Algarve

Well holy smokes. It’s been awhile. Life has been busily flying by on me these last few months! I’ve been getting lots of projects done which I always love because I’m always glad to spend time with my creative pursuits. I’ve been knitting on and off and sewing lots of things. When I’m not actually knitting or sewing I’m definitely plotting and planning projects.

I have really scaled back testing patterns and try to be really discerning when choosing which ones to do. Well to be honest I’m trying to be a bit more discerning about what I choose to make in general. Not just diving head first in on the next new shiny thing. (That’s not to say I don’t occasionally fall off my noble project planning wagon - I have some hot pink boiled wool sitting newly in my stash that would definitely go against any and all discernment. Lol)

Anyways I was starting to talk about pattern testing for a reason. I decided to do the Algarve* test - it’s the latest pattern to be released from Itch to Stitch. I had fabric in my stash and I’m in dire need of some new tees this summer. A lot of the tees I have were made several years ago and are definitely getting a bit worse for wear. I had the time and felt it would also be a fairly simple project, so it felt like a good choice.

I’m glad I did test this one! It’s bound to become a TNT pattern for me. It’s neckline is somewhat boat necked with a from and back yoke that help to form a grown on sleeve. The back falls straight from the yoke while the front gathers along the gently curved seam. I Made mine in a size 18 regular and blended to a size 16 at the hips. I also added 1 1/2” of length.

My first version is sewn up in viscose spandex. I’ve had this Lady McElroy Mademoiselle print for several years. (I’m think I was still in the parts room at Gen Mills when I bought it and I’ve been gone from there for six years now) I love the fancy vintage ladies on this fabric but never quite knew what should make with it until now!

My second version is just an inexpensive “fibre content unknown” jersey from a bin at Fabricland. I think I’ve had it tucked away for at least a few years too!

I had fun sewing both versions and am pretty excited to have some fresh new tees for spring! The Algarve pattern is, of course, available as part of the extensive Itch to Stitch pattern collection.

The Boalsburg Top

Hello, hello!  I'm back again!

I've been pattern testing for Itch to Stitch* again and this one is such a good one! Ok - I've pretty much loved every pattern that I've tested for Kennis.  I do realize I'm probably a broken record on that subject, but they just always fit me so well.  I've made so many of her patterns over the years and I don't think I've ever been disappointed in any of them.  Some of them maybe my fabric choice has led to me feeling kind of "meh" about them, but certainly not the pattern's fault.  It's as though she creates her patterns just for me! LOL!

So let me introduce you to this newest pattern.  Boalsburg is a dropped shoulder beauty that allows for either colour blocking or a single colour sweater with some interesting seam details.  My favourite thing about it is the fact that it's allowed me to use up some randoms bits and bobs of fabric in my stash that weren't big enough for any single project.  

Stash busting is one of my goals this year. Obviously not one I'll stick to rigidly. I'm not about to sign up for the Last Sewist Standing Challenge or anything like that.  I'm still going to get new fabric and not feel badly about it - I love being part of the Minerva Ambassador team, so I'll have new fabric coming to me through that, and sometimes a project just calls for something that I don't have readily at hand.  But my thought is, that if I have something suitable, I'll try to use stash fabric first when possible.  I'm going to see if I can take the stash down at least a bit this year, because my sewing room is slowly being taken over by it.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand.  The Boalsburg.  My first one was a wearable toile basically.  I didn't finish any of the seam allowances and didn't worry too much about my thread not matching well because I wasn't terribly sure how I would feel about it.  I felt a bit iffy about my fabric choices.  Now I'm thoroughly annoyed with myself because I love it and wish I'd taken more care in the inner details. Thankfully no one but me can see those minor details and because the fabric is jersey, it's not going to fray at all, so no need to worry there.

As I said, this first version is jersey and made entirely from fabrics from the Fabric Snob's Luxe Solids line.  The Thistle coloured one was leftover from my Sunday Romper I made a few summers ago.  The black from my sweater knit/jersey Lamma Hoodie and the grey I can't remember what it was used for.  

For my second version, I dug through my bins of fabric and found some sweater knits all of the same weight and gave that a go.  This time I used matching thread and finished off all the seam allowances with my serger so that I'd be just as happy with the outside as the inside of my sweater.  

