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Hello chums,
Here is a top I made last year near the festive season. The fabric was left over from my twins Xmas dresses here. It’s an underrated pattern called Simplicity 1317 which has raglan sleeves.
My first one still gets worn loads especially on weekends. I had to lengthen the arms by 10cms as they were too short before. I think this sort of style has a lot of mileage. I am glad I bought it during my early pattern buying sessions.
The fabric is of a lightweight drapey variety. Sewn up on the overlocker it leaves an awful of lint behind but it more than makes up for it by being a super quick make. It has good stretch recovery and I would buy this fabric again if I came across it. I think I’d like a sheath dress in this fabric….with a low plunging neckline….Tangentially, I think this pattern could easily lengthen into a dress.
The cuffs and the hem band were cut on a different grain – insufficient fabric – but I think I mostly got away with it. The neckband was the only casualty. Which makes me think about grain and its importance with stretch fabrics – perhaps there is more wriggle room than with wovens…I digress.
Sizing wise I actually felt that this was true to size. I cut the size Small based on my bust measurement and I am amazed that there was not the usual excess ease I associate with BIG 4 patterns.
Pictures
Simplicity 1317
Some more pictures from one of the Xmas dos that had a Santa’s Grotto for the kids…
Taking over Santa’s throne…
I think he was checking his IG 🙂
Mini Santa
Eye of the tiger
Panda baby…
Pretty butterfly
****I am not supposed to have favourites but the butterfly is just perfect!******
I feel resplendent in this top and sure enough it was worn to a couple of Christmas events where I was trying to pull off festive nonchalant chic as way of covering up my ever bulging tum ( all that festive feasting was intent on revealing itself!). Currently, crunches and planks are now de rigueur until that festive tum is banished!
Off to my yoga mat…..you know resolutions and all that…..la di da…..
Thanks for stopping by and until next time Happy Sewing all!
Peace and love,
Hila
https://www.instagram.com/p/BM4VXsiB9g7/?taken-by=saturdaynightstitch
https://www.instagram.com/p/BM5-PQGB-j7/?taken-by=saturdaynightstitch
Thimberlina
January 13, 2017 5:34 amGreat festive top and the photo pinching santas chair is just ace! You should have that printed on your Christmas cards next year! 😃
tialys
January 13, 2017 6:32 amYes! I agree with Ali about that photo, it’s brilliant.
My festive tum has been taken back to Zumba and pilates after a lull over the Christmas period and now I remember I’ve got muscles under there somewhere.
Rebecca Carroll
January 13, 2017 2:11 pmI love both velvet and red, so this is fabulous! I want to make a red velvet coat, but I’m not quite as energetic as you when it comes to sewing. Cute kids too! And Santa with his cell? Priceless!
EmilyAnn Frances
January 13, 2017 2:40 pmThis color is beautiful on you. I’d describe it as a jewel tone, it’s so very luxe!
qplourde
January 13, 2017 3:34 pmGreat pattern! I love the color – looks great on you!
kathylikestolearn
January 15, 2017 6:41 pmSuper cute !
themateriallady
January 19, 2017 7:20 pmVery nice Hila. The kids look great with their faces painted!
SA
January 30, 2017 12:57 pmlooks lovely – stretch necklines are one of my biggest worries (although I do have quite a few other sewing worries!) but it seems you have to make sure the neck band is quite a bit smaller than the patterns say. Depending on the material around 70% smaller plus seam allowance some people are saying? The trial and error bit seems to ensure that the neck edge is stretched beyond all recovery in my experience. Your neckline looks pretty good. The colour and sheen of the fabric is gorgeous. The children are super cute too! Thanks for sharing.