Lucy from London, as I affectionately call her, sent me her latest pattern and it's just as amazing as all of the other ones. She's my favorite indie pattern designer because her patterns look like of-the-moment ready-to-wear, and that's what I'm always looking for.

This is the TPC 18 Twist Dress. There are two variations: this one with the center front twist and the other one with the side twist. I plan to make that one too. For this one, I cut the size 14 and I added an inch to the hem. 

My fabric is a blue and white striped cotton shirting from Fine Fabrics. Per usual, Trend Patterns uses the Metric System and 1cm seam allowances. So, make sure that you measure twice and cut once, because there is no room to let out.

Creating the twist was pretty simple and the instructions and photographs in the instruction booklet are exceptional, especially if you're visual like me.

The neckline and the sleeves are faced.

The dress has an invisible zipper and fish eye darts.

I have a new found love for easy to wear dresses like this, that can work with heels or flats. And with this weather, you can't beat a dress made from a crisp, cotton shirting.

I love Trend Patterns' design aesthetic. Lucy has a way of picking chic, but easy designs that can be translated to the home sewist that still packs that high-end, luxe brand quality and style.

This is Trend Patterns TPC 11 Knot Front Dress. The fabric is Plain Soft Polyester Dress Fabric from Minerva Crafts.com.

This is my 3rd pattern from Trend Patterns, so I pretty much have a good grasp on the sizing. I cut a size 12 in the bodice and graded out to a 14 for the skirt. I added 2 inches to the length

This pattern sews up quick, but there a couple of things to consider ahead of time: unlike most patterns, Trend Patterns are written using the Metric System. So be prepared to convert. And also, they are drafted with 1 cm seam allowances. That's 3/8" to us Imperial users. But 3/8" seam allowances offers you the benefit of not having to do a lot of trimming. So I could get use to that!

The only modification I made was finishing the neckline with binding instead of a facing. I will avoid a facing whenever I can.

The dress has a lot of wearing ease with the adjustable tie-front. The lower edge of the bodice and the top edge of the skirt are also finished with seam binding. You can make your own like I did or buy some.

It also has an invisible back bodice zipper.

The cutout detail in the back shows only a modest amount of skin and creates a cute detail. It gives an otherwise basic dress interest. Someone on Instagram asked if I could wear regular underwear. The answer is YES! No specialty undies like SPANX, but regular underwear is fine. The top edge of the back skirt sits in the same place a normal skirt would.

And we all love a dress with pockets! 

This is such a cute dress that packs a big style punch. I could definitely see myself making this one again.

This is my second pattern from Trend Patterns and it's called "The Cape". Lucy says that it's the only cape you'll ever want to own! And it's indeed fabulous!

There are four versions to this pattern. There's a shorter length and a super-long dramatic length, and each style has either a front or back zipper.  

I chose the shorter length with the front zipper in the size 14.

The style of The Trend Cape is so similar to Marni's Cutout Cape. I really like the casual throw-on-and-go style of it, so I knew I wanted this length.

My fabric is this beautiful Rag & Bone Italian Light Gray Blended Wool Coating from Mood Fabrics.com.

The light gray wool has a slight taupey color. That's why I decided to pair mine with chocolate brown.

The construction of this cape is very simple and it goes together quickly. Trend Patterns is out of the U.K., so they use the Metric System and also industry standard seam allowances, which I love! The cape is unlined and the seams are felled.

And it also has front and back facings.

I used a sports zipper for mine. I think it looks great open or closed.

The drama queen in me wanted to go with the long length. But sometimes I have to reel myself back in and be practical. I know that at this length, I'll want to reach for it often.

Since our ice storm, the weather here has been really mild. It's warm in the daytime (when we're not having torrential downpours) and chilly at night. So this is the perfect thing to reach for to keep the chill at bay. I know have another simple, easy-to-sew piece that packs a seriously stylish punch for my wardrobe!

The "Season of the Sleeve" is still going strong and I'm glad about that. Lucy from Trend Patterns reached out to me to introduce herself and her new pattern line. Lucy is just getting started, but if these designs are any indication, she definitely is moving in the right direction and she has my undivided attention. There are so many indie sewing pattern designers popping up what seems like daily. And yes, I'm one of those people that say, "How many t-shirts, A-line skirts and fit-and-flare dress patterns do we need?" So, it's refreshing to see an indie pattern designer that is like me, inspired by luxury brands that are straight off of the runway. This is my aesthetic and this is what I want see more of and what I feel that I am missing from the home sewing industry. Like the glorious golden days of Vogue Paris Originals and Vogue Couturier Designs. Stepping down from my soapbox in these stiletto boots...

This is the AW16/Oversized Sleeve Top.  And it serves me vibes from these luxury brand beauties:

J.W. Anderson White Puff Sleeve Top

Rejina Pyo Maddie Puff Sleeve Blouse

This is a paper pattern. Not the flimsy tissue either. It's that heavy weight paper like brown shipping paper. Trend Patterns are currently UK sized 6-12. I was unsure about the sizing, so I went with the size 12. This is it straight out of the envelope without a single alteration. I normally cut Big 4 patterns size 12-14.

My fabric is Italian White Stretch Cotton from Mood Fabrics. I believe it's sold out. But the pattern recommends lightweight fabrics like cotton or something sheer. But couldn't you just see this made up in a silk organza, with these sleeves? 😍

Being that this is a UK designer, the Metric System is what's being utilized. The seam allowance is 1cm which is a nice and scant 3/8". I feel all patterns should have this seam allowance. It would greatly reduce the need for trimming your seam allowances. The seams are serged and pressed to the side.

There's an invisible back zipper. And the neckline is finished with facings. 

When I make this again, I think I'll eliminate this and use bias bound finish.

What gives this sleeve its amazing shape is that the sleeve is cut into the side fronts and backs. And there is a should panel piece that runs down the center of both pieces. There is also an underarm/side panel/gusset.

So yes, I love this top! I decided to give it first spin with my Vogue 8956 black and white pinstriped wrap skirt. I'm positive that it'll look just as great with jeans!