The dark grey fabric was from a Blackwood Cardi I made for my daughter several years ago, the blue from a Blackwood I made for my mama for Christmas this year and the light grey from my Coimbra Wrap Top that I made last winter!

This is the softest, snuggliest sweater ever!  I'm so impressed with how it all came together. And will get lots of wear out of it.  It's a nice light weight so perfect for the days where I want to wear a sweater, but nothing too heavy.  

I've thought about making a single colour Boalsburg.  Several testers did, and they look fabulous, but I feel when a colour blocking/stash busting opportunity presents itself I should take full advantage of it!

The Boalsburg will be on sale for the release week over on the Itch to Stitch website if you're wanting to pick up a copy for yourself.

The Andes Jacket

 Well hello dear reader!  So sorry to have gone missing again for months on end.  We had such a busy summer, including an amazing trip to Newfoundland for ten days in August.  Then we got back and I was right back into the full swing of work and football season.

I've been doing some projects here and there, although not a lot because I have also been really tired. Our schedule was such that I was on the constant move the entire fall.  Home from work, throw some food on the table and walk the dog, then back out the door within 20 minutes to get to the boys to the football field on time.  Football season is done now though and I'm hoping since I'll have more time in the evenings, maybe I'll be able to get back to doing crafty things with more regularity.  I'm always happiest when I have time to be creative!

If you want to see some of the things I've been working on since I last wrote, you can check out my posts on Minerva or check out my grid on Instagram if you so desire.  I usually post my craftiness in one of those two spots. 

I did want to pop on here today though to tell you about a new make that I'm very proud of.  I did have some dicey moments in which I was sure there was no way I was going to finish it, because this week went south on me a bit, but I ended up having a good sewing session on Thursday evening and then another chunk of time on Friday and then finished up on Saturday.  I so often choose projects that are fairly easy and straight forward, but every now and again I do like to do a project that I can really sink my teeth into, so when Kennis of Itch to Stitch* posted a testing call in our group on Facebook for the Andes Jacket I applied right away.  

The Andes Jacket is just the sort of jacket I've been hunting for!  It's made of softshell (here's an example at Minerva in case you're unsure of what that fabric is - I was until I went shopping for it!) so is a waterproof jacket that will be perfect for spring and fall. I've even test driven it on the weekend, when the snow turned to rain, but figure that might be the last opportunity I get since other than today, winter seems to be mostly here to stay.  The Andes has a slim, athletic fit, zipped pockets, a fully lined hood that now I'm wishing I'd put the optional drawstring in - walking east my hood kept blowing off my head on Sunday. LOL! It features a lower hem in the back of the jacket so keeps your lower back and butt warm too. It also has loads of topstitching which I always think elevates a project!

I purchased my soft shell fabric from Marshall's Northwest in Winnipeg and the zippers and faux suede that I made my pockets and hood lining from our local fabric store Faye's Fabricvilla.  I was certain I would have black fabric and zips in my stash that I didn't bother even looking at Marshalls for them.  Regret! Regret!!  Of course I didn't have anything suitable, so I was stuck with the meagre choice in town.  I ended up spending a small fortune on the pocket zips because I had to get ones that were about twice the length I needed.  So annoying!!

If it's helpful at all, I don't mind telling you that I made a size 18C and graded down to the 16 at the hip for my Andes and I feel like the fit is perfect for me.  I also added one inch of length on the upper lengthen/shorten line so that the waist shaping would hit at the right spot.

Anyway, I am rambling on here, but suffice it to say, I'm incredibly happy with my new jacket.  I wish I'd had it on my trip to Newfoundland and it would have been great at the football field!  Oh well, better late than never.  I'll be prepared for next year's football season!

If you're interested in getting a copy of the Andes Jacket pattern you can pick it up on sale for the release week over on the Itch to Stitch site!

The Amador Top

So I do realize I keep saying I shouldn’t do tests when school is in, then I do another test, but sometimes a project is just that good that you want to be in on the ground floor.

Let me introduce you to the Amador Top* which is the newest design from Itch to Stitch. It’s a great top that features dolman style sleeves and a fun front detail with the lower bodice forming a point at the centre front the has some gathering under the bustline. It has a v-neckline that is neatly finished with binding.

