Hi Everyone,

When I saw the Marlo Sweater by True Bias released at the beginning of the year there was something about it that really appealed. I think it is a very easy to wear and versatile piece, but I love the V-neck and the wide bands add interest and opportunities to make the sweater unique if that is your thing. I went down the classic route, making mine in a brushed back sweatshirt fleece (linen colourway) which I purchased from Neotrims on eBay, together with coordinating ribbing for the bands. It is as comfy and easy to wear as a sweatshirt, but just a little more polished IMO.

What you need to know about this pattern is that it is designed to be very over sized. Also, the pattern comes in two size options: sizes 0 – 18 (C cup, which is the size range I purchased), and also sizes 14 -30 (D cup). Overlapping sizes between the two pattern sets differ in measurements (e.g. size 16 has different measurements in the size 0 – 18 set compared to the size 14 – 30 set), so check them before deciding which one to purchase. The larger size range is designed using a different sized block and I decided that I would rather buy the smaller sized pattern and do an FBA. The reason for this is that I feel that whilst I may be “plus size”, I feel I am actually quite small framed, especially in the shoulders, and I felt buying the larger size range may end up too large in the shoulders. So my version is a size 18 from the 0 – 18 set, with an 3/4 inch FBA. I am pretty happy with the finished fit. It’s a relaxed fit, but not too sloppy.

The other thing I did was actually make the cropped view (view A) but lengthened it by 3 inches. Full details in my review below but essentially I lengthened the neckband by 3 inches as well, below the centre front notch, as the neckband is not stretched below the notches, so you need to lengthen the neckband by the same amount as you lengthen the sweater by. Again, just think this length was a good choice for my frame and height.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

The Marlo pattern is an oversized sweater with a dropped shoulder, deep V-neck, wide bands and large buttons. View A is cropped length. View B has patch pockets and hits above midthigh.

I made view A but added 3 inches of length.

Pattern Sizing:

The pattern comes in two size options: sizes 0 – 18 (C cup, which is the size range I purchased), and also sizes 14 -30 (D cup). Overlapping sizes between the two pattern sets differ in measurements (e.g. size 16 has different measurements in the size 0 – 18 set compared to the size 14 – 30 set), so check them before deciding which one to purchase. The larger size range is designed using a different sized block and I decided that I would rather buy the smaller sized pattern and do an FBA. The reason for this is that I feel that whilst I may be “plus size”, I feel I am actually quite small framed, especially in the shoulders, and I felt buying the larger size range may end up too large in the shoulders. So my version is a size 18 from the 0 – 18 set, with an 3/4 inch FBA. I am pretty happy with the finished fit. It’s a relaxed fit, but not too sloppy.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes. The instructions are very good. There are two options given to sew the neckband on (I went for the simpler method, overlocking in place and then topstitching), and there are also different neck band pattern pieces included, depending on the percentage stretch of your band fabric.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

See above re. instructions. Love the finished look. Easy to wear but interesting and love the V-neck and the bands.

Fabric Used:

Brushed back sweatshirt fleece with coordinating ribbing for the bands.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• My version is a size 18 with a 3/4 FBA, and a view A lengthened by 3 inches using the neckband pieces for fabric with 40% stretch
• Lengthened body by 3 inches
• Lengthened the neckband by 3 inches below the centre front notch
• Shortened sleeves by 2 inches
• Did a 3/4 inch FBA and rotated the dart out using the method from Jennifer Lauren Handmade.
• I used the waistband from view B and added 1 inch total extra length to the waistband to account for the extra width brought in by my FBA
• I did a 0.5 inch forward shoulder adjustment
• Took a 3/4 inch seam allowance for the wrists
• Extended by interfacing up by 2 inches because I knew I would probably wear this sweater with just a bra underneath and I wanted to add an extra button

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I might sew this again. I like the fact that you can theoretically make the body from a non stretch fabric but use stretch fabric for the bands. Yes, I recommend.

Conclusion:

This is such a cute, fun pattern and very well designed. Try it. Just pick your size with care depending on the look you want.

See you all soon!