We firmly believe that anyone can sew anything with patience and perseverance, but sometimes it helps to understand how time-consuming or challenging a pattern will be to sew. Here's how we rate the difficulty of our patterns:
Beginner (⭑): Appropriate for a true beginner with simple style lines and details, quick to sew with no closures.
Confident Beginner (⭑⭑): Achievable for beginners who are willing to learn a new skill, may include more design features and techniques (ie. zippers, buttons, facings, etc). Relatively quick to sew.
Intermediate (⭑⭑⭑): More details and style lines, may include interesting details like a zipper fly or topstitching, projects can take 6+ hours to sew.
Advanced (⭑⭑⭑⭑): Still achievable for most sewists, but patterns will include more pieces and more details, and can take 8+ hours to sew.
Challenging(⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑): Complex, skill heavy projects like tailoring and bra-making. Again, achievable for most sewists but be prepared to spend 10+ hours on these types of projects.
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With architectural details and a beautifully drapey silhouette, the Marble shell is a unique sleeveless top that looks gorgeous on its own or layered under sweaters and jackets. Marble features an asymmetrical faced neckline, faced armholes and a pointed hem, along with unique seam lines and a bias cut panel adding visual interest to the front. In the back, a notched facing gives structure and dimension to the hem.
The marble shell top is beautiful, once made up. I found the pattern slightly difficult, even though I’ve been sewing on and off for years. It would be useful to provide instructions on how much material is needed for each piece (since there are three colours). I measured each piece once I’d had the pattern printed. I found the armholes slightly difficult. I used viscose, but I feel that the interfacing wasn’t necessary for that part of the garment. Also the back part attachment to the sides was not easy and I had to quick unpick a couple of times. I’m very happy with the final result, but I wouldn’t classify the pattern level as « confirmed beginner ». I think it was more difficult than that. It was my first pattern at Closet Core, so I’ll see with the next pattern I try!
Making the Florence Top from Merchant and Mills (First time making a garment for myself that’s not just a plastic toile from a bedsheet!). Fabric has so far been really easy to work with (so great for a beginner) and the pattern is cute! We grow and eat a lot of garlic so this print felt like a must.
The last time I sewed with knit fabric was over 20 years ago; total disaster. When I saw the CC class, I immediately signed up. Loved every second; clear, precise instructions. I am so proud of my long sleeved t-shirt, I just ordered enough Luxe Organic Cotton Jersey Knit for four more in different colors.
Thank you, Heather and team.
I enjoy reading the histories of what people have made.
I have not yet sewn any of the pattern releases. The styles are too body-conscious and/or retro for my taste, but the instructional videos offer a lot of information I can take to other projects.
I've been tempted since the first year of Crew to become a member and took the plunge in January this year. It's been such a great 'club' to join! Sewing can be a bit of a solitary hobby but this online community is kind, supportive, helpful and so creative. The patterns are outstanding - clear instructions, impeccably drafted and so much support from the Closet Core team. I'm always inspired, even if I don't have as much time to sew as I'd like. I wish I'd signed up earlier!
This was my first purchase with you, and I will definitely be back for more. The ease of purchase, detail of instructions, and accuracy of the fit turned me into a huge fan. Can't wait for my next make (after I sew a second one of these dresses!)