I made mine out of ITY jersey. As I finished sewing it up we were under a storm watch and I took the photos on a “snow day” from work. Happily all the snow has since melted - although this being the prairies and all we are forecasted to get up to 10cm of snow over the next day. No thank you!! I’d much rather be able to wear my spring like Amador Top thanks!

As I mentioned I used an ITY that I bought at Marshall’s Fabrics on the city. It’s a super lightweight fabric. It’s a bit slippery cutting out but it wasn’t too awful. It has really good stretch and a good recovery.

The pattern comes in the usual size range of 00-40 with regular or full bust bodice pieces so no fussing with full bust adjustments. I made a size 18 (regular bust) and blended down to 16 at the hip.  No length was added to this one, but I had to get a bit fancy.

Normally I would add length and I think I could have added 3/4” but I blithely went ahead and added my length to the wrong part of the bodice. Imagine my surprise when the under the bust seam was hitting somewhere around my midsection. I couldn’t figure out where things had gone wrong for the life of me. I looked at other’s tops and they were fine then looked at mine which was very much NOT fine. Then one of the other testers asked if I’d perhaps added length to the wrong half of the bodice and sure enough that’s precisely what I’d done. I unpicked the whole top, re-cut the top bodice from the original too big one and started over. Thankfully it all worked out! To hem it I really didn’t want to lose any length so I did a one inch facing using a 1/4” seam allowance leaving me with the proper amount to “hem”.

I keep thinking this would make a good “basic but elevated”  kind of top and want to sew one up in a solid coloured fabric. I just haven decided on colour and/or fabric yet. I do plan on sewing another though for sure!

You can get your copy of the Amador Top over on the Itch to Stitch site. As usual it’s on sale with a discount for the release week!

The Zakopane Top

I know that I said I shouldn't pattern test when school is in session.  But things being what they are, I have a knack for not taking my own advice and no sooner had I said that I pretty much signed up to do another pattern test.  In my defence, I had the fabric at hand and it promised to be a super quick sew and I was able to do the proof-reading of the pattern instructions on my lunch break so it wasn't too onerous of a task.

Let me introduce you to the latest Itch to Stitch* pattern!  It's a fun little top with a twist.  Literally.  It features a twist at the neckline.  It's no harder to make than a standard tee shirt, so you can decide you want a new top in the morning and be wearing it by afternoon.  Really!  It's that easy!

For your Zakopane Top, you can choose from long sleeves or short sleeves and it has the pattern pieces for either a full or regular bust so the guess work is taken out of it for you right from the start!

Now, one thing to let you know about, it does have lower neckline, so I have an easy styling recommendation for you if you prefer a bit more of a modest neckline.  You can easily make a Cartagena Cami (also a super quick sew!) to wear underneath and it looks quite good like that!  Several of the testing team did just that if they felt the neckline was a bit lower than they wanted.  You can't easily adjust that neckline because of the way the twist is constructed, so a cami is such an easy and cute work around.

So let me tell you about the two I made!  I'm feeling quite pleased with myself because both of mine were made from fabrics that I had in my stash that I had absolutely no idea what to use for.  The first one, the turquoisey print is a mystery jersey - it's definitely a polyester, and feels almost brushed, but not quite as soft as a double brushed poly.  I bought it pre-pandemic at Marshall's Northwest Fabrics in the city and I'm pretty sure it was on their clearance wall, so I may have paid $5.00 or less for it!  I have no idea what I had in mind for it when I bought it, but I sure was happy to remember it was in my stash when this testing call came around.

My second version is made with an ITY poly that I bought at Fabricland last summer.  Again, no idea what I was planning for it.  Maybe a Soller Dress?  I think I bought it around the same time I made my t-shirt version last summer.  Anyways, it was absolutely perfect for the Zakopane, so I'm glad I didn't use it sooner!  I love the tropical feel of the hibiscus flowers!  

I've been trying my hardest to manifest spring here on the prairies - between my two summery Zakopane's and I just made a super summery viscose challis jumpsuit.  I keep hoping if I make spring/summer attire, Mother Nature will take the hint and finish up with winter.  March came in like a lion and it was still roaring all last week.  Here's hoping for sunny, warm skies ahead!

