Stashbusting Sewalong: Christmas Mayhem!

Merry Christmas Fellow Stashbusters!

As you can see the fabric elves have been busy and it's time we got to work and showed them who's boss! Our theme for the final month of the year is "Christmas Mayhem!"

It's time to make gifts for others and ourselves! It's time to make all those random Christmas and holiday decorations we've been pondering. It's time to sew up the last of the stash for 2015!!!!

Can you believe it?? I don't know where this year has gone. It's been one of huge change for me and I only see more coming. I do hope it includes more sewing though! I'm working on stuff for a craft fair I'm in and once that is over I'm hitting the shelves to make up goodies I've been dreaming of for awhile!

How about you? Are you ready for this holiday season? I may not be Santa but tell me what you want to sew...

January Stashbusting 2015 Roundup

Whew! Our first month has flown and the totals are rolling in! January's theme was refreshment. Whether that was reorganizing, tackling the UFO pile or sewing something to get back in the groove I wanted to give us time to catch up and take a deep breath! It's a good thing too because Judy is our Theme Leader for this month and she is hosting a CONTEST! With prizes and everything! So hop over there to get the details and look at the stash in a new light.

How did I do in January?

• I completed three Staple Dresses which concluded my massive project.
• The Hip Office Lady Camas Blouse 1 1/2 yds?
• From a six or seven yard sari I made
• A silk tunic
• A Japanese Pleated Dress
• A slip to go under it all
• Mary Knickers which was also one of my 2015 Goals! Gold star for me!
• Two basic cream tops 3yds
• A pink Camo Top UFO

I also got a couple other projects cut out and some PDFs printed so February should see me chugging right along. But what about you? Here's what's happening in the Flickr group!

Debra's Celebrating Jungle January!

Katie got in on it too!

I LOVE this gorgeous travel quilt! 

Speaking of quilting here's another fresh one from Shannon!

Sue's tearing through her piles which
makes it hard to chose my favorite
make from her. It's hard to beat
polka dots and a pool though. 

Speaking of cute! What a great mother daughter combo!

There's a bunch more great projects in the group  which you are still most welcome to join. You'll have to send a request because we are making it private from now on. 

So how do you feel your month went? Are you refreshed and ready to go or still feeling overwhelmed by the piles?

Thread Theory Camas Blouse Review

Transparency Alert: I am on the Thread Theory Pattern Tester List so I was given this pattern in exchange for a blog post. All opinions are my own.

Come near my dear, let me tell you all about it!

When a Thread Theory email popped up in my inbox I was so bummed because we had just moved and both my brothers were inaccessible at the moment. So you can imagine my delight when I opened the email and found a women’s pattern. A pattern full of color blocking potential and a really unique design!

I rummaged through what I had on hand and decided on this gorgeous drapey jersey print and a coordinating sheet. The pattern said you could mix wovens and knits which is something I’ve been wanting to try. 

I’m 5’10” with a 37” bust. I cut a Size 12 with the longest hem length. 
Thread Theory gets 10 points in my book for giving you a detailed chart of all the finished garment measurements from sleeve length to neckline drop. This is SO helpful for a knit pattern because I never know how to account for the stretch when measuring the flat pattern for knits.

Better photo here

Changes I Made

• Since the yokes were cut from a woven I did not use any interfacing
• Since my jersey was so drapey and fiddly I eliminated the facings and front placket and used a band to finish my neckline and sleeves.
• I sewed the CF seam closed. This was a baste and try on operation because I could not find a Center Front line on the pattern. I was going to cut it out on the fold but forgot. I ended up sewing a 1 3/4 inch seam.

Meet the Camas Blouse.

