Blog Information

• Posted By : Darren Demers
• Posted On : Sep 01, 2024
• Views : 6
• Category : Technology
• Description : We all know that midweek feeling: you’ve got plans for a rare morning out with your crafty, sewing friends, the house is quiet with the kids asleep, and your spouse working late. A piece of fabric is calling to you from the table, but the comfort of the sofa is tempting too.
• Location : 1885 Pointe Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA

Overview

• We all know that midweek feeling: you’ve got plans for a rare morning out with your crafty, sewing friends, the house is quiet with the kids asleep, and your spouse working late. A piece of fabric is calling to you from the table, but the comfort of the sofa is tempting too. Yet, the allure of a fresh sewing project is too strong to resist, and before you know it, you’re calculating whether you can complete a new creation before tomorrow’s meetup. Sound familiar? That’s exactly how I ended up making the New Craft House Everyday Top—a spontaneous project that turned out to be a delightful surprise.
  Fabric Choice: Rose Quartz Smocked Stretch Viscose Chiffon
  The fabric I used for this project was a beautiful Rose Quartz Smocked Stretch Viscose Chiffon, priced at £14 per meter, gifted to me by the New Craft House Team. While it wasn’t given with any specific project in mind, the color and texture immediately caught my eye. However, I was a bit taken aback by the fabric’s narrow width of just 108cm, which presented a challenge for the project I had in mind.
  Despite this, the fabric’s lightweight and elastic smocking made it ideal for a top with a bit of extra flair. The texture and stretchiness of the fabric gave it a unique character, making it perfect for the gathered puff sleeves of the Everyday Top. Although I’m generally a fan of volume at the bottom of a sleeve rather than at the shoulder, the lightweight nature of this fabric ensured that the sleeves had a lovely movement without being overwhelming. I can imagine that a more structured fabric would produce a very different, perhaps more dramatic, effect.
  Sizing and Fit: A Comfortable, Dartless Design
  For this project, I chose to make a size 12, which fit well. The original pattern includes a peplum, but I opted to leave it off, instead extending the top downwards for a simpler silhouette. One of the things I appreciated about this pattern is the lack of darts in the bodice, making it an easy and breezy piece to add to my wardrobe.
  The design is intentionally loose and billowy, with plenty of room in the sleeves. This made fitting less of an issue, which was a relief given my time constraints. The absence of darts meant that the top didn’t require much adjustment, allowing me to focus on the construction and fabric handling.
  Construction and Instructions: A User-Friendly Pattern
  The instructions for the Everyday Top are largely illustration-based, which I found to be clear and straightforward. However, a word of caution: the sleeves require a significant amount of fabric, so the pattern’s fabric recommendations are spot-on. Unlike other patterns where you might be able to shave off a bit of fabric, this one demands the full yardage, especially given the generous gathering involved.
  The gathering, while adding to the top’s charm, can be a bit tedious, especially if, like me, you’re not a fan of the process. That said, the construction is otherwise what you’d expect for a top of this style, with the most challenging aspect being the gathered cuffs. These cuffs contribute to the pattern’s slightly more advanced rating, making it less ideal for absolute beginners. However, the simple button closure is a nice touch, particularly for those who prefer to avoid zippers.
  Adaptations and Hacks: Making It Work with Stretch Fabric
  Given my time constraints and the stretchiness of the fabric, I made a few adjustments to the construction process. Instead of using a button closure for the neckline, I cut the back on the fold, eliminating the center back seam allowance. I then created a simple neckline band, around 1cm wide plus seam allowance, and constructed it as I would for any stretch neckline. This method worked beautifully with the stretchy chiffon and saved me some valuable time.
  For the sleeves, I used a similar approach, creating a cuff at the bottom rather than gathering the fabric. This not only complemented the fabric’s natural drape but also added to the top’s overall comfort and wearability. Additionally, I opted for a rolled hem at the top, using my trusty rolled hem foot. This technique is quick and easy once you get the hang of it, and it’s perfect for lightweight fabrics like chiffon.
  Overall Experience: A Successful, Last-Minute Project
  Although I didn’t finish the top exactly on time, I was only a little late to my meetup—just enough to finish hemming while chatting with my friends. Fortunately, they were understanding and supportive, making my slight tardiness a non-issue. In the end, the New Craft House Everyday Top turned out to be a lovely addition to my wardrobe, and the experience of making it was a win in my book.
  The top’s relaxed fit, combined with the lightweight, stretchy fabric, makes it a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. Whether you’re an experienced sewist or someone looking for a fun, slightly challenging project, the Everyday Top is a pattern worth trying. With a bit of creativity and some fabric hacks, you can easily adapt it to suit your style and needs.
  Conclusion
  Sewing isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the process, the creativity, and sometimes, the last-minute rush to finish something special. The New Craft House Everyday Top embodies all of these elements, offering a pattern that is both enjoyable to make and satisfying to wear. Whether you’re sewing on a whim or planning ahead, this top is sure to become a staple in your handmade wardrobe.
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