Anyways, I digress.  If you're wanting to make your own version of Zakopane you can purchase it over at the Itch to Stitch site (it's got a discount for the release week of course!)

Coimbra Wrap Top

Well hello there!  Can you believe I'm back again so soon?  LOL!

I thought I would jump in and do a quick little post about a new pattern from Itch to Stitch*.   I have made a bit of an unwritten rule for myself that when school is in session I usually don't sign up for pattern tests because I feel I can't really dedicate the time and energy to the testing process and usually end up feeling frazzled and rushed and like I'm not putting in my best effort.  Kennis has had some really great pattern releases since I tested the Brampton Shorts last summer, but I have dutifully sat out each time until this one.  

I figured I could handle a fairly straight forward pattern and I had a couple of fabric choices in my stash.  I did end up taking almost the entire test period to complete my project because there were plenty of evenings that I was either busy or just didn't have the wherewithal to sit down at my sewing machine (reminding me of exactly why I have that little rule for myself!).

The hardest part about the Coimbra Wrap Top for me was lengthening the crossover - I needed to add my standard 1 1/2" in length to the upper (from shoulder to waist) bodice that I do for pretty much every Itch to Stitch pattern.  It's not really hard to do in all reality - I just tend to stress and overthink it each and every time I have to do it and that's what makes it challenging for me.

The rest of the process was absolutely a breeze.  The way the hem and facings are finished is really slick - and is the easiest way I have ever seen mitred corners done.  I know you can't tell from the outside, but I know they are there and it makes me happy.  I do so love a good mitred corner for a clean finish on the inside.

So let me tell you a wee bit about the Coimbra pattern.  It is, as I've mentioned a wrap top - not a faux wrap - with the option of a collar or just a simple faced neckline.   It features bust darts for a nice fit (and offers full or regular bust pattern pieces - no full bust adjustments necessary!).  Sizing is available from 00-40 - to fit busts from 30"/76 cm to 62 1/2"/158.5 cm and hips from 32 5/8"/82.5cm t0 64 1/4"/163cm.  Coimbra is designed for medium weight knit fabrics with 50% horizontal stretch and good recovery.

I chose to make mine in a super soft sweater knit.  I've no idea what the fabric content is because it was one of those "mystery" knits that was on sale at my local Fabricland a few months ago.  I think I paid about $4.00/metre for it.  It feels like it might be a bit prone to pilling, but it sewed up nicely and feels lovely so hopefully it'll last!

The Coimbra Wrap Top  is available over on the Itch to Stitch site and is on sale for the release week if you'd like to grab your own copy of the pattern.

  

The Brampton Shorts

Hello, hello!  How's your summer been going?  I've been having a great one!  We've had quite the busy one between football practices four times a week and working out in the garden - I refuse to let the weeds take over this year - and we even got in a trip to Saskatchewan that was absolutely wonderful.  We rented a cabin at Regina Beach for a few days and used it as a home base for day trips to Moose Jaw and Regina.  It's got me really excited to spend time over the next few months planning a road trip for next summer!

But here I am again with another pattern release from Itch to Stitch*.  I am definitely not ready to say farewell to summer or summer sewing for that matter, so the Brampton Shorts came at the perfect time for me.  Also, I'd been planning all summer long to make a few pairs of shorts, because I had only one pair left that fit me and so was in a bit of dire need.  The call to pattern test was the kick in the pants (or shorts as the case may be) that I needed to finally get to it.

Brampton comes with two different lengths to choose from, optional inseam and back pockets and optional belt loops and sash tie belt.  It features an easy elasticated paperbag waistband and comes in sizes 00-40.  This is a quick and easy sew, even if you choose all the optional pockets, belt loops and belt!  I whipped up my first pair in no time at all and made a second pair right away.  I didn't require any modifications to my shorts making it even quicker.   I chose to do the shorter length and all the options for both my pairs.

My first pair I made for the pattern test was made using leftover fabric from a previous Minerva project - my Itch to Stitch Anza Dress.  The fabric, that was gifted to me two years ago by Minerva, is a beautifully drapey rayon chambray.  I had just enough to do the shorts except for the pocket lining so I just used a white cotton lawn I had left over in my stash for that.  

