We have a really fun post today! Did you know the Floreat pattern includes bonus cutting lines and pattern pieces for knit versions? It’s actually my personal favorite versions to make!

Here are some of the differences between the knit and woven versions: neckline is finished with a neckband instead of facing, no need for center back closure – so center back seam is completely sewn up, sleeves are inserted flat instead of in the round, and the hem is only folded up once instead of twice. I’ll be going over the entire construction in this post, so bear with me.

And I’ll be demonstrating these steps on a top/tee version, but it works just the same for a dress!

Before you get started, make sure you cut your front and back pieces out along the knit neckline cutting line.

Ok, ready?

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Here we are, the final step for our woven Floreat sewalong. It’s time to hem! Whether you’ve created a dress or blouse, sleeves or sleeveless, pockets or none, zipper or slit – all that is left to do is finish that bottom raw edge. And it’s the same process for all versions.

I’ll go over the basic hemming method, as well as really neat a clean way to finish that corner point – a mitered seam. And then to finish it off, we’ll quickly go over hemming the sleeves as well.

Ok, let’s finish this!

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Who out there is making a sleeveless Floreat dress or blouse? Have you been following along with this sewalong, only for me to keep telling you not to do any of the steps if you are making a sleeveless version? Well, guess what – today is your day! This post is going to be ALL about the sleeveless version!

The reason I had you skip over the other posts, is because the facing for the sleeveless version needs to be done first before anything else. It’s an all-one facing that covers both the neckline and the armholes. And the center back and side seams cannot be sewn until after its completed. So the order of steps is just a little different than the other sleeved versions.

So, at this point, you should have the ties or belt made (If you’re including any), and have the four pocket pieces attached (but the side seams not sewn). That’s all so far. And now today, I’ll walk you through everything else – the facing, side seams, and center back. As well as all the minor differences you should know about and what makes those steps different from what was previously posted for the sleeved versions.

Phew. Ok. Let’s jump into it… [Read more…]

Woo-hoo! It’s time for sleeves on our Floreat blouses and dresses! (If you’re making a sleeveless version, you can skip this post. Tomorrow’s post is all about you, promise!).

This pattern uses a set-in sleeve method for the woven versions. If you’ve never done one – don’t fret. Its pretty simple. Once you get the hang of easing the sleeve cap, it’s a cinch! (We’ll use a different method for knit versions. We’ll go over that soon, too).

I’ll be showing you the steps below on a short sleeved version. But it’s the same process for long sleeves, too!

Let’s get started… [Read more…]

How is everyone’s Floreat dresses or tops coming along? Are you ready to add the neckline facing to your sleeved versions? If you’re making a sleeveless version, we will cover the facing for that one in a separate post!

If you’ve never done a facing before, it is just a method of finishing the raw edge of a woven neckline using a piece of fabric that is the same shape of the outer fabric. It’s super simple, and you’ll get through it in no time!

Let’s get to it…

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