Thoughts

• The pleats/gathers are so so pretty! I love them! 
• The built in color blocking potential is wonderful
• Watch the neckline! For my size the V neck was noted as 8 inches which was lower than I would wear comfortably. With my changes I brought it up to a more comfortable place although this top still allows navel gazing for you and others when you bend over.
• Next time I'll add a little more length to the body so I'm more comfortable when I raise my arms. I'm not sure if it rides up because of the woven yokes or just cause.
• I think this would make a superb early and post maternity top. It’s drapey yet fitted so you cover those bits that are recovering from having a baby without making you feel swamped in miles of fabric. Whether you install the front placket or not this neckline would allow easy access for breastfeeding. Never having kids, I cannot speak with authority on this but it seems to tick a lot of the boxes I hear from my pregnant friends looking for clothes. Plus you look classy!
• Personally, I’m not sure what I think of this top… It makes me feel like a really hip fancy office lady or someone way more grown up than I am… I will give myself some time to wear it before I pass my final judgement on this particular top.
• This top has some beautiful details and I want to try it again sometime in fabric I absolutely love!

Fun Facts

• This is one of my January Stashbusting cleansing the sewing room makes! It's made me want to keep going on my list!
• We recently moved to Hot Springs, but it's companion town (as in you can't tell where one ends and the other begins) is Camas.
• Camas is a wildflower with an edible root.
• It was freezing outside when my Mom took the photos of me. Hence the "professional expressions" 

January 2015 Stashbusting Theme

Welcome Everyone! 

It's a fresh new year and we're all fresh and ready to go! Flush with goals, resolutions and plans. The Pledges are coming in and the Facebook group is growing. Don't forget to stop by Flickr so we can see everyone's makes in one place! (Flickr is where we'll pull photos for monthly roundups and your projects won't get lost on the FB wall)

Before I even mention the theme I want to remind you all that they are totally OPTIONAL! Only participate in the themes if YOU want to! We are a no pressure group and are just happy to encourage each other to sew with what we have, whatever that sewing may entail.

January: Renewing Sewing
This month is about refreshing yourself in the sewing room. Sometimes we face crafting burnout from all the holiday madness and it can be hard to get back into it. This month take the time to give your sewing space a good tidy up. Organize things; think about your sewing goals for the year and how your stash can help you accomplish them.
Did you make any New Year Resolutions? Now's the time to think how sewing can help you fulfill them. Want to get fit? Sew some exercise wear. Want to make delicious foods? Sew some aprons, potholders or a table runner. Want more organization? Sew up some baskets, wall pockets, etc.
I think you get the idea!

Personally, I've got some projects cut out or half done that I want to get out of the way so I can dive into my sewing list fresh!

Whatever it takes to get us sewing again, lets do it! For added excitement we added spreadsheets to the Files tab of FB that Katie made up to keep track of all our yardage that we use!

So let's get going! What will you tackle first?

Announcing The 3rd Stashbusting Sewalong! Bring on 2015!

Welcome One and All to Stashbusting 2015! We're so glad to have you!

The Stashbusting Sewalong is a casual sew along started in 2013 by Cation Designs and I. We were feeling overwhelmed by our fabric and it seemed many other sewists were as well. Our goal is not to guilt or shame anyone but to encourage each other to use our stashes first. These are resources we already own and we want to use these investments wisely. As creators we know we'll die with goodies but sometimes they can become a burden and an unnecessary stressor. If your stash has become that for you this is the group to join.

How do I join? 
Leave a comment below taking the pledge and blog about it if you wish. We have a Facebook group you can request to join that will be the hub of this operation. Blog posts and other updates will be posted there.

Stashbusting Pledge

 "I, _______,commit to using ____ pieces of stash fabric in 2015. Additional option: I also commit to not buying any new fabric/patterns/ notions except for _______ until ______." 
Please include your blog if you have one.

Flickr Group for posting photos!

Facebook Group for connecting and getting feedback

This year we have a new lineup of themes and leaders. The themes are totally optional and should be considered as inspiration to examine your stash in new ways.
The only rule of the Stashbusting Sewalong is: it must be primarily sewn from the stash. (and we're pretty lenient on "primarily")

What is the Stash? 
Anything you have in the house at the time of making the pledge counts as stash for the year. This includes yarn and notions.

