Monday 1 July 2013

Made up my mind...

... and whipped up a top from the fabric I showed at the end of my last post! A few people suggest a dress from this fabric, but all that pattern happening just wasn't for me - don't want to step too far out of the old comfort-zone!


So I ended up settling on the fairly popular KwikSew 3915 long sleeved top. The feature neck detail grabbed my attention, as did the higher back neckline - the winter winds are blowing here! Though it is difficult to see the neck feature with this print - see, I just can't see 'me' wearing this all-over!

Anyway, I did have problems with this 5 piece pattern top. And the most difficult piece was the smallest - the 4 loops which are the main feature of the whole top. Attaching and sewing the little suckers in was easy, but what a bulky area this turned out to be...


When you think about it, the neckline is a folded piece of fabric, so in this area already you have 4 layers of fabric, then you need to gather these 4 layers, which instantly adds bulk. Next you have to attach the self fabric loops, which have a seam and are at their smallest 2 layers thick, and at the seamed section they are 4 layers thick. So you have now 8 layers of fabric, some of it gathered, and are attaching this to the front piece - 9 layers of fabric sewn tight in a mere 5 cm (about 2 inches) of seam! One bulky neck feature that felt very stiff and unappealing to wear. And then add to this buttons to really accentuate the area! The whole area just didn't want to lay flat, and kept pulling towards the gathering. 

And the solution, I hear you all ask...

Yes, chop that area and reattach it, minus the loops - and I had turned such even loops! Other than this little time waster section, this top goes together really quickly. I mainly used my overlocker, gathered on the sewing machine, and hemmed on my coverstitch! Just a few hours to get a new top - well worth it! 

I have plans on making another one, as the fit is perfect on me with the higher neckline. It sits smoothly under a jacket and perfect for matching with a number of bottoms.

Next up on my list is trying Vogue 8721 - for no other reason than I really like the look of View D! 

32 comments:

  1. What a lovely burst of colour!

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    1. Thanks, Katherine! I goes with a few of my winter 'bottom-halfs' well, and I do think the faint lilac and soft blue break it all up a bit.

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  2. Looks lovely! Thanks for the comments about the bulk at the front, I have this pattern in my stash and haven't seen it yet so it's very helpful to know.

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    1. That bulk was nearly like having a 3rd boob! Not a great look (or feel) at all.

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  3. This looks really good Judith. I'm with you on liking something with a higher back neckline in cold weather.

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  4. Judith, your solution was the only one:) The button loops are not needed - this old fashioned trick does the job :)

    If you feel all over pattern is not you, then it is not you. It's wise to wear what you like, not what other people like. I learnt that a few years ago - everyone tried brightening me up in gaudy dresses with patterns - I was so unhappy in them! Glad you stuck to your little guns and made what you liked:)

    I've got this pattern - looking forward to seeing your version soon.

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    1. Have cut it out already, and started basting! So far I am liking it...a lot!

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  5. Really nice! I do love those colours together... I tend not to have too many patterns near my face for some reason. This isn't a planned thing it's just most don't feel right. I still haven't' used my overstitch... but next week I'll be child free and keen to play!

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    1. A play week at the machine! Sounds like bliss - what else can we do in this dreary weather???

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  6. Brilliant top, it will go with so many pieces and seeing it works under your jacket even better!

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  7. I really like this top Judith, and the pattern is very appealing. My machine would never cope with all those thicknesses! I know what you mean about ending up with a big lump of fabric - it has happened to me occasionally with other designs. Great save, and you really don't need the buttons on what is a great stylish top. Thank you for your helpful comment on my last blog, too :))

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  8. I like the detail in the front. Very, very nice Judith :) m.

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  9. Great pattern choice for the fabric, Judith. The top is lovely!

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  10. Love the fabric & it works great with your pattern.

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  11. It looks great!

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  12. I left you a comment on the stash blog but wanted to say here-thanks for the info on the loopies. I will keep that in mind when it is my turn to make up this pattern.

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  13. Very nice work on the neckline! I like your fabric choice.

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  14. I really like that print Judith. You always make very interesting tops.

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  15. Nice solution. Your loops look very well made -- but if they don't feel right, they're not right. I look forward to seeing V8721 view D (which appears to be very different from views A, B, and C, doesn't it?).

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  16. I LOVE your new top and I really like that new Vogue pattern. Vogue always has a 4th of July sale and I think I may have to pick up a few more patterns....

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  17. I first saw the image on PR and knew automatically that it was yours. I passed on this pattern because of the envelope drawing, but your version has given me a second look. Fantastic, J. Just fantastic!

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  18. Gorgeous. And the beauty of that fabric is that it will go with different bottoms.

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  19. Ha! You taught those loops a thing or two!

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  20. Now I love that fabric. I would definitely wear it all over. Love the neckline on your top. I bet it is perfect under a jacket.

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  21. Great looking top. I have this pattern so I appreciate your comments about the bulkiness at the neckline. I like the fabric you chose for this.

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  22. Very pretty top & a good way to introduce more color in your wardrobe. You can always cover it with a jacket if the print gets to be too much for you.

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  23. Very nice! The neckline is such a lovely feature.

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  24. That certainly is a whole lotta bulkiness. Shame, because those buttons are rather sweet! Still, I think getting rid of them sounds much more effective. I'm with you too - it's a fabulous print, but not sure I could handle it 'all over' either! The top looks great :)

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  25. I love how it gathers into those buttons; looks really nice!

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  26. Judith, Thank you so much for posting your solution to all of that bulk. And how the back neck is raised, I love that! I'm going to remember this when I make up this top in the fall. Oh, and I'm happy to see how it looks in a print; yours is lovely!

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