Towards the end of Me Made May I felt I needed more casual tops in my wardrobe. I found a pattern on Lekala that had mini raglan sleeves which would be quicker than setting in sleeves, and a bit more versatile than sleeveless.
I made it first up in a fine jersey from Lucky Fashions at only £3 per metre. I never realised before I came to cut it out that I wouldn’t fit both pieces across the width of the fabric. As the front piece incorporates the sleeves and the cowl it was much wide than I anticipated. Luckily I’d bought a generously cut 1.5 metres. Wonder if thats why they call it lucky fashions!!?
The fine jersey was a bit of a nightmare to sew. It was ok through my machine but the overlocker really didn’t like it. It was only intended to be a muslin so I wasn’t too bothered. I left the arms and bottom unhemmed and bodged the neckline. It’s wearable but not sure what it’ll look like after a few washes.
It looks better ironed! This was a quick pic taken yesterday by H whilst he was still in bed! I’ve also got to remember to breathe in, or wear a slinky vest underneath to prevent it being figure hugging!
I was happy with the fit so confidently cut into some fabric which I’ve had in my stash for some time. I bought it from John Lewis last February when we were up in Edinburgh. The stripes are supposed to be horizontal, but due to the width of the front piece the 2 pieces wouldn’t fit. The fabric is 4 way stretch so I turned the stripes vertically and managed to fit the pieces on.
The fabric has more body than the fine jersey but still has a lovely drape. I’m really happy with the finished garment and I know I’ll wear it loads through the summer. It reminds my of a candy shop!
On both versions I omitted the bottom band as the top was plenty long enough without.
On my walk this morning I stopped off at my parents and Dad (who is now the new trainee blog manager) took some pix in his garden.
I took a lot more care in finishing my seams and hems:
I took a lot of photos of each step on finishing the neckline and am planning to write up a tutorial in the next few days. The lekala instructions are notorious for being rather vague and only called for the neckline to be turned and stitched. This looks a bit messy for this top (I know – I did it with the grey one), and it doesn’t take much more time to get a nice finish to it and make it look more professional. I even used a twin needle for the bottom hem for the first time (successfully!).
this would be a nice easy make if anyone’s thinking of joining in Indie Pattern Month over at The Monthly Stitch.
A LATE ADDIDTION TO THIS POST!!
Another 4119 made in October ’15 but doesn’t really warrant a post all to itself! I only had a small remnant of this black and white fabric so the back is plain black and the lower band matches the front.
T H I M B E R L I N A 
Loving the matched chevrons up the shoulders!
Bet that was a quick make.
It looks really stylish.
Thanks, it was quick once cut out and the machine’s set up – I think that’s the worst bit, but once it’s done everything then seems to happen quite quickly!
I really like this top on you and think I will make a cap sleeved version of the cowl neck top I made recently. It makes it more of a casual, everyday top and I love the pink and white stripes! I’ve not tried Lekala yet, maybe I’ll have another look:)
This would probably be a good first try of Lekala – it’s great how they just fit, I’ve only had 1 failure, but I did a quick mock up in an old sheet for that as it was a fitted top so I didn’t waste any good fabric.
This looks a treat – simple sew (depending on fabric 😉) & doesn’t take much yardage! Really appreciate that you made those stripes go up & down. I’ve done that sometimes, too. Funny how ‘going against the grain’ it feels. Why, or why don’t manufacturers make ’em that way in the first place?! (whining loudly) Sorry!
Ta Del!
I think it’s easier making them horizontal unless the stripes are printed onto the fabric. 😉
Cute quick sew, I am loving the stripes. I have browsed Lekala patterns quite a bit I love their stuff!
Thanks! You could probably copy quite a few of their styles now you have your slopers 😉
Love the pink top. Yes, very much like a candy bag. I want one!
Thankyou! It’s funny though, I don’t think if I’d had the stripes horizontal the effect would be the same!
I think you’re right and horizontal stripes are not a girl’s best friend anyway.
Ah I now totally understand why they call stripey fabric candy striped! Lovely tops, I need to take a leaf out of your book and get some fine jersey 🙂
Don;t go too fine though, the grey was a bit tricky and I won’t be rushing to buy any more! The pink was better 😉
Oh yes thank you!
I quite like the vertical stripes, funny that you don’t really see that orientation often in a garment, I wonder why.
I think it must be easier when they’re making the fabric – a bit like when knitting with 2 colours of yarn. It would be easier to set up a machine to work horizontally. I think!!??
I know what you mean about a slight sleeve being more versatile than totally sleeveless. Love the candy-striped version, lovely and cheerful for Summer- if it ever feels like turning up!
It only feels right to bear arms on a proper sunny day, and i think we’ve all forgotten what one of those is. Thank goodness for Oslos! It’s supposed to brighten up at the weekend, and I bet it’s gonna be a scorcher cos I’ll be on nights! We’re having torrential downpours at the minute – have you sent them from over the pennines?!
🙂 Woken up to rare sunshine this morning! We’ll see how long that lasts for…
Nice top! I really like how you’ve finished the hems. I look forward to your tutorial as I’m always after tips to sew with knits. 🙂
Thanks Corrine, I’m posting it tomorrow – trying to catch up on everything before I’m back at work on Thursday! 🙂
Love it. A great colour on you. Like how you’ve dealt with the edges. Will watch out for your tutorial.
Thanks Lucie! Hope you’re new job has gone well this week! Bet the days are flying by, they alway go so quick when you’re doing something new. 🙂
Pingback: Me-Made-May 2015 Part 4 | T H I M B E R L I N A
Pingback: #SundaySevens Week 58 (me32) | T H I M B E R L I N A