Sunday, July 3, 2011

Hot Pattern for a Hot Summer

Aloha Everyone. I'd like to say thanks to those of you who chimed in on the last outfit.  I enjoyed reading your thoughts on how the two pieces worked together, or didn't.  I really love being able to bounce ideas off of one another as we work through our creative process of sewing and designing.  

This past week I have been working on bags for my shop.  But I did manage to squeeze in a Hot Pattern's Sunshine Top. I am feeling a need for simple knit tops right now, so I may try to get several done in the next week or two.  The first time I made this top I cut out a size 8.  I thought it was a perfect fit at the time, but after having worn it a lot, I think the size 8 is just a tiny bit snug in the arms and shoulders.  This time I decided to try the size 10.  It is just a little bit too big.  What I think I need to do is keep the neckline on the 8, but add about 3/8" to the shoulder seam and 3/8" to the width of the sleeve.  Thankfully the size 10 is wearable.  I am sure I will find it to be a little cooler too since it will let the breeze circulate with the extra space.

I used a 100% cotton jersey with a slub texture in hot pink that I bought from Fabric.com nearly two years ago.  Even though I pre-washed it, I am hoping it shrinks a little bit more over time.  I love the bright pop of color, and it works nicely with my grey, jersey, Burda, skirt.  This pattern has excellent instructions and is easy to assemble.  I made a 4 inch band at the bottom instead of the 3" band they recommend.  I also cheated and didn't interface the neckband.  I think I will interface my neckband on the next one, like I did with the first version I made, because by leaving it off I think the neckband stretched more that it probably would have if I had used it.  I used my coverstitch machine to hem the sleeves.   

I look forward to catching up on some blog reading this weekend.  For those of you celebrating Independence Day tomorrow, have a spectacular time!

25 comments:

Rachelle said...

Such a nice style on you and I love the colour too.

Kat said...

Ooh, that looks like such a comfortable summer outfit! I really love the colour pop.

Karin said...

I like the bright pop of pink. Great for summer! I've made this pattern several times, but never with the band at the bottom. It looks good.

Kyle said...

That is such a great, happy color! :) I haven't made a hot pattern yet, I might have to try!
Enjoy your 4th on the island!!

Linda said...

I have this same knit fabric and wondering what top to make. I like your top and it looks cute with the skirt.

Andrea said...

Really cute top! I like that band at the bottom more than I would have expected. I have this pattern too -- I should give it a try.

Eugenia said...

That hot pink is really hot!! This top will give any outfit a wonderful pop of colour - so lovely for summer.

Irene said...

Such a yummy colour! Love this top.

Texan said...

Thats real cute, I would have probably made it without the band, but after seeing it with the band, thats real cute!

Alexandra said...

I love it! Great colour.

Marie said...

Gorgeous colour. The top looks so cute, perfect for summer.

velosewer said...

Very pretty. You made the right choice with a wider band.

Julia said...

This color is great on you! love the top!!!

Lori said...

this is so pretty, the color is fantastic on you. Okay, another pattern I really have to get!

Anna Christina said...

I love everything about this outfit!

Trudy Callan said...

That is such a great top. I adore the hot pink.

Tuesday's post, a dialect/accent vlog I made so my readers can hear what I sound like, complete with bloopers at the end.

Sue said...

The pink is fabulous and I agree with you as to what a great pattern this is. I will be making more this coming summer.

gwensews said...

That's a very pretty top. Looks like a soft, comfortable top for hot weather. Love your twisty skirt.

knottygnome said...

it looks like a really comfy top and love the pink!

Cennetta said...

This is a super cute top. Of course, I like both versions. Another pattern to add to the collection. Lol You are "encouraging" me to try that chic Burda skirt too. wink, wink.

Handmade said...

Great fabric - love the slub texture.

Sue said...

Lovely outfit and the top looks fab on you. I like the wide band at the neckline and the gathers at the front but not at the back.

Rosy said...

So cute !!!!! The color is a hot attraction for this beautiful summer top, and it looks so comfortable!

The Slapdash Sewist said...

I think it goes without saying that I love that color! It looks great on you, and I love the chill, relaxed vibe of the whole outfit.

Sherry said...

Love your striped tunic with the white leggings. The ruching at the bottom of the leggings adds just the right touch.