Good golly, it's Polly

Earlier this month By Hand London released a FREE pattern for a sleeveless tank. The Polly top is a perfect stash-busting tank for beginners, or for those looking for a quick sew. I love anything that is free (!) and Polly does not disappoint!

 I had the PDF pattern downloaded and taped together quick as lightening. I went looking in my very modest stash for something appropriate. I'd recently bought some Japanese lawn from Spotlight which I had no plans for so all I needed was something for the center piece. I rarely have any solids in my stash, I ended up rummaging through a 'for the op-shop bag' and found an old navy skirt to cut up. 

I'm currently a 35-29-39, so I made a size US 8/UK 12 going off the finished measurements to make sure the top would flare out enough to fit my hippity-hips. I couldn't for the life of me get the center piece notches to match up with the front top notches. I gave up, winged it, and it turned out just fine. When I tried the top on I noticed that the arm holes were huge on me. I removed an inch on either arm. I don't know if this was a pattern tracing issue or what. At least it was an easy fix. I also altered the front of my top to be a straight hem as I am very short torso-ed and the long front made look hippier than I prefer.

I REALLY tried to get some good photos of  Polly outside.  No such luck. I will keep working on the photography skills. 

Polly is super comfortable. She's already gotten a bit of wear. The only issue with Polly is she is a little big around my shoulders and chest. I made a mental note to make a smaller size next time.  

My sister decided she also wanted a Polly and in opposing colours. To be clear,  we are not twins. But occasionally we dress like we are. I made my itty-bitty sister a size US 2 / UK 4. Note that I didn't have any issues with the excessively large arm holes this time, but I still winged the matching up of the center piece and front top. 

My sister and I are similar in the shoulders so I thought I would try it on, being careful not to stretch it. It actually fits! It's a perfect fit in the shoulders and chest but much tighter than I would like in the hips. Polly is supposed to be a loose fit but I really like the way this version fitted me. For my next version I will make a size US 4/UK6 and grade way out in the hips. And I will defiantly make Polly again. She is a satisfying and quick make that has a unique look. Thanks By Hand London for looking after us students with this freebie!

Finally, let me introduce my gorgeous (and comfy) new Freedom sewing chair! For months I've been complaining to Tim (the bf) about my sore back and stealing our super comfy computer chair when we's not looking. Can you believe I found such a good looking chair which is also really comfortable? Now its time to update the rest of my sewing space (I'm looking at you sewing table/cabinet!!!).