I’m ready to share more patterns from Jalie’s new 13 piece collection! (I shared the awesome Jalie Bianca earlier this week). It took me way longer than intended to get these pictures edited! Ugh!
Technology story segue: about a week or two ago, I couldn’t get Facetime to work on my computer. I only use Facetime for one thing, and that’s my children’s piano lessons. I decided my first course of action (after trying to log in, change passwords, etc to no avail) was to update my computer (Mac OS). So I did that. And then BAM. My prehistoric 9 year old version of Photoshop was no longer compatible. GAA. I’ve always used standalone copies of Photoshop and hated the idea of having to shell out a monthly fee to use it. So I tried a bunch of other free options online AND the Luminar 4 software that came with my new camera, but it just wasn’t the same. I’ve been using Photoshop since the year 2000 (definitely not a pro at it!!) but trying to use a completely new thing when you’re used to an old thing is… hard. And I didn’t have time to learn something completely new, so eventually I caved and bought a Photoshop + Lightroom subscription. It’s $10 p/month, so not the worst thing, but of course now I don’t have enough space on my computer to handle these massive new programs. This weekend will definitely be computer cleaning weekend! And I’m now using Lightroom for the first time ever – it’s definitely helping to give me better quality pictures, but I need to take time to do the tutorials so I can speed up and improve!
Back to sewing….!
So in today’s post, I’m sharing 3 new Jalie patterns – the Elle Reversible Top, Renee Ponte Pants, and the Stella Leggings. As always, these patterns are all available with size 2T – 2XL in one pattern and comes as a PDF or Paper pattern. The PDF’s also include projector files for those doing that now!
Jalie – Elle Reversible Top (4015)
Jalie Elle is a loose-fitting dolman top with twist detail that you can wear in the front or in the back. You can also add 3/4 length sleeves to it. I really loved the look of this top in the line drawings, but it calls for a lightweight knit with 10% stretch, and I quickly discovered that this isn’t an easy type of fabric for me to find (at least online or in my stash).
I tried it first with a light-medium weight performance knit (the bright blue, in my stash – from Fabric Mart). This fabric turned out to be a bit too heavy and a bit too stretchy – falling off my shoulder and sagging at the knot area.
For my next version, I used a light-ish weight t-shirt knit (stash fabric from Zinck’s Fabric Outlet) with mechanical stretch, but I think this still had too much weight to it to be totally successful.
To fit the torso, I added length in both mine and my daughter’s according to the lengthening lines. The problem I had with this though, is that this seems to lengthen the slit of the top, whereas I’d rather the slit stay the same length but with the added length above that point. So I will try one more time, but this time I’m going to see if there’s a way to change my lengthening location. I’ve picked up some lightweight Lyocell knit that I think might work. Wish me luck!
In terms of styling this top, I think it looks best with high waisted pants or a cami underneath. It would also work great as a beach coverup.
Jalie – Renee Ponte Pants (4018)
The Jalie Renee Ponte Pants are perfect for when you want to wear leggings as pants that are technically still pants. Stretchy, comfy, and high waisted, these are perfect for the Covid 15 you may be putting on, and also Thanksgiving. And Christmas. Endless possibilities for places to wear stretchy ponte pants!
This pattern, I quickly discovered, is also a bit picky. You really must use Ponte. My first pair was a fleece performance knit (From Simply By Ti) that I thought might be thick enough, but it shows *everything*, so I will ultimately be wearing these with something that covers my butt.
My second pair was much more successful – a thick black ponte (stash, from Fabric Mart). They’re MEGA comfy.
The pattern comes with no pockets – my only gripe – and has a faux pocket instead. This faux pocket can be used as an accent panel (I nearly used a faux leather on mine) or you can do what I did, and use the same fabric for the entire pair of pants.
I’ve got another bunch of these pants in the works — hopefully I can share them in a couple of weeks (I might have gone a little crazy at Fabric Mart for more pontes in ALL THE COLORS.
Jalie Stella Leggings, Running Belt & Beanie (4023)
After determining that my olive green wouldn’t work for another pair of ponte pants, I turned to the Stella Leggings for my daughter’s bottoms. This is a super easy, basic leggings pattern – just one pattern piece and no waistband. The pattern also includes a running belt and beanie, but I didn’t make this part of the pattern. One tip for these: If you’re planning to teach students how to sew with a paper pattern, then Jalie Stella is a great place to start.
Are any of these ones on your Jalie wishlist? Remember, you can get 20% off when you buy 3 PDF patterns, or discounted/free shipping if you’re buying CAD$35/$65+ in combined paper patterns.
Disclosure: I’m a Jalie Patterns Creative Ambassador and received these Jalie patterns complimentary for purposes of review and promotion.
auschick sews 