White Seafarer tops for summer (Part 2)

  As promised here is the second Seafarer (pattern by Sew Much Ado) top that I made in preparation for summer:

 To tell the truth I thought this fabric was going to be an absolute nightmare to sew. 

I could already see in my mind the foot of the sewing machine catching in the holey over layer, or the under layer getting pulled down into the throat plate and being chewed up by the feed dogs. 

All this before the fabric had even been cut into or pinned.

 After the issues of the last white top I was totally expecting sewing  disaster (such a pessimist Kate!).

Luckily all my fears were very unfounded.  

This fabric behaved beautifully, it sewed like a dream and I had my second top whipped up in no time :D 

The fabric is actually made up of two layers of fine synthetic knit mesh fabric- a plain under layer and the holey/lacey over layer. It is a stretch fabric but has much less give than say a lycra or jersey and that actually works well with the pattern I used.

I left out the pocket feature as I think it would have been OTT teamed with such a textured fabric.

Both this fabric and the one for my previous white top were purchased from the Janome store in Balcatta. They have a fabric section at the back which has clearance Knitwit stock -always worth a look if you are in the area ;)

Happy Sewing!

Kate :)

White Seafarer tops for summer (Part 1)

The weather is finally starting to warm up (only last week we had the wood fire going) and with 40 degree summer heat looming around the corner I've started thinking of suitable clothing. 

My plan this year is to make a few quick to sew/easy to wear items from pattern's I've already tried before, then if time permits I'll move onto something new...

This week I managed to make two tops from Sew Much Ado's Seafarer top pattern (which I tested here last June). 

I've said it before -I LOVE this pattern- it sews up super quick (2 pieces only if you choose) and is a great casual all rounder piece to wear, figure flattering and easy to throw on with jeans or a skirt. IMHO you can't go wrong.

That is unless - like me- you mistake super fine ribbing for cotton Lycra, then hold on for the ride (and keep the unpicker handy)!

The fabric for this top below IS super fine cotton ribbing: 

 

Superfine ribbing is GREAT for cuffs, necklines and fold over waistbands, it stretches and curves beautifully. 
It's also an absolute *biatch* to sew without an overlocker. Seams stretch and wave like crazy- even when using the stretch stitch option (lightning stitch) on the sewing machine. 

Originally I planned to just make this using the basic front/back 2 piece basic pattern. After ripping out the sleeve ends twice due to waviness (I used a triple zig zag stitch in conjunction with"Steam-a-seam lite" tape) I decided that the only way to stop them looking like wings was to overlock armbands on as a sleeve finish. I then overlocked  bands to the neckline and bottom hem as well, in an effort to try and salvage the top. 
Even using an overlocker the seams still wanted to stretch so I changed the differential feed setting from 1 to 2.2, after consulting the user manual. 

Due to the fabric thickness this top feels more like a sweatshirt than a t-shirt (my daughter said "mummy jumper **?" when she saw it) and it looks quite "made by nanna circa 1980's". NOT that there's anything wrong with that- it's just not the look for me (when I was five years old maybe...)
 Safe to say it has now been put in the house/lounge/PJ wear drawer, I feel like a marshmallow in it so it wont be leaving the house!

How did I manage to make such a fabric blunder? Largely trying to choose and  buy fabric in a hurry- combining fabric shopping with family outings has never really turned out well in my experience.

Also -up until now- I had never had anything to do with this type of fabric. It wasn't until I was sewing it, trying to work out why it stretched like crazy, did I happen to pull it the right way and see that it was in fact ribbing! 

Bit of a light bulb moment there ;)

Guess that explains why it seemed to be a fabric narrower than usual in width (I ended up having to put a centre seam in the back fabric piece). 

Anyway I think I've waffled on enough for one post so I'll leave the top that actually DID work out until next time!

Until then ...

Happy (hopefully trouble-free) sewing!

Kate :) 

P.S in case you are wondering where you can get this type of ribbing from- I brought this fabric from Janome Balcatta.


** We tend to call sweaters/pullovers "jumpers" here but I know "jumpers" refer to a different type of garment elsewhere in the world.

Seafarer Tops

A while back I gave a sneak peek (and here too) of something I was pattern testing for Sew Much Ado. This pattern has since been released as the "Seafarer top" , basically it's a knit dolmain-style tee with a woven fabric pocket. Very cute...and a easy as anything to sew!!! I think this would make a great first project OR if (like me) you are looking for something quick and easy to sew, well this is your pattern! 

Normally I add at least 10 -15cm to any pattern but for this one it was not necessary!!! I did add the extra for the garments pictured but really it was not necessary- the tops could have happily done without (strategic bunching of fabric used in places). Of course if you are short waisted you might need to alter the pattern but this is the first time EVER I have not needed to change the length to fit me sooo sorry one happy camper here! 

Ok so enough yakking and on to the pics...

Large deco floral print in front of mulberry (neighbour's plant coming over fence) bush

Front on in different light

On a hanger (my preference over actually modelling BUT it probably doesn't give you as much technical information right?)

Flat- see the simple design :)

Shiny metallic woven pocket. LOVE this detail.

Number two version- made with an Italian knit bought from Janome Balcatta. Pocket recycled from a silk/cotton blend Portman's top.

...another view...

...and I added this one cos I think my neck looks better here- oh vanity!!!

So the floral top was just turned and twin needle stitched hems but for the grey cherry blossum print I actually used the arm bands options. I think in a slightly heavier knit the option with arm bands would make a great inter-seasonal (or Perth weather) garment.

This is a little GEM of a pattern, don't be fooled by the simplicity of the style- this will be something you want to wear day in and day out. 

So everyone...

Happy Sewing :) :) xx

Kate x