Sewing an Ottobre Pattern Part 3

I have been in such a sewing mood lately. Which is why I am revisiting my Sewing an Ottobre Pattern series with Part 3 of this pattern.

This Ottobre pattern has turned out to be a pretty reliable. I’ve now made it three times. The first time here. I love the simplicity of the design and the way it goes together. I can make simple changes and still get good results.

I like this pattern for a few reasons. In Texas we have these wretched long, hot summers. Short-sleeved tops are about all I can manage during the unbearable heat. Forget anything with a jacket or cardigan. It’s one layer and that better be light weight and breathable.

Between summer and the rest of the year are what I call transitional  seasons. Usually our winters are short and mild ~ with some cold weather blowing in from time to time {except this year}. The fall and spring months are pretty mild and call for clothes that are lightweight for warmer days but still can handle temperature fluctuations.

And that is why I like this top. It has sleeves, it is designed for light weight voiles and rayons. It is a loose-fitting casual top that can be worn with slacks or jeans. Because I have been in a sewing mood it seemed like the perfect pattern to whip into a couple of tops for the spring transition.

On both tops I added a yoked back which I chatted about here. I didn’t use a contrasting fabric for the front opening placket because I purchased these fabrics on clearance.

The black top has elastic in the sleeves which was also a change I made to the original Ottobre pattern. On the blue top I added made a small band instead of elastic. The fabric is more lightweight and it gave the sleeve more definition.

I added a little length to the top so I could wear it with leggings like you see in the photos. It gives me a few more options for those transitional days. If it’s a little cooler I might wear a tank underneath.

So now I have two casual tops ready for the spring transition. Unfortunately Old Man Winter has refused to leave Texas. The first week of March B and her family were here from Calgary and this is what we had in our backyard. It was colder here than in Calgary.

I was sewing an Ottobre Pattern to get ready for warmer weather and it hasn’t quite gotten here. When I woke up this morning it was in the low 40’s. Sheesh! Enough already ~ this is Texas! Bring on the warm, sunny days!