Two weeks ago, I made a big order of knits in preparation for finally getting to this pattern. I'll admit I was a little fast and loose with my clicking on Fabric.com; I didn't fully read each item description, and consequently some of the fabrics were a surprise when I opened the box.
Like this one. I'd thought the polka dots were going to be about a quarter of this size, and my first reaction was that, like Bubbles DeVere, I'd probably rather go naked than wear this print. So I decided, what the heck - I'll use it for my first go of the pattern. No great loss if it doesn't work out!
Imagine my surprise when I finished sewing it up and quite liked it! I actually think it will be darned cute with jeans, although I can't say for sure because I'm in my house-cleaning grubbies today (because that's what I really ought to be doing.)
This top was so fast and easy to make. I traced the pattern yesterday, which took less than a half hour, and then later in the day spent another 20 minutes or so cutting out the fabric. I sewed the entire top this morning in less than an hour and a half. I did skip a few steps though . . . I didn't have any twill tape, and decided not to bother with it since I'd thought this one was probably destined to be a sleep tee. And I didn't topstitch the neckband down because I like how it looks without the topstitching, so I'm going to see how it wears (and washes) this way.
I sewed the entire thing on my serger. It was so much easier than I was expecting it to be. I did 2 little test seams on scrap fabric, and everything seemed fine, so I just went ahead and got started. I didn't even change my needles out to ball points! Although in truth, they are probably ball points by now because I haven't changed the needles once since I got the serger!
I made the size 6 top with no adjustments - Sewaholic's size 6 matches my measurements exactly! I chose the neckline of View A with the sleeves of View B. The fit on this top is close, but not tight - just right in my opinion. This fabric ended up being thinner than is recommended; it's a rayon/polyester blend, and quite soft and drapey. I was worried that might cause me problems, but it really didn't!
I'm so happy with my first experience sewing knits. I was nervous because so many people say it's difficult, but I found it to be quite easy. I'm hoping it's not just beginner's luck! I can't wait to make more of these.
I'm also happy with my first experience with Sewaholic patterns. I really like Tasia's layout and design, and the instructions were clear and concise.
Champagne! Champagne for everyone!
Ok, you're giving me courage to try this top. I have the pattern, heck I even have the fabric, but I'm doubting my skills with knits (even though I've tried a few times before). I don't have any twill tape and when I went to my local fabric store, the smallest width they had was 1 inch!!! What? So I wonder if I can get away with skipping that step also. I'll be happy to hear how it wears and washes! I love the print and think it WILL definitely look great with jeans! Good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emilie! I'll definitely follow up and let you know about the wear. I also had 1" twill tape, and decided I didn't want to use it!
DeleteYou should go for it - this was the easiest thing I've made in quite a while, and that's saying something, because I usually pick easy projects!
You can use clear elastic instead of twill tape if that's easier for you to find!
DeleteThanks for the idea!! I was wondering if I could replace it with something else but I really didn't know what!
DeleteI'll have to ask at the fabric store to see if they have any!
Looks as though you're hitting your stride, Gail.
ReplyDeleteJust whipping out left and right.
Ah, but did you have to mention you did it on your
SERGER.
Love to have one, hate the capital outlay.
cheep
hugs
Aren't I evil, goading you into getting one?! I think so far, it's been money well spent for me :-)
DeleteYay! It looks a lot like mine! ;)
ReplyDeleteI really like those big spots... but I would say that wouldn't I?
Maybe we should switch! AFTER I wear this for 4th of July!
DeleteMan, my comment was erased. Oh well...
ReplyDeleteThe top looks wonderful! I've really been enjoying working with knits lately, too. If the twill tape was used to stabilize the shoulder seams, I've had good luck using the selvedge from fabric scraps like silk organza. I've yet to try twill or clear elastic to stabilize the neckline. It sounds so bulky but it's what everyone recommends.
Seems like blogger is being persnickety today - I had some trouble with my post too.
DeleteUsing the selvedges is a great tip - thanks for that! It was for the shoulders, and I know it's often recommended, but many of my RTW tees don't have it, and I really can't think of a way I would stretch my shoulder seams out!
I feel the same way - of all the places to stabilize the shoulder feels like it would be the last to go but what do I know. I have noticed that there is clear elastic in many of my garments but it doesn't feel as stiff as the clear elastic I can find in local stores.
DeleteI did wear it all day today, and no stretching of the shoulders occurred, despite carrying my very heavy shoulder bag! We'll see how it washes!
DeleteTasia's patterns are excellent. And I love sewing with knits! What I will say is, if those patterns fit you without an alteration, you are one long-waisted lady! Signed, The Woman Who Has To Remove 4 Inches From Every Sewaholic Waist :-)
ReplyDeleteAh, but you see, by leaving the top so long, it is another piece I can wear with the Clover pants to cover up the wavy zipper! I am a little long-waisted though.
DeleteThis is so, so cute! Aren't you glad you gave in to temptation?? Can't wait to see the rest of your Renfrews!
ReplyDeleteI'm having a hard time not ordering more knits TODAY, since some of the ones I got last week are meant to make some Mission Maxis, which I'm thinking will be my next project!
Deletei've been completely addicted to knits lately! definitely not as scary as so many people have made them out to be. for stabilizing shoulder seams i've been using scraps of bias tape. i have some of the clear elastic but i always have issues with it. oh, and not to fuel the fabric buying addiction or anything, but check out girlcharlee.com for some great knits!
ReplyDeleteOh, you evil temptress, LOL! I think I'm heading down the road to addiction too!
DeleteI thought about bias tape but felt it might be too heavy to use with this thin jersey. Good to know it works!
I'd call you "bubbles" whether you'd wear that adorable top or not! It's fabulous, by the way. : )
ReplyDeletehehehe!
DeleteOh it looks great! Lucky you getting the perfect fit first time, that's great! Ooh and I'm jealous of your serger, lol :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you're considering getting one, but I think you would really love it!
DeleteAww, this turned out great! Love that print.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alicia! Thanks for letting me paw at yours the other day!
DeleteYour top looks great! I did some "fast and loose" clicking at fabric.com last week too, and got that fabric in the teal colorway. It is hard to tell scale from the fabric.com swatches, but I rather like it ... what are the odds that mine ends up a Renfrew as well ...
ReplyDeleteOhh, teal! I didn't see that when I ordered! Yes, make a Renfrew! I'd love to compare!
DeleteOh, Gail, I love it, I LOVE it! I didn't know I loved polka dots so much until I saw your blouse :) Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. I have been thinking about purchasing this pattern. Sewaholic patterns are on sale right now....good time for me to try.
ReplyDeleteI found this to be a really great introduction to using knits :-)
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