Themes:

January: Emily (Renewing Sewing)

February: Judy (Fabric Contest)

March: Heather (Patterns We Have)

April: Kristen (Vibrant Color)

May: Andrea (Lingerie)

June: Nancy (Knits)

July: Sarah C (Dresses)

August: Jagoda (Face your Feared Stashed Fabric)

September: Shannon (Outerwear/Seasonal Change)

October: Orsolya (Sewing for Charity)

November: Sue (Containment with Japanese Bag Sewalong)

December: Emily (Christmas Mayhem)

So who's with me? Let's set some goals and lighten our loads! I can't wait to see what you all pledge!

Stashbusting Sewalong IMPORTANT Updates!

Hello Stashbusters!
I'd like to start with a big thank you for everyone who has participated these last two years. Especially as Cindy has had a shb and I've worked at camp and moved. Lots of changes and we've sewn through them all. I'm so proud of how everyone has continued on without our active participation!

You're all AMAZING!

We're in discussion about a Stashbusting 2015, because the fabric elves have been hard at work and we've still got fabric! There are going to be some changes though. To that end I've got a handy little survey for gathering more information about the future. Please take the time to fill it out so we can get a more accurate view of how to continue.

Thanks Everyone! I hope to see you all in the new year!
Emily

Stashbusted Knitted Christmas Cowl

Look! It's a bird. No, a plane. It's a....

Giant sling! No! A papoose carrier?

Sillies! It's the GAP-Tastic Cowl by Jen Geigley. Brought to you using my best model poses and faces. I've been taking notes!

Drown yourself in this fabulous texture! 

Thoughts:

• A mindless knit was just what I needed in the middle of all this moving. It gave me something creative to do while sitting on the couch in the evening absorbing the new move or resting my aching muscles. 
•  I used Jen's pattern as a jumping off point. I added the contrast bands and kept knitting until I felt the proportions were right.
• This is my one handmade Christmas gift!
• I used some stashed Lion Brand yarn I bought in my teens. It had been ripped out twice before...

How are the holiday preparations coming for you? Are all your gifts ready to go?

October Stashbusting Theme Announcement

Oh Hey There!
  Look at all you ambitious stash busters! I think I say this each month but I'm so proud of all of you using your resources responsibly, putting thought and effort into your fabric collections and sewing up a storm! While things have conspired to keep me from my sewing machine I continue to be inspired by what you are creating!

So... October's theme... anyone taken a peek at last year's? Let me give you a hint..

Source: Christmas Countdown Clock

That's right friends! Christmas is coming! October's theme: Christmas Creating

Before things get too crazy let's get a head start on our Christmas Lists! What do you want to sew this Christmas? How can we cleverly use up the stash and make special gifts for those we care about?

Or do you? Do you believe in making Christmas gifts?

I usually stick to those who I know will appreciate the handmade goodness. Since the family has started to fly the coop and spread out I've been thinking for a couple years it would be neat to make ornaments each year. Something small to not add to the clutter but special. Mostly I'm going to try to rein myself in and not get the Christmas crazies!

What are your plans? I want to see your lists! Cause we're all procrastinating on those Halloween costumes and anything we get done now will seem like a bonus when we hit that Christmas rush.

I'll stop now before you shoot me for using the word Christmas a million times before it's actually here!

Stripy Fall Stashbusting

Yippee! I finally got to sew something fun! It fits into my FESA plans and it is Stashbusting! Win Win Win! Do you want to see it?

 There are those mornings when you drag yourself out of bed and don't want to fight with your clothes. I was spoiled with all my easy throw on summer dresses and wanted something for fall and winter. When I found this gorgeous teal and grey strip remnant at a thrift store I thought it would make a nice cropped sweatshirt or something. Then I got it home and realized it matched perfectly with a remnant of gorgeous cotton interlock in my stash!

Yes, I'm feeling full of sass in this!

