Somerset and Jessa

Somerset and Jessa

So, there's been a 3rd lockdown happening here so far in 2021. The shop has been closed as I'm "non-essential" (rude) and I've been using the time between home schooling to get on with making a new website which should be arriving in April. We moved house 3.5 years ago and then again 18 months ago so my wardrobe was a mess and I recently had a big clear out of everything that doesn't fit (I went from size 12/14 to 16/18 in that time so that's most things). Time to get making new clothes!

First up is a Maven Patterns Somerset Top. I opted for straight sleeves instead of bishop ones as I tend to wear long sleeved tees pushed up to my elbows (years of teaching science has it ingrained into me!). My measurements are currently 100cm bust, 85cm waist and 120cm hips so I fell between sizes. I cut a 16 and graded to a 20 at the hips, and then added 5cm to the length and 3cm to the sleeves.

Somerset and Jessa patterns

It was a nice, easy sew that I finished in an evening and it's already on regular wardrobe rotation! The only thing I'd change is the neckline but that was my own fault for not following the instructions properly. I can see the overlocking on one of the 2 edges and that was just me being impatient!

Somerset and Jessa patterns

Next were the Jessa Jeans from Tilly and the Buttons. I've wanted to channel my early 2000s student days and make a pair of flares for a while but I've been holding off 'until I'm slimmer'. Well 2020 meant there was no trying on clothes in the shops and buying jeans usually is at least 20 pairs in various shops courtesy of my long legs (34"), thick thighs, lipodema calves and my waist being 2 sizes different to my round bum and hips. Of late I'm also in possession of a tummy that I never had before adding to the fun! So I decided to give Jessa a go. The pattern instructions were typically good with it being TATB but I struggled with the zip as its been a while since I last made trousers with a fly zip. Once I'd gotten my head around that again, they were an easy make. This first pair was always intended to be a wearable toile but they're actually not far off.

Somerset and Jessa patterns

I cut a 6 at the waist, grading to an 8 at the hips and added 7cm to the length. I'd say the hips are fine but bag a little at the top of my thighs and the waist is perfect until I sit down. The flare is huge though so I'll grade that in from the knee down next time.

Somerset and Jessa patterns

For the waist and thigh issues, the drag lines at the front are telling me to go down a size and do a full tummy adjustment. The bum fits nicely but I could do with adding a little to the rise to make them more comfortable when I sit down. Not bad for a first pair though and they fit nicely when I'm stood up and in heels. Perfect for wearing to casual drinks when I'm allowed to meet friends again! The next pair does need in-seam pockets though.

Somerset and Jessa patterns