The shorts fit great right off the hop.  As I said, no modifications were needed at all, so I was ready to make another pair straight away!  

I  definitely wanted to use all the options again, and this time wanted to try a different fabric to see how it would work out.  I chose a navy blue lightweight linen that I had bought earlier in the summer on sale from my local Fabricland with making shorts in mind.  It turned out to be perfect for the pattern as well!

My linen ones passed the road trip test too - I wore them all day on my trip and was equally comfy sitting for several hours in the truck as I was walking along the beach and lounging in the cabin. 

I'm so excited with this pattern and how it fits and wears!  I have some burnt orange viscose twill that I bought the same day I bought the navy linen with the intention of making some Helen's Closet Arden pants, but I changed my mind.  I'm going to hack the Brampton Shorts into pants.  I'd hoped to make them before my trip, but ran out of time, so I definitely want to make them for back to school.  I think they'd be super comfy as pants and I know that pattern fits well so it'll be a fuss free pants making venture!

If you want to get a copy of the Brampton Shorts they are on sale for the release week and I highly recommend them for any of your summer sewing plans!  I'll keep you posted on how the pants making goes! But for now I'm off.  I have to eat my breakfast and get out on the tractor and get the grass cut, then get into the garden and tackle the weeds and pick some veggies for supper tonight!

It's Been Awhile...

How has it been three months since I last posted here?  I didn't even realize it had been that long.  I've had so much going on!  It was a busy spring for sure - two of my kids got married within three weeks of each other,  I ended up with Covid in between the weddings and then some sort of stomach thing that lasted a whole miserable two months and then the end of school madness.   I will say that this year was probably the hardest and most stressful of my career to date.  I'm not sure why - it felt like it should have been easier than the two years previous, but whatever the case I'm so thankful it's done and hopefully next fall is a lot better!

But here I am.  Feeling so much better and we're into week three of summer break, so I'm caught up on much needed rest and feeling more relaxed than I have in months.  Summertime and the living is easy.  I've been working away in my garden, reading books that have been on my to read list for far too long, floating in the pool and getting some sewing and knitting in too.

I'm going to do a catch up post of some of the things I was working on in the months of my blogging hiatus - I sewed my dresses for both weddings and the ties for my husband and little guys (Ok, they're not little anymore - one is already a full fledged teenager and taller than me.  How did that happen?)  and I did a pattern test for Itch to Stitch* in between the weddings that I'm realizing I never shared here, along with a few other sewing projects and I picked up my knitting needles again!!  I'm so incredibly slow at knitting now, but I'm enjoying it, so that's what counts!

So, speaking of pattern testing, I recently finished another one and it's just been released today!  This is the Soller Top and Dress from Itch to Stitch and oh my goodness it was love at first sight!  The Soller features gathers at the front shoulders (achieved so simply with elastic!), a v-neck binding and grown on sleeves that are also finished with binding.  

I made the top version for testing and loved it so much I literally snipped the threads, tried it on and cut out a dress version and was wearing the dress by that afternoon.  So this is also a super speedy, quick fix kind of garment.  I need new tees in my wardrobe because most of mine are getting tattered and worn from so much use, and I'm trying to decide how many Soller tees would be an appropriate number.  

I made my tee out of an unmarked jersey remnant I picked up for a few dollars a couple of years ago at my local Fabricland.  I think it likely has some rayon or bamboo in it because it is super soft and has a drape to it.  I really, really hope I pre-washed my fabric - I usually do before I put it on the shelf, but I had a horrifying moment of thought after I cut it all out that I may not have.  Please oh please don't shrink! It's perfect the way it is!  I'm being super precious about how I care for it, because I don't want to ruin it.

The dress is just as good.  I've reached for it so many times this week already! It's just so comfy and easy to wear.  

This one is made out of The Fabric Snob's "boyfriend" wash jersey and it definitely has been pre-washed so this is a easy throw in the wash without a second thought kind of garment.  Which is a darn good thing given I practically have been living in it right now.  It's been so hot and humid the last little while it's been the perfect thing to throw on and go about my day. 

