Wow. It’s been a long time. Life has been unbelievably busy the past four years (has it really been over four years since I have blogged?????). I feel like I am finally in a place where I can devote some time sharing my makes with the world. What better way to re-enter the blogging world than jumping back in with my most recent pattern test.

Made for Mermaids continues to be one of my most used pattern companies. Their pattern block and style are such a great fit for me. I have sewn Made for Mermaids so much that I know what modifications I need to make for my height and where I need to grade for my measurements without even thinking.

On to the new pattern. The Lore is a reversible long crop or shirt that features a crossover detail…that can be worn on the front or the back. It also has two different necklines that can be used to create separate looks. I made both a shirt length and a long cropped length during testing.

My first version is the shirt length with regular longs sleeves. I used the low scoop neckline on the solid bodice piece and the high scoop neckline on the faux crossover piece. The pattern is designed for sweater knits so I pulled this soft blue sweater knit out of my stash for this piece. I am pretty sure this was a precut bundle from Walmart.

I love the length of the shirt version. It is long enough for me to wear comfortably to work or to wear while sitting on bleachers. Check out the shirt above styled with my most worn Judy Blue jeans and worn both directions for pictures.

I may go back and add a cuff to the sleeves to tighten up the sleeve at my wrists. I tend to push up my sleeves when I work; therefore, a cuff will help the sleeves stay up.

My second version I made during testing was a long crop with the low scoop neckline on both bodice pieces. I chose a thicker knit for this top as I knew I wanted to make a coordinating Maeve skirt. I wanted it to have a little more structure. Looking back, the Lore is a little stiff with the thicker fabric. I will stick to sweater knit next time!

I styled the crop with my Maeve midi length skirt with side vents for one round of pictures. I really like the faux crossover facing backwards with the skirt. Plus with the solid front, I can pair it with a long coat for colder days.

The crossover facing forward pairs so nicely with high waisted jeans. These are one of my favorite pairs, a wide legged pair from Risen. I think it works so well both forwards and backwards.

This version has the lantern sleeves, and I will definitely be using these sleeves again! I am also planning on a short sleeve version in some sort of lightweight athletic knit to make a new workout top.

All in all, Michelle Tobey did a great job with this pattern, and it is a great addition to the Made for Mermaids line up!

Until next time…sewing and sipping,

Stacey