New Pattern Alert! Meet Flora

New Pattern Alert! Meet Flora

Let's face it, the Rickey Jacket was one of the more time consuming SBCC projects, right? Whenever I finish a big project I gravitate towards something easy and quick to sew, something that re-establishes "yeah, I got this!" Something that makes me feel like I can go back to sewing all the things. Surely we all appreciate a project that you can finish in one afternoon?

Look no further than Flora! Depending on your sewing speed you can whip up this blouse in no time. For those of us who have only snatches of moments here and there to sew, I think as long as you assign dinner to someone else and close the sewing room door for a power sewing session, you'll have a new blouse in an evening. 

Let's talk about the petite silhouette because this is something I'm pretty proud of. Flora was inspired by a ready to wear top with loads and loads of fabric. Although, I can sorta pull it off, I always feel like I am wearing a tent and if a good gust of wind gets me, it will probably be a memorable moment

This is how I think I look when wearing an oversized garment: 

 

Actual

As petites we don't need to be draped in tons of fabric-this does nothing to flatter our short figures. This silhouette is not so new to the sewing world, but the drafting execution is key. Subtle shaping means less fabric under the arms and sides which gives you subtle waist definition and reduces some of the bulkiness that this type of style tends to have. 

All you fabric hoarders, listen up! So you know that super special silk charmeuse you've been holding for the right moment? Flora is that moment. She takes about 1 1/2 yds/M and works best with any type of silky, drapey, lightweight fabric. Light weight knits could also work too. The key is don't go too heavy. Think light and airy. The green version I show is a very light weight cotton voile and honestly this is the heaviest I would go in the cotton family. Save the quilting cottons for something else- nothing stiff. As always, since it is your first time sewing Flora, make a muslin. You can even try her out with $2 per yard polyester- just anything drapey. 

Flora is the perfect summer sew, but really a year round staple as you can layer her under a jacket or a cardigan in colder months. 

Make sure to take advantage of promo code "FLORA" for 15% off until 8/1/18

Get your copy today!

I can't wait to see your makes! Please share your pics with the sewing community as it only helps to inspire everyone, and gives you some bragging rights: 

Instagram: @SBCCpatterns & #SBCCFlora

Twitter: @SBCCpatterns & #SBCCFlora

Facebook: SBCC Patterns & SBCC Patterns Community Group

 

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9 comments

Hi Lori!
Hmm, I am confused what numbers you are looking at. Based on the sizing chart I would recommend choosing a size large (39- 40 1/2" chest). For the Flora blouse the size large finished garment measurement for the chest is 47", so you would have a minimum of 6 1/2" of ease. Hope this helps to clarify!
The Sweep is basically the bottom opening circumference (sorry, garment production term that has been burned into my vocab by default)

Betsy SBCC

I have what is maybe a silly question. I am looking at Flora which seems like a very cute and handy pattern to have. The large on this pattern has a 44" bust? Other large size patterns have a 40" or 39-1/2 bust. Is the bust my measurement or the patterns? Is there any ease included? There are two patterns I’d like to buy but I’m afraid I won’t be able to figure out my starting size. Oh, can anyone tell me what a sweep is? For reference, I am 5’2 with a 40" bust and hips.

Lori

Looks great! Would love to see some more examples and perhaps a close up of the neckline?

lorraine

Hi Karen! So glad you liked my Scarlett O’hara gifs :) Truly a petite problem. So glad you are interested in buying Flora!

Betsy SBCC

Hi Kim! Good question: The neck and armholes are basically a narrow turn back, no bias tape needed. However, if that is a preferred finish, it could be workable for the armholes.

Betsy SBCC

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