I want to talk about the yardage for a moment too.  After sewing some garments recently that took a whole lot of yardage (mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses I'm looking at you...) it was so nice to be able to whip out a top or dress out of a small amount of fabric.  A top in my size 18 takes .8m  and the dress 1.2m!

If you want to get sewing a Soller for yourself, head on over to the Itch to Stitch site.  It's on sale for the release week too!

I'll pop back in soon again to tell you about the Lemont top that I tested and then forgot to tell you about here (although it was over on my Instagram and I did post about it in the ITS facebook group, so you may already have seen both I made.  I'll have to fill you in on the details of my wedding sewing too!

Sibiu Top

Well, it certainly would appear things are feast or famine in terms of post on this old blog of mine.  It always seems to be the way.  You don't hear a peep from me for ages and then suddenly I'm here twice in as many weeks.  

I'm back here with some more sewing content and what do you know... it's to showcase another brand new Itch to Stitch* pattern that's just launched.  I haven't been doing as much testing lately because with everything going on I haven't felt I have the time or energy to give it the proper attention it deserves.  Every now and again though a design comes across my feed that I a) love the look of, b) have the fabric for, c) it doesn't look like it'll take me too long to sew up and d) I feel like I have the time and brain power for.

The Sibiu Top is one of those designs.  It's a simple design, but one that has a few options to make it really stand out.  I had some leftover fabric from, would you believe another Itch to Stitch test I did way back in 2015 - The Irena Top?  I have saved that red sweater knit for so long not knowing what to do with it.  As soon as I saw what the fabric requirements were I quickly ran down to the sewing room to see if I had enough and I had exactly what I needed!  (Now I'm wondering where on earth my Irena Top got to?  It's not in my closet, nor is it in my dresser drawer.  Huh.  I hope I didn't give it away at some point thinking I didn't fit it anymore.  Note to self:  You need to find your Irena!)  

Anyways - before I get too far away on my tangent let's just circle back to the Sibiu Top.  The only change I made to my size 18 was my standard 1 1/2" in length to the bodice.  However when I sewed up my top and tried it on I realized that I hadn't accounted for the amount of vertical stretch in my fabric being significantly more than the pattern called for.  I ended up taking a inch back off the bottom to bring the hem band up to the appropriate level. I love the short cuffed three quarter sleeves and the crew neckline, which is good because that was all my fabric would allow for! Top finished I decided immediately to make a second one.

For my second one I wanted to try some of the other options so this time I opted for the long cuffs and the cowl neckline.  I decided it was the perfect pattern for my latest Minerva Brand Ambassador project.  This gorgeous sparkly sweater knit was kindly gifted to me in exchange for a review that you can read over on the Minerva site under my profile!

For this one the stretch percentages are what are required by the pattern so I kept the 1 1/2" of length in the bodice and it's perfect for me.  No other changes were necessary at all.  This is such an easy top to fit given it's batwing style.

Of course I couldn't just stop with two of the views when I could make a third version!  For my third I decided to go a more casual route and make a jersey version.  I had a metre of Pointelle Jersey and a metre and a half of the Tangled Gardens from a previous custom round (unfortunately sold out by the looks of it) in bamboo jersey both bought from The Fabric Snob.  I did have to seam the centre back to make it work, as well as cut the cuffs and hem band on the lenghwise grain instead of the crosswise grain, but it was fine.  I could have been less stubborn and reversed my fabrics and had plenty to work with but I wanted just a pop of the floral in the solid.  As I said everything worked out fine, I just had to spend a bit of time figuring everything out - pattern placement tetris if you will.

I'm so happy with all three of my tops!  They're comfortable and cozy and yet another winner for my wardrobe.  You know it's a hit when I make three versions of a pattern within days.

If you'd like to get your own copy of the Sibiu Top pattern you can hop on over to the Itch to Stitch site and get it while it's on sale for the release week!

The Glenelly Top

Hello dear readers!  I'm back again with a quick little post about my newest sewing project.  I'm sure it will come as absolutely no surprise at this point when I tell you that it is, of course, also the newest pattern to be released by Itch to Stitch.  Once again I got in on the ground floor so to speak with this one, and was a pattern tester for it.

