out, etc)

Fabric info: This viscose blend from The Fabric Store. It has a small amount of one-way stretch and a lovely nubbly texture (that I hope will hold up to lots of thigh rubbing). Fabric Usage: We suggest 2.5 metres for these pants, but I can generally use less by cutting on the open.

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These pants have the same crotch curve as the Glebe Pants, so I get the same great fit. The pockets are just long enough to put your hand down in to, but doesn’t require me to bend over to reach in there.

I’ve made a few versions of these pants already, and I’ve got a couple more planned (including a black canvas pair that I’ll be making as part of my next Minerva Makers project)!

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Gingham Torrens Box Top

Torrens Gingham

I made this Torrens Box Top in
cosy ‘Savvy Gingham’ from Miss Maude. The fibre content is 88% Cotton, 7% Linen, 5% Wool and it’s a delight.

I thought I could squeeze a long-sleeve version out of this fabric, but was foiled due the narrow width of this fabric.

Torrens Gingham

It was great to sew and it’s lovely to wear, although I do regret not ordering a little bit extra so that I could make it long-sleeve.

I finished the neckline facing off with one of these gorgeous bright pink labels from the Stitch Collective. You can win a whole set of labels from Stitch Collective by tagging an inspirational maker over on this instagram post (until Feb 23rd)!

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Torrens Box Top adventures

We recently launched some bonus long-sleeve pieces to accompany the Torrens Box Top pattern from Muna and Broad. Since our summer hasn’t been particularly warm, I went a little sewing-crazy adding new sleeves of various kinds to my wardrobe!

Rather than post about all of them, I thought that a round-up post might be in order!

Black silk noil Torrens

I made this black silk noil long sleeve torrens using the ‘wide-sleeve’ option (which was intended for thick fabrics such as boiled wool) and it’s perfect for pushing my sleeves up my arms (in a casual but very comfortable way)! I especially love to pair the top with these Glebe Pants made of lovely olive coloured tencel from A + R Fabrics

Black silk noil Torrens 2
Cotton Crepe Torrens

This cotton crepe Torrens is my new favourite! I got this fabric as a remnant from Miss Maude Sewing NZ and it’s a really unique fabric (with a lovely crepey texture), which is lovely to wear. I love mustard and checks, so this is a real winner!

Cotton Crepe Torrens 2
McElroy Lawn Torrens 2

Of course, peak Torrens sleeve experimentation includes this top that will be shared on the Minerva maker blog in due course (I slashed and spread the sleeves and added a cuff)!

McElroy Lawn Torrens