Saturday, April 28, 2012
NewLook 6940 - Black print knit top w/ front knot detail
Lately I feel like I don't have much to wear. Oh I have pretty dresses and skirts - which I do wear - but not a whole lot of everyday stuff. Most of my summer go-to's have been packed away because they are too big in the bust. So, I have decided to make myself some things for summer that will get worn over and over; easy stuff that won't need special laundry care.
I've had this pattern in my stash for a few years now. Knotted details have disappeared from RTW clothing but I still think it's a pretty detail. This fabric is a polyester jersey knit purchased from JoAnn Fabrics and was part of a line of fabrics that I bought a bunch of and now cannot remember the name of.
I made a size 12 and cut 3" off the hemline. It went together easily until I attached one sleeve and tried it on. The sleeves are gathered at the top and there was too much knit fabric swaying about at the sleeve hem. I had to unpick it all and make it sleeveless instead.
I read all of the reviews for this top on Patternreview.com and everyone who made it disliked the bias tape finish along the neckline. I, however, do like bias tape and cannot get the hang of clear elastic to save my life. So I finished my neckline and my armholes with bias tape and am really liking the results.
Sewing knits has suddenly become fast and fun after learning how to use the overlocking foot on my sewing machine. Now I have pretty finished edges and don't have to fiddle with all the french seams and other finishes I use to do.
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I really like your knit top. I need to sew more everyday items, like you stated.
ReplyDeleteGreat top. I love that print!
ReplyDeleteI can't get the hang of clear elastic either. I have wondered how other people handle it as my machine doesn't like stitching it at all.
Amanda that's a great top . I love the colours in the pattern.They almost look like brushstrokes. Did you use Knit bias binding or regular woven ?
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I made a dress using that print and a friend from my sewing class is making a knit top with it now. I'll have to show her your version for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I really need to dust off my overlocking foot. I'm so not into flutter sleeves either. About the least flattering short sleeve, in my opinion. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love your top! The fabric and pattern look great together!
ReplyDeleteLisa - it's regular Wright's bias tape.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!!! Impeccable job as always!!
ReplyDeleteThat's so interesting that you use bias tape and like it. It just goes to show we all handle things differently, because I use clear elastic tape constantly. I also sew knits on a Pfaff, and I like the way it handles knits and elastics.
ReplyDeleteVery cute top! Worth the trouble!
Super cute! I could use some tops like this, thanks for te review and post!
ReplyDeleteDo you use bias tape for woven fabric? I love your top, as usual, neat work, and easy to wear. I have problems with sewing knits because it keeps stretching, so I wonder about using bias tape!
ReplyDeleteNice top! This top is on my list of things to sew for the exact same reasons you listed--easy summer top necessity! Thanks for your review on this one.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabric, really goes well with the pattern choice! I just made a similar style front knot dress from Burda 03/2012 and can't stop wearing it. I never get tired of front knots, they are such a pretty detail and a very flattering one too in my opinion:)
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty top and the finishings are well done.
ReplyDeleteReally nice and I love the fabric.
ReplyDeleteThat is super cute!! have you seen the new app for sewing it is so easy you just print out your patterns. any how I love sewing!! i wish there was more time for it. cheers!
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog. You are a very talented seamstress! I love the print too and the fit looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty top, Amanda!
ReplyDeletei also can't sort out clear elastic. it always looks junky when i do it. Love the print colors!
ReplyDeletethis is one if my favorite patterns. It has do many possibilities. I did a version last year which I love. Your fabric choice as lovely, pretty lady!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely top! That print is so pretty and the fit is perfect. I'm another one who can't get my head round clear elastic for necklines, it drives me crazy. I've never come across using regular bias tape, I'll have to try this.
ReplyDeleteSimple and sweet. I too put away a bunch of fitted tops purchased while I was breastfeeding the twins. (I can't decide whether to get rid of them yet, even though Husband says our family is complete and I won't be nursing again. LOL.)
ReplyDeleteGreat top! I have only finished one knit neckline with bias tape but was happy with it. Do you do anything special to make sure the armscye has enough ease so be comfortable without stretch but not too much that it gapes?
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out that knotted styles have gone out. I hadn't noticed their absence and probably never would have! Will have to reconsider making the Simplicity twist top again.
That's very pretty. We all like to sew fancy clothes, when in reality, most people wear more casual clothing.
ReplyDeleteYou are so good at getting the fit PERFECT! Does everything just fit you as it comes out of the envelope, or do you have to fix it? Very cute top.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, Amanda!! You make the cutest stuff... and your finishes are DIVINE!! Can you tell us a history of your sewing and if you went to school for it?
ReplyDelete