Sunday 16 September 2018

Carey Top









I fell in love with this beautiful printed rayon on my first trip to The Fabric Shop in Otara.  On my last visit,  I finally decided to buy some, not really having a pattern in mind, I figured I could always revert to the tried and tested Bellbird Top, of which I have made a couple.

However when I was  downloading the Uvita Top pattern from Itch to Stitch, I came across the Carey top pattern and thought that this looked like something I'd wear. It can  be made in either a woven or a knit fabric.

Itch to Stitch patterns always give very clear detailed instructions, and illustrations which make them it easy to follow.  (actually I have found this with a lot of indie patterns, they assume you are not a sewing expert, so explain things really well) .This pattern also gave different options for hemming the shirt, depending on what type of machine you were using.

This was the first time I have sewn with rayon, and it has been a bit of a learning curve for me.  I have learnt that spray starch and the iron are my friends, as are lots of pins. I over edged all the pattern pieces before I started sewing them.  For the contrast panel in the sleeve, I used remnants of chambray voile leftover from my Sorbetto Top.  Sewing this top has taken me a little longer than usual, however I figured that  slowly working away on this, sewing a couple of seams at a time,  carefully pressing after each one, then pinning the next seams well, would give me a top I enjoyed wearing.

Making the ties was probably the fiddliest part (the hem was a close second),  you can use ready made cording, but I couldn't be bothered driving to Spotlight to find any. I like the look of ties that match the shirt not the contrast panel too.

Overall, I am really pleased with how it turned out. It is possibly a little more snug over the hips than I thought it would be, so I may need to try grading my pattern next time. ( I made this in a size 2).  Despite knowing that this shirt  will need to be ironed everytime I wear it, I know it will be worn a lot over summer.

**Photos of me taken by The Scout**

9 comments:

  1. It loos fantastic Julie and it beautiful fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great top, looks comfortable and cool too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is really pretty. I like both the fabric and the pattern you used.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's lovely, beautiful fabric!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. A beautiful make, I loved the fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful top, beautiful fabric! And it looks beautiful on you too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gorgeous top Julie! The fabric is very pretty and the contrast on the sleeves is a perfect colour match. I admire you sewing with rayon. I imagine it slips and slides around!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great work and it looks wonderful. Yes, rayon is fiddly, but what nice results.
    Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a lovely top and oh that fabric....just beautiful. I love the detail on the shoulder and down the arm. It is such a pretty pattern and oh how flattering it looks on you. As fiddly as rayon is, it always falls rather wonderfully. A gorgeous addition to your wardrobe.

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are always read and very much appreciated. I will always endeavour to reply by email unless you happen to be a no-reply blogger. Thank you.