I love wearing tee shirts but tend to stick with a few tried and true patterns that consist of either raglan or set in sleeves and either a plain round or scooped neckline or if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, a v-neck.  But you know what they say.  Variety is the spice of life.  And Glenelly definitely provides that!

I was really drawn to the open neckline of the Glenelly top with it's angled front corners and wide sweeping cut. It takes the idea of a plain tee and dials it up a notch in interest both in design and the sewing of it.  Of course, like a lot of ITS patterns, it looks more complicated than it really is.  Kennis is always very thorough in her instructions and walks you through those corners step by step.  

Once you've got the corners down pat, the rest is easy peasy and goes together like any other t-shirt neckline really!  And the rest of the shirt?  Well, there is absolutely nothing complicated about it at all!  Raglan sleeves, side seams, hems.  That's it, that's all.   Did I mention that the neckline really only looks complicated?  If you take it nice and easy and follow the steps it shouldn't cause any aggravation and I think it's well worth the effort!

I was quite pleased with the fit of this top -  I always say I have line backer shoulders so I found it really suited to my shape as is.  But don't worry!  If you've got narrower shoulders, Kennis has a modification you can do to bring the neckline in as necessary.  Just check out her handy post that's linked from the instructions!

My top is sewn out of the famous Fabric Snob "boyfriend knit" (Sorry I can't remember the colourway - maybe it was Joseph?  Not sure! I don't actually see it on their website right now).  For size reference, I sewed an 18 (full bust) and sized down to the 16 at the hips.  Only alteration needed was my standard 1 1/2" length.

I planned all week to get a dress version done as well to show you, but here we are, release day and I've not even dug out my fabric that I want to use, so I guess that's not going to be happening just yet.  What can I say?  It's nearing the end of June.  There's seven more school days left to go in what feels like a year that's lasted approximately eleventy million months.  I'm just plain old worn out.  (Pretty sure everyone is at this point.  Not just me!)  The end is in site though.  I did my last library classes yesterday and started the year end inventory.  And in a little more than a week I will be on summer break.   And one of the first things I plan on doing is sewing up a Glenelly dress! (I also have another Recoleta planned for those first few days of summer break too!)

Anyways, I hope you'll check out the Glenelly pattern and give it a go.  If I get that dress made next week as planned, I'll pop up an update here to show you how it turned out as well! (although don't hold me to it... I may well be sitting on the deck just staring off into space for a bit. LOL)

The Recoleta Dress

Well hello again!  This is getting a bit embarrassing... I always have the very best of intentions to post and then somehow another few weeks goes by and I don't do it and then I casually saunter back into the blogosphere with another new Itch to Stitch* pattern.  I do other crafty things besides test for Kennis.  Really I do!  One of these days I will hopefully get around to sharing some of those other things...

But today is not that day.  Today is the latest pattern from Itch to Stitch and I am really looking forward summery weather that I can wear it in! (It was only 5C the day I took my photos.  I would have appreciated some summery weather l tell you! Brrrrr.)  

Let me introduce you to the Recoleta Dress. 

Recoleta is in the new Itch to Stitch size range of 00-40 and A-DD cup sizes. It's a empire waisted dress that gets it's shaping thanks to bodice and skirt darts.  It features short or 3/4 length sleeves and has a pretty split neckline.  The neckline is completely faced (and enclosed) which has got me thinking of doing a version with some floral embroidery on it... maybe in a lightweight denim...

Sorry.  I was just daydreaming there.  There are just so many projects I want to sew and so very little time to do them in.  So.  Back at the project at hand.

I chose to make my Recoleta out of a Rose and Hubble Cotton poplin.  I bought it a few summers ago at the Fabricland in the city because I loved the little flamingos marching across it.  Then I had no idea what to make with it, so into my stash bin it went.  I actually had forgotten about it until I went looking for something suitable for my dress.

After I cut out my pattern, I came to two revelations.  The first one being that my flamingos were indeed marching in neat little rows across my fabric.  My second revelation that came close on the heels of the first was that those rows basically acted and stripes and I hadn't given a blessed thought to matching the pattern up at all when I cut it out.  With disappointment at certain looming pattern matching disaster I sat down to sew.  I can not express how shocked I was to find out that somehow my lines were matching up.  Coincidental pattern matching is not something that ever happens for me.  Did I mention it NEVER happens??? I'm the one that will end up with a inconveniently placed flower or a two headed animal, or... well you get the idea.

