SAME PATTERN DIFFERENT BODIES: MAE PONCHO by DIBY CLUB

One look at the weather forecast globally and it feels as if we must all be ready for every type of season at the drop of a hat. So when Jess at DIBY Club reached out to us to try one of their patterns, the Mae Poncho felt just right. Per their description, the Mae Poncho Sweater is a chic way to keep warm and cozy! The women’s sewing pattern is made with all of your favorite fall options and includes an option to add belt openings for women who enjoy showing off a contoured shape will staying comfortable with a very inclusive size range.

Kristina:

While some of you are heading into glorious cooler autumn weather, spring is warming up here in the Southern Hemisphere. The sun is out here in Auckland and sadly the accompanying southerly wind is coming straight off the Alps, currently covered in snow! Transitional dressing at this time of year can be tricky wherever you are, so when I saw the Mae Poncho from DIBY Club it looked like the sort of sweater that would work in a variety of weights & temperatures. The pattern also has multiple options for sleeve lengths and necklines. If you are like me, you may be slightly put off by the word poncho (I remember a particularly fetching orange & brown crochet number in my dim distant past…), don’t be, the pattern feels really modern, and can be worn lots of ways.

Your Measurements:

Bust –44″/112 cm, Bra Size – 16DD,

Waist – 38-40″/99 cm, Hips – 48-50″/124 cm,

Height – 5’6″/166 cm

Body Shape: Pear from the front, but more apple from the side at the moment.

Pattern size used: I have not used a DIBY pattern before, I went with a straight Size 18, figuring there would be plenty of ease. The patterns are designed for a height of 5’ 5’ so I didn’t make any alterations. I used a PDF version of this pattern, THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY CUTTING OUT! Ok you still have to tape the pages together, but still, what a time saver, and it came together really well.

Alterations: None, I made the closed side ¾ sleeve version with a cowl neckline. This pattern is rated “Beginner” and it came together really easily. I sewed most of the seams on my overlocker (serger) and used a twin needle for the hem. A faster sewer than me would knock this out in an hour or two with no problem. (I have to allow for lifting two cats off the sewing table 4000 times and constantly losing my glasses for starters…)

Fabric: A gorgeous light merino knit from The Fabric Store, (on sale!), it is hard to see in the pics but it has a soft slightly slubby texture with a colour that changes slightly as you move, perfect for a garment like this that has plenty of “swoosh”. It’s also light but warm, with lots of drape which I wanted for the cowl. It feels like wearing a light dressing gown (in a good way).

Fit: As you can see, plenty of ease in this one! I think the volume of fabric in the bodice is nicely balance by the more fitting sleeves. I was concerned they would be too fitting (I have 16” biceps so I often need to do a full bicep adjustment) but I cut the cuff as per the pattern & it’s perfect, snug without being tight at all. I am happy with the length, it works with jeans & boots, but would be really easy to adjust if the amount of fabric felt overwhelming.

Changes for future versions: I would like make another merino version (I brought the same fabric in Walnut) with a plain crew neckline, to wear with scarfs, and maybe the belt loops, I’ll be interested to see how it works for me belted.

Final Thoughts This is a great versatile sweater, the pattern comes together really well and the instructions are excellent. For beginners there is a lot of additional support online with various tutorials, especially for those new to using knits. I’m really happy with my poncho, I can see me getting a lot of use over jeans, and with leggings as it warms up. I was wearing it when a couple of my sisters dropped in and now they both want one. Which is a pain as I don’t really enjoy sewing for others (I know, terrible sister!), but actually given how quickly this one comes together and the ease of fitting, it would make a great gift project.