Finally, finally, I’ve done some sewing for me. The sewjo has been on the missing list for far too long where I’m concerned, but last week it returned with a vengeance.
I’d been toying with buying the Sutton Blouse pattern from True Bias
when I remembered I had this pattern already in my stash.
Saving pennies wasn’t the only consideration; the sizing of the Simplicity pattern meant that I could get straight to sewing with minimal fuss. Aside from the time taken to tape the Sutton PDF together, I’d also have needed to do some grading as I fall outside their size range at the moment.
It was a complete no brainer!
I’ve made them both up using the hemline of version B and the sleeves of version A without the cuffs.
The first version is made up in a poly georgette from Abakhan that I bought ages ago from their oddments bin. I swear I didn’t pay more than £5 for this. In fact £2.50 is lurking in my head. I really must get better at recording this stuff. It was a beast to sew with…a very slippery customer…but is lovely to wear and the perfect fabric for this top.
S1660 is a really easy sew and, for once, I did things right and checked my measurements against the finished measurements and cut my size accordingly. The only adjustment I made to the pattern was to add 2″ to the length. The neckline is a bit closer on me than the diagram, so I shaved 1/2″ off the neckline on the second version. I think I need to shave at least another 1/2″ off future iterations as you’ll see.
The back has this cute overlapping v-neck and slight gathering into the yoke. The sleeves are cut as one with the body.
This is such a quick sew. Even with the fiddly fabric this was sewn in an afternoon.
Which was why I quickly cut out a second version from a fabric I’ve had in my stash for For. Ever! Christmas 2012 to be precise!
This is Art Gallery Voile in Praline Honey and it’s buttery soft and delightfully lightweight.
It’s a wonderful fabric to sew with, but be warned it creases almost as much as linen!
These pictures show how fabric choice influences how a pattern turns out. The poly georgette is one of the recommended fabrics on the pattern envelope. The voile is possibly just a wee bit structured for this blouse, but I still think it’s quite successful.
It’s not as fluid over the bust, but it’s more noticeable on the photos than in real life. I’d also remove the shirt tail hem at the back if I made this up in cotton again.
Summer tops are scarce in my wardrobe at the moment so both of these tops are in very heavy rotation until my next project is done. I’ve got Butterick 6024 cut out and ready to sew.
But, rest assured, you’ll be seeing S1660 again in the not too distant future!
Mother of Reinvention says
Those tops are fabulous. I love them both but the praline one is definitely one of your colours. You look really great in them both. That looks like a really useful pattern. Will you make it again? B6024 looks fab. I think I have that one too. 🙂
Nothing wrong with having things *maturing* in your stash. I have bits from when I was a school. xx
Pendle Stitches says
Thank you! I’ll definitely be making this again. I’m all ready considering a couple of tweaks to the pattern and I’ve got some gorgeous fabric from Miss Matatabi waving at me from the corner….
BeaJay says
Love your tops. Especially the first one. Looks so comfortable and stylish.
Pendle Stitches says
The blue is my favourite too. It’s like wearing clouds.
Melizza says
Don’t you love when you find a winning pattern you forgot about in your stash? I love how floaty the tops are. They are going to be great for the summer.
Pendle Stitches says
The sun is finally shining here…it’s been a long time coming this year. So I’m on a mission as I’d no summer tops at all. I was so pleased I didn’t buy the Sutton and then find S1660!
K-Line says
You look gorgeous Evie – I LOVE that top on you, esp. the blue version. I’m sure it was a pain to sew with that fabric but the fall of it is lovely.
Pendle Stitches says
Thank you! I adore the blue and whilst the fabric was a beast, I’d definitely sew it again. The results are worth it.
Chica Andaluza says
Really lovely – both versions! They suit you so well an as we’re a similar shape am feeling inspired to get the pattern for myself! Loving the blonde bombshell look – fabulous 🙂
Pendle Stitches says
I can really recommend this pattern. I just checked the finished measurements and sewed straight from the pattern with only a bit extra length. Not the normal state of affairs!
The blond is camouflage for growing out the grey…. Not kidding.
Helen Snell says
They look amazing! I really need to get going on making myself some summer tops x
Pendle Stitches says
Thank you. I know what you mean…the first bit of sun sent me into a spin about the echoing state of my wardrobe!
Donna says
Beautiful! I especially love the first version! I’m having a bit of a summer-clothes shortage around here too. Yikes, better get to it!
Pendle Stitches says
The weather has turned nice all of a sudden here…I’m trying to carve out a little space this week to sew up the next top. These two are working hard in the wardrobe. I love the blue one most too.
Jane G says
love this style, two great tops
Pendle Stitches says
Thank you. It’s a great little pattern.