The one place the pattern did not match up was on one of sets of front neckline.  Easy peasy solution?  Make the unmatched set my facing.  Only I know! (well and now all of you too, but whatever.  Only I will ever see it so that's what counts!)

The only changes I made to the pattern were that I added my standard 1 1/2" of length to the bodice and then I took off 1 1/2" from the bottom hem.  That's all!  I love that I can always count on ITS patterns to pretty much fit from the get go!

I'm pretty happy too that my Flamingo Recoleta goes perfectly with my red clogs and my red Sunshower cardi!

If you're wanting to pick up your copy of Recoleta, it is on sale now for the release week over on the Itch to Stitch site!

Seychelles Top

Well, well, well.  Here I am again with another brand new Itch to Stitch* top pattern that I just tested.  I am a sucker for the patterns Kennis designs, especially since they require very little alterations to fit me (just some length in the bodice) so when the testing call came out for the Seychelles Top I filled out my application pretty much immediately.

Seychelles is a fun v-neck, pull on woven top pattern that has two sleeve options. You can choose either short sleeve with pleats at the shoulder or long sleeve with gathers.  Or be like me and make one of each!  The pattern is suited to so many different fabrics and can give a completely different look depending on what you choose.  Medium weight linens to lighter weight lawns and anything in between really is going to work, I think.

For my first version I decided to make the short sleeved view and bought some cotton shirting fabric at Fabricland in the city. It was on sale so my top cost under $13.00 which seemed a pretty good bargain for a test project. It has a bit of an embroidery detail which I thought was quite pretty, but simple enough to not be too fussy.  When I bought the fabric is was sleek and smooth, but when I popped in the machine to prewash it got a crinkly, puckery texture.  I wasn't quite sure at first and felt a bit disappointed that it wasn't smooth anymore, but I went ahead and cut my project out anyway.  I'm so happy I did!  I love the texture it has now and I think it's actually even better than it was in it's original form.

I really like how comfy the top is.  I often struggle with woven tops being too tight across the back and if I don't do a broad back adjustment I end up feeling like I'm trussed up, barely able to move my arms and needing something akin to the escape skill level of Houdini to get me out of my top.  Let me tell you I have got stuck in many a top in my day.  It's a horrifying feeling when that happens. I was super relieved to find that not only can I get in and out of my top without assistance or the prowess of a magician (thank goodness! No one wants to be trapped in their clothes!!!), but I can also move freely about.   Imagine that.  Full range of movement! LOL

I was so happy with how my short sleeved version came out that I immediately dove head first into my fabric stash to find something I could make a long sleeved version with.  What I came up with was a lightweight, silky feeling polyester that I had bought three or four years ago (intending to make the SOI Anderson blouse that I never got around to making).  Every now and again procrastination pays off. I'm glad I had it saved because it turned out to be the perfect fabric for those gathered sleeves! 

The only problem with my long sleeve top is that it is quite staticky.  How do normal people deal with this?  Am I the only one who walks around with clothes perpetually sticking to me with static? (insert lame "electric personality" jokes here should you wish - I'll leave that to you dear reader because telling jokes is apparently not in my skill set.  Or according to my children anyways, who routinely respond with an "Ohhhh.  Mom." and a groan.  LOL)

Anyway, static not withstanding, I really love my long sleeve version too.  I probably could have lengthened the sleeves just a teeny smidge, but I think they work fine as they are.

I suppose another problem with my tops is what to wear with them.  I think my cotton one is perfect with jeans and will go well with my Lander Shorts, this summer, but not sure what to pair with my long sleeved one.  I don't wear skirts anymore and don't really have anything except jeans to choose from.  I know a lot of the testers were pairing theirs with ITS North Point Trousers, which have definite potential. Or maybe I'll finally get to work on a pair of wide legged jeans like Landers or maybe the  Anna Allen Persephone Pants.  Or more than likely I'll just continue to pair it with my jeans I already have. 

So there you go!  That's the low down on the latest pattern from Itch to Stitch!  If you're wanting your own copy of the pattern, it is on sale as per usual for the release week over on the ITS site.