I used Cake Pattern's Hummingbird Top for the bodice lengthening the sleeves as much as I could with the yardage I had. As you can see it wasn't much. I cut 2 inch wide strips for the bands for the neckline and sleeves. I really like the neckline on this top. 

For the skirt I kept it simple. I serged all the remaining fabric into a tube, quartered it and pleated the front and gathered the back. I just eyeballed the pleats and kind of like how the five little pleats turned out. Easy peasy.

I didn't hem the bottom and the sweatshirt fabric had enough body that I didn't need to reinforce the waist seam. I sewed it on just my serger and it took about an hour. I can't tell you how delighted I am with this color combo and comfort. I think this will see a lot of wear with my Espresso leggings and sweaters!
How's your fall sewing going? How often do you reuse your patterns? I find myself often reaching for this top or the Cabarita pattern when I'm wondering what to do with my knits.

September Stashbusting: Children

Hello My Eager Stashbusters!
  I am so happy to be back sewing with you! It seems Facebook has been roaring away without much assistance, which makes me happy. There's nothing like accidentally starting a group that becomes self sustaining. We've had a lot of new people join so I thought I'd go over a few of the "rules" just in case...

The Only Real Rule is: USE YOUR STASH!

The themes are completely optional and only there to inspire or give you guidance if you so desire.

The goal of this sew along is to encourage us to consider and use the resources we already have instead of always getting new stuff.

Here's some helpful links to: Our Main Page (which includes links by month to our Pinterest boards) Facebook, Flickr

I do feel kind of bad for how little participation I've put in this year and want to say again how thankful I am for all your encouragement and enthusiasm for this project!

Now September's Theme! CHILDREN!!! Inspired by, or literally sewing for them, children or childlike is this month's theme. Will you make clothes? Toys? Quilts? Or add some childlike whimsy into your next make?

Let's jump in and get sewing!

Handmade Jane Dresses

Hello Stashbusters!
  Since I'm buried in the mountains of Montana this summer, I'm not making any dresses this month. Never fear! I've got several ladies from around the blogosphere who are sharing their thoughts on dresses and giving you loads of amazing inspiration! We're going to start off with the lovely Jane from Handmade Jane. I hope you enjoy her slightly vintage perspective!

How long have you been sewing? 

Almost five years. I took a dressmaking class in 2009 when my youngest started school and was hooked from the very first lesson!

Do you have a fabric stash?

Yes and believe it or not, it's actually pretty manageable. For dressmaking I have one large box of main fabrics, plus a box of lining fabric, a box of gingham and polka dots and a box of heavier weight fabrics such as denim and knits. I'm quite careful when buying fabric - I never buy more than I need and I usually have a good idea of how I'm going to use it. Although this can often change if a new pattern comes along and sweeps me off my feet!

What was the first dress you made? 

It was McCall's 2401, a classic fitted shift dress and very easy to make. Sadly, I never wore it as it always looked a bit office-like for everyday wear. The fabric was also wrong for the dress: it was a coral coloured Liberty quilting cotton, which didn’t suit me and was far too thin. Making that dress taught me a lot about choosing the right fabric!

What was the most challenging dress you have sewn? Why?

I’d have to say my Colette Patterns Oolong dress, which I made for my brother’s wedding in 2011. It’s all cut on the bias, so the entire dress and lining had to be cut from a single layer i.e. not on the fold, which took forever. The silk lining I chose was just too difficult to work with (silk??? what was I thinking?!) so I ended up underlining it instead with thin cotton muslin. Sewing with bias cut fabric was very challenging, especially for a relative beginner as I was then, but I got some great tips from my readers, which really helped. It turned out beautifully in the end and is now one of my favourite dresses.

What is your favorite dress to wear? Why?

The style was a little out of my comfort zone, but in terms of feeling fabulous, my By Hand London Georgia dress is a favourite dress to wear. It’s incredibly flattering and I get so many compliments when I wear it! The stretch pique fabric means it’s comfortable to wear too.

