Made by a Fabricista: Spring layers
With the world as crazy as it is right now, my original plans to make a very girly dress and solid colored dark slip for underneath changed as soon as I started to cut out my fabric. I know we shouldn't let current events such as Covid19 ruin our plans, but all the sudden a girly dress and slip seemed impractical. I detoured and decided I needed another long cardigan and a lovely blouse/top to wear underneath because when you think you'll be working from home, you need comfortable separates, right?
Especially if you have to do some sort of video conference call. Your top half can look all polished but the bottom half? Jeans, pjs, etc. :)
I just love sewing chiffon! I love this top too!
I chose this absolutely gorgeous chiffon for my top. It is sold out, but here is a pretty
alternative: abstract animal print chiffon. Or check out the whole chiffon category here.
Chiffon use to be one of my fear fabrics, did I tell you that? But I decided not so long ago that the only reason I feared it was that I hadn't mastered some techniques to sew it properly. Once I did that, there was no more reason to fear and pass up sewing some beautiful fabric!
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| Bondi top pattern from Sew to Grow. |
First, start with a simple pattern. This pattern only has a few steps yet I took the time to fit it to me a while back so for me, it is a TNT. This is the Bondi top by Sew to Grow. Careful pressing as you sew is an absolute must as well. I even use liquid spray starch on my seams and all rounded areas (think bias) such as at the neckline prior to stitching together. Just be sure and test the starch out on a scrap to make sure it doesn't discolor your fabric.
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| Neckline finish with self-fabric bias tape and spray starch! |
For my hemlines on this top, I used self-fabric bias tape that I cut with a ruler and rotary cutter. Do you know how old your rotary cutter blade is? If you are unsure, either get a new blade or sharpen it before cutting out your chiffon, it will make a huge difference, trust me! Don't forget to edge stitch too!
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| Hemline finish with bias binding |
I barely modified the pattern (other than the bias bands at the sleeve and shirttail hems). I decided to line the back yoke with the main fabric to give it a bit more structure and help give a cleaner finish on the inside. And, since I am using chiffon, I made french seams at the sides.
For this cardigan, I used this amazingly soft and easy to work with knit. Here's a link to the fabric which is available as I write this post: navy-polyester-lycra-ity-knit This stuff sews so well plus it washes, dries, and takes an iron like a champ! There was limited yardage at the time I am writing this post, so make sure to check out their ITY category if it's sold out!
I can't believe how many navy garments I've made lately so for me, this will coordinate with so many things already in my closet.
Just because this cardigan has some curved edges at the back neckline and along the front of the garment where the front band is attached, I used SewkeysE stay tape in black along the front and back neckline to help stabilize it. That may have been overkill, but since this is a garment I will frequently wear, I wanted to make sure that nothing stretched out as I sewed. Remember that starch I mentioned above? I used that on every seam as well.
My only 'derp' moments for sewing these two garments together was when I put the cardigan pockets on too low not once, but twice! I had to carefully unpick since I knew I wanted this cardigan long.
If you are interested, here is the pattern I used.
If you've always wanted to sew a cardigan but have been afraid to, this pattern is free. Take a look but before you head over there, make sure you pick out some lovely knit to make it first. FM has many beautiful choices!
Thanks for reading and stay healthy everyone!
Sue from Ilove2sew!
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Posted on April 11 2020
Love your new pieces. Hope you and your family have a lovely Easter.
Wow this color on the duster—beautiful, and your finishing work on the chiffon is fab. I had to laugh when I saw the video conference call comment—I'm totally there!