Friday, June 21, 2019

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


15 comments:

  1. I dunno Anja but it looks great on you, colour and fit! I especially like the side view with your hand in your pocket. Stylin'! The colour of this gorgeous fabric really suits you :-)

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  2. Whoa, Anja, this turned out really well! Your top is beautiful, and it looks great on you.

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  3. I love it, the style really suits you and by making mistakes you learned more too. You should definitely make it again, maybe in orange? :-)

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  4. You did an amazing job on this Anja! The top looks so good on you!

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  5. Very pretty top, looks good on you.

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  6. That's a cute top, Anja! Looks great, and definitely worth repeating.

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  7. What a great top - no one would know this was a new technique for you! It is fabulous! I have a piece I really want to make - but not the right pattern. I may just make a pattern from a jacket I have that I like....that would be new for me!

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  8. The top looks great on you Anja! It certainly doesn’t look tight or small. I made clothes well before I made quilts and rarely use a 5/8” seam unless the finishing of the seam calls for it. Often a pink with the pinking shears is enough.

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  9. The colour and the style both look great on you! And you look much less awkward with the modeling than I usually do, lol :)

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  10. Looks great, Anja. Love the colors in the rayon and the pattern you picked. I've never sewn a garment before - I might try with my rayon fabric.

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  11. Beautiful short, it looks great on you Anja!

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  12. That turned out so cute! Way to take the plunge! I don't think I would be so brave. Big kudos to you, Anja!

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