Try It Challenge - June Island Batik Ambassador

Note:  All products in this post were given to me by Island Batik as part of their Ambassador program.

It's once again time for the Island Batik Ambassador monthly challenge.  June's challenge is:  Try It!

Have fun going outside your box to try a technique that is new to your sewing toolbox.

I received two yards of Island Batik Spring Sunflower -- a soft rayon.

I decided months ago to make a piece of clothing, but I didn't decide until the last minute on what to make.  But then, I hit a road block.  The top I wanted to make was a free online pattern.  I splurged and paid to have the pattern printed on large paper at Staples to save the time and effort taping sheets of paper together.  I cut out the pattern pieces and laid them out on the rayon.  Ummm...not enough fabric.  I seemed to have missed that you required 54-inch wide fabric.  Back to the drawing board.

I then remembered a pattern I had in my stash -- New Look #6527 by Simplicity.  Unfortunately, the pattern didn't call for rayon, and I didn't have enough fabric to make the size I needed in the style I wanted.  But I decided to go for it.  I made the size in the style for which I had enough fabric.  I figured the top didn't actually have to fit me...and besides I didn't have time to figure out a new project.  LOL

I had a late night consult with @goldenanddelicious on the finer points of reading patterns and laying out the pieces.  I cut the fabric one night and then made the top the next day.

Step 1:  Stay stitch - Really???  It couldn't have started with a simple step.  The pattern did have explanations, and I was able to figure out what to do.

Step 2:  Edge finish - Ummm...what???  I'm definitely knee deep into the try a new technique at this point.  But I kept sewing.

I figure at this point, it's gotta be smooth sailing.  That would be a no.

Step 3:  Layer seam and understitch.  At this point, I have flipped back and forth on the instructions so much, I figure I was going to wear off the printing.  I had to read and read...and then read again...but then I figured out what I was supposed to.  Or at least I convinced myself I had figured it out.  I used Aurifil thread #2886 Light Avocado.

I also learned narrow hem and ease stitch.  I will definitely make this pattern again.

Disclaimer:  I tried on the top before adding the sleeves...it was a tight fit, but I was able to get it on.  I knew there was no way the sleeves would fit, so I sewed with a 1/2-inch seam, rather than a 5/8 inch.  I am so glad I did because the sleeves just barely fit me -- I can't cross my arms.  I noticed a tiny sewing error from attaching the bodice to the bottom.  So I redid the seam, reducing the seam allowance.  This gave me more room in the bust, so the top more or less fits.

The back is longer than the front.  I'm debating re-making the sleeves in the right size by piecing some of the leftover material.  I do like the top, and I want to wear it.

I learned a lot from making this top.  I'm sure there are ways I can improve (aka do correctly) when I make my next one.


If you have a finish this week, consider linking up with:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday @ Storied Quilts

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict 
Finished or Not Friday @ Busy Hands Quilts

Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation

Brag About Your Beauties @ From Bolt to Beauty 
Friday Foto Fun @ Powered by Quilting