Why do you think dresses have such long lasting appeal?

Wearing a dress means your entire outfit is sorted in one fell swoop, so I think practicality is definitely part of the appeal. I also think however plain and simple the design of a dress is, wearing one always makes you feel a bit more chic and dressed up.

Why do you personally love dresses? 

Both of the reasons above - I’m totally lazy, so an outfit in one go will always appeal! I also think dresses are indisputably feminine and wearing them makes me feel pretty – it’s as simple as that! 

Do you have a particular style of dress you like?

My favourite style of dress is the shirt dress. They’re simple and cute yet still manage to carry off a vintage edge. I love that fact that they’re so easy to wear too – just do up a few buttons and you’re good to go. I have one made from simple cotton, one in a fancier Liberty lawn and one in denim!

Wow, Thank you Jane! Aren't those some fabulous pieces! Makes me want to go whip up a couple now! I think she does such a nice job of making vintage wearable today. Do you like sewing vintage looks?

July Stashbusting: Theme & Challenge

Hello Stashbusters!

July is all about the pretties, the fluff, the fun, the DRESSES!!! The reason so many of us learned to sew and continue to sew. This is the month to pull the fun from the stash and create something nice.

It's not all fun and games though, we still have our Curating challenge! I'm not about to let you off while I'm galavanting around the mountains chasing kids. Just because I'm not tethered to my sewing machine means you get time off! :)
July's Curating Challenge is focusing on our pattern stash. So many dresses are statement pieces and those patterns we'll only make once. Or we have that ONE pattern to rule them all that adapts for any and ever situation. Or how about those duplicates? I find myself gravitating to the same styles over and over again. How many poofy 50's dress patterns does one girl need? ;)
Go through your stash and get rid of those patterns you know you'll never sew again. Find that one pattern you've been wanting to make forever and finally whip it up. Let's prune the dead wood so our favorites can flourish!

It's up to you! What dress pattern do you want to sew up this month?

Do You Like Big Purses?

I do, and the moment I clapped eyes on the Presidio Purse I knew it had to be mine! Camp was coming and I needed something I could drag all over and not worry about destroying. At the same time I decided it was time for a new purse. I combined both needs with some massive stash busting. I found a cache of old work jeans I’d been harboring for years and realized it would be perfect to drag all over the mountains!

My rough and ready pieced denim Presidio!

Since I was in a hurry I decided to eliminate all extra bits and just do a stripped down version of the purse. As I began to disassemble my jeans I decided to add pockets back in, with the jeans back pockets and the next thing I knew I was piecing the butt of one of my brother’s old pairs to the front for three pockets in one. It looked so cool!! I think my subconscious was so delighted with Carolyn’s jeans piecing that I had to give it a try.

Three pockets on the outside and two on the inside! Love how much junk you can throw in here! No cramming needed.

I topstitched it all in hot pink thread because it seemed like a fun idea. Doing both the outside and the lining in denim made for one heavy bag and my sewing machine wasn’t too happy in some spots but it powered through! I love my Necchi! 

Other notes: Loved the way the handle was constructed. I did a double take the first time I read  the instructions but the result is clever and clean. 

I was surprised at how quickly the purse came together but I intentionally didn’t fuss about the construction. I was coming off of the battle of the buttonholes and just wanted something simple to put together. Not having to worry about my stitching and free piecing this bag was very therapeutic. Slashing up a bunch of old jeans and getting to throw stuff away was cathartic as well. 

Just an fyi, there are small openings in the top of the purse at either end of
the zipper. I didn't know this and it puzzled me for a bit.

To sum up. I LOVE it! I can’t wait to make another in some pretty fabric with the amazing details in the fall! Have you tried the Presidio? Do you have a favorite bag pattern?

How To Travel With An Iron

Just in case you're coming around for the first time, I live in the middle of nowhere and I have gad in my heels. Why am I telling you these seemingly random facts? Well as a seamstress that travels, my sewing supplies spend a lot of time on the road and packing them has always been a tricky thing.

