Style Arc Portsea Luxe Sweat

adult's clothing, sewing

Monday, 6 April, 2020 by thornberry

There is no clear explanation as to why some patterns get purchased and sewn up very quickly and others don’t.  Style Arc released the Portsea Luxe Sweat pattern at the beginning of this month.  A day later I had it purchased, printed, taped, cut out, sewn, and worn.

Style Arc describe this pattern as follows: This rolled cuff short sleeve sweat is perfect for Spring days but also perfect for layering for cooler temperatures. Slightly oversized fit with a square shape, hi-low hemline and side splits. The lux top is ideal for all occasions. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Fleece, unbrushed fleece or sweater knit.

I had some leftover Clear It french terry from when I sewed my Style Arc Brooklyn knit pants. There was just enough to eke out the pieces for this top. I love it when that happens!

This fabric was pretty thick, and I had to cut it out single layer (maybe my recent scissor sharpening wasn’t quite as effective as I’d hoped). It sews up nicely. It was mostly constructed on the sewing machine to facilitate topstitch seams that were pressed open, such as the front ‘sleeve’ seam and the shoulder seams. I overlocked other seam allowances together, and topstitched them down both as a detail and for structure.

The print on this fabric really cracks me up. Poison bottles! I only bought it because it was cheap and I thought it would be useful for muslins, and have discovered that it actually makes me smile and it’s a great fabric to wear.

Now I need to talk about the cuffs. The pattern is designed with a folded cuff, which is sewn to the sleeves then the side seams are sewn right up to the cuff edge, sandwiching the fold. In this thickish fabric it meant that I sewed through multiple layers, which was tough to do, and leaves plenty of bulk along that side seam. In future I would construct this differently. I would leave attaching the cuffs until last, after the side seams are sewn. The cuffs would also then be sewn into a ring, then attached, then folded back. This would reduce bulk enormously, and allow for the cuffs to be worn folded as designed, or unfolded.

I sewed size 12, which is my usual Style Arc top/dress size. It’s a roomy style – designed that way – and I’m happy with the fit. It’s a bit cropped at the front, with a longer back, and side seam splits.

I happily wore this over a cami on warmer days last week, then layered over a long sleeved tee on subsequent days. It really is a terrific layering piece, especially in these times where ‘stretchywear’ is what I’m reaching for each day. I’ll ferret through my stash to see if I have any appropriate fabric in a solid to sew another one. I’d like to try it in something a little drapier and slightly lighter weight. Just a bit.

Style Arc have an Easter sale on at the moment and this pattern is one of this month’s freebies, so if you’re interested, now is the time!