Hello Melly Sews readers and Blank Slate Patterns fans – Suzanne here from Winter Wear Designs, and I am so excited to share my most recent sew with you.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret…..I have never sewn a raglan shirt for myself. Nope, not a single one. I have these super huge swimmers shoulders and somewhere along the line I read that raglans weren’t the best shape for broad shoulders and I just crossed it off my list of things that might look good on me. Ummmmmm, that was dumb! As I was looking through all of Melissa’s awesome patterns I knew that I really wanted to sew something for me this time. And my eye kept coming back to the Rivage Raglan, but then I would think – I can’t pull off a raglan…..can I?
I think it is safe to say that the answer is YES, I sure as heck can pull off a raglan. I love it. I think the contrasting solid sleeve helps downplay my shoulders, the scoop neck is the perfect size, and the fit is comfortable and still flattering. I did my standard alteration of going up a half size for my hips, and am so pleased. The cut of the short sleeve hits at an incredibly flattering point on my arm, and the length of this works with everything from skinnies to joggers. And then the pattern also has a dress length that would be perfect for fall and winter with a pair of cool boots – fabric shopping here I come! Let’s just say I have found a new wardrobe staple and will now be throwing out copious amounts of shirts that are not nearly as flattering.
The best thing about this shirt is how fast it sews up – we’re talking under 30 minutes here folks, and that includes hemming which with knits you don’t have to do. And think of all the ways you could hack this: I’m thinking V neck, small breast pocket, lace sleeves….. the options are endless.
So today, I just want to remind everyone to occasionally break the rules. To take that scrap of information you have filed away about what your body can or can’t do, and throw it out the window. Try new things and figure out what you love. Take basics and tweak them until they become your favorite thing ever. And most of all, have fun sewing!