The worst culprit is my IRON!! You have to use it right up to the end, then you have to wait for it to cool down and delicately place it in your car so it doesn't burn or melt anything. At least it used to be... I'd like to introduce you to my iron's carrying case.

What? You do not understand it's full gloriousness? Let me show you more!!

You take that heat resistant fabric, heat resistant batting, regular batting and fabric and layer them together. Quilt and bind.

Your iron sits in the middle and you do a bit of creative fabric folding to get this...

A handy carrying case!

Buttons and elastic loops hold the layers
together. We also added a loop and button to hold
the cord outside, because we don't want to melt
that either!

Hey little buddy! How ya doing in there! You ain't gonna burn my new car now!!!

I keep using "we" because our whole group made these on one sewing day. One of the ladies had figured it all out and showed us how to do it. It was such a relaxing day and a super useful, yet fun, project. I've used mine several times and it works FABULOUSLY!!

Do you take your sewing on the road? How do you transport your iron?

June Stashbusting: Containment

A new month, a new journey. I've made it to camp where I'll be working for the next couple months. Bring on the kids, crafts and the sunshine! It's so gorgeous here and I'm loving it! My internet is wonky so you're getting post with no photos today.
While I may not be spending much time sewing now, I did plan ahead so I've still got some projects to show you guys but I probably won't be posting as often. It's all up to you guys now. Don't let that fabric multiply while I'm gone!
June's Stashbusting sewing theme is containment! It's all about making things to put other things in. I was surprised at how vast an amount of things to sew this actually covers.
Our Curating Challenge is all about containment too! We're going to be organizing that fabric stash so it's accessible and lovely to look at. I'll be back later this week with my new method that's working fabulously! Until then, let me see your stash in all it's gory details! Did you post a photo in the Flickr pool at the beginning of the year or are you hiding it?

Fixing The RTW Cardigan Problem Cocoa Shrug Review

When Steph released the Red Velvet collection I was most excited about Espresso and the shrug patterns so I went ahead and bought the whole collection. There’s been a big discussion in the MMM forums about how cardigans are one of the biggest gaps in all our wardrobes and I was especially wanting some fitted ones that hit at my natural waistline. Cocoa and Carmine seemed to fit the bill. 

I was a little worried starting out with the lack of reviews on it but the rest of Cake patterns I’ve tried worked out well so I decided to attack this fear head on and not let it hang over me all summer. Besides I needed a nice sweater. 

My fears were unfounded. While following step by step this pattern came together quickly and well. I chose the size based on my measurements and since I wanted it to hit at my natural waist I measured from shoulder to waist and ended up adding about two inches to the body of the pattern. I also cut the waistband at 4 1/2 inches because I wanted a thicker band. I also lengthened the sleeves because I want this sucker for warmth. 

Thankfully my gut led me correctly and it turned out the proper length. My head messed up when it came to the seam allowance and I sewed half the seams with too big of an allowance. Thanks to the power of knits it still fits. I am getting some odd wrinkles in the sleeve but I’m not sure if that’s because I lengthened it or because it is a bit too small.

A round of over exposed photos so you can see the wrinkles that appear sometimes.

It fits like a dream over my Red Velvet dress and I like it over regular tops too. It will definitely see a lot of wear this summer. It looks really nice hanging open as well as when it is closed. 

The front treatment gives you a great crisp opening line too. I always learn some new technique for knits when I use her patterns. I look forward to making some more up in the fall. 

Well that’s it for May! How did your stash busting go? I finished up two bottoms and three tops this month but I was also gifted a big box of fabric so…. How did you do? What do you think of my Cocoa and the pattern in general?

Knit Pattern and Sewing Advice Wanted: Rambles Included

Hello Lovelies,
Nothing new to show although I guess that's not totally true, you can see I've got two sets of back pockets done and I'm hung up on the fly fronts. It's more of a mental hurdle than anything... I chose my vintage zippers from the stash, yesterday. They are apple green and Copenhagen blue to semi coordinate with the pockets. Most importantly they are metal.

I think I'm going to win the consistently terrible photos award for MMM this year. I keep telling myself I'm keeping it real and the important thing is I am getting my outfit photographed every day. On the flip side, if the photo is so grainy, blurry and cluttered that no one can see my outfit what is the point?

MMM has also shown me I like every single version of the Wiksten Tova that I have ever seen. Coming in at a close second are all the Lolas I've been seeing pop up...
Speak of Lola, have any of you sewn her up? What have you sewn and loved in knits? With all the craziness going on I failed to get us a knit interview for this month so I thought I'd interview you all! Leave me your answers and I'll do my best to gather them up in another post.

What is your favorite knit pattern?
What is your biggest struggle/fear with knits?
What has been your greatest help/resource in learning to sew with knits?
Even though we're supposed to be stash busting... where is your favorite place to get good knits?

Stashbusting May Knits!

Hello Stashbusters! 

It's another new month with another new theme! Remember the themes are always optional and only there for our fun and enjoyment. May is all about sewing with those knit fabrics! We love wearing them and it's time to add more to our closets! 

There is no Curating Challenge for this month so use this time to catch up or relax because next month we'll be back with a doozy! 

I don't know about you but it's looking like this is going to be a pretty busy month so I'll catch you later!

Vibrant April Stashbusting Roundup

Hello Stashbusters! 

Once again another month has passed us by. I'm not even sure what I got accomplished, but I know the month went out the same way it came in; lots of snow and wind. I just made it back from an impromptu vacation to visit some friends. I did sew a beautiful teal maternity skirt for my friend, for the ball we went to but I was a bad blogger and didn't take any photos. I have some of the teal fabric left over though... ;0)

So this month it's up to you! What did you make? Let me see your vibrantness! Did anyone make up a color palette? I'd love to check it out! I'm off to any early bed now so I'll see you all in MeMadeMay!

My Free Japanese Spring Top Tale

Confession: This is a half stash bust and half preventative stash busting. But how's a girl to resist when she sees a cozy set of jersey sheets at the thrift store for a pittance? It was perfect for testing the pattern out!

Just in case you missed my continuous blabbing on twitter, this is the Athena pattern from Tamanegi-kobo I found this company from Yoshimi. They are updating their website and making it more internationally (english!) friendly and put a bunch of their fabulous patterns up for free! As soon as I saw pleats I was sold! 

This purple top was made from a jersey sheet and I stretched the neckline out. I was a good girl and tacked the front facing down but when I washed it it crinkled up... I could iron it but who irons your knit tops! Pfhhhttt, not me!

I think it will make a cozy lounging top and it's not something I'd be totally ashamed to be seen in. It was a great way to work out the kinks before I cut my special fabric. 

My second top, I made from the last bit of my stashed navy polka dot. It is lightweight and draped fabulously. I did alter the back to take the drape out of the shoulder seams. I didn't want another drapey back, nor did I have enough fabric. I ended up piecing the back sleeve but you can't tell.

I also carefully handled the front neckline so it wouldn't stretch but had trouble with the Understitched facing seam rolling to the front. Thanks to the sewcialists on twitter I added some weights and that seemed to help. Next time I think I'll try that super lightweight interfacing and see if that helps.

 If you like pleats and drapey tops then this is the pattern for you! The way this top is cut/drafted is a bit of fabulousness that can only be appreciated when you put it on.
I'm a 37 bust and cut the largest size. I didn't add seam allowance and you can see it fits fine. The pleats allow plenty of room for girls bigger than mine.

I'm very pleased with it and look forward to trying some more of their patterns. I'm linking up to The Sew Japanese Sew-Along and Made By Rae's Spring Top Sewalong! Fun Fun Fun! Have you been participating in any fun sewalongs lately? I'm leaving you with my best impression of a fabulous linebacker!

TTFN, TaTa For Now!