Kate, of See Kate Sew has just released a collection of new patterns. The Garden Party Lookbook includes 6 woven or knit dresses and blouses. The patterns are perfect for spring, but with the right fabric they could be very versatile. I put my hand up to pattern test the Callie Top in size small.
Callie is a loose fitting boxy blouse with a button down back, bias bound neckline and, best of all, a shoulder and sleeve frill.
I made my Callie in a soft cotton blend floral that I picked up from the North Melbourne Market. The yellow binding used for the neckline and the button both came from an opshop. Excuse more indoor photos, it's getting trickier and trickier to find time for outdoor shots when the sun is up and Tim is available to take them.
I made my top from pattern/instructions pre final changes were made so it might look a little different to the final pattern. My opinions of the pattern are based on my own version. I adore the button down back and the frills! I especially love the shoulder frill which leads into a dart. It was really fun learning this new technique for darts and I love how it turned out. The length was spot on for me too!
I find my final top just a little too big and boxy for me. Next time I make this top I'll probably size down but increase the armscye depth. In the mean time I think it looks better tucked in to my high waisted jeans or skirts. When the warmer weather comes back around I'm sure I'll appreciate a looser fitting top to slouch around in.
I really enjoy pattern testing and I've done a heap of it lately. For me there are so many pro's to pattern testing. You get to have a sneak peak of a pattern before the rest of the world. I'm quite competitive so I like sew to a deadline. I love to help and I find reviewing instructions super fun (Yes, I'm a nerd). You get to have a chat and connect with the pattern designers, and perhaps the other pattern testers. You get a little insight in to the world of pattern design. I like to use mostly stash fabric and notions for pattern testing so it helps create room and save money. It's a win-win-win situation and I look forward to doing more.
I really like this top. I need to make some like this for when summer rolls back around
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kaitlyn!
DeleteI loved my experience of pattern testing and would love to do more in the future for all the same reasons you describe - haha. Gorgeous top :) I made a See Kate Sew zippy top the other week and love it!
ReplyDeleteI wonder whether there are any con's to pattern testing?
DeleteOooh cute! I love the frills. I hadn't heard of this new patterns so thanks for bringing it to my attention
ReplyDelete.. that's a really nice summer blouse... I like the way you took down a notch the frills... I think they are a bit too much in the original - at least for my taste :)
ReplyDeleteIt was actually accidental. The pattern piece wasn't well labelled at the time. But it was a happy accident as I like them this way.
DeleteThis is really pretty - I like the frills too! I've never done any pattern testing but it sounds like good fun!
ReplyDeleteIt really is fun, I definitely recommend it!
DeleteOoh, so pretty! Loving the shoulder frills :-) You've also just made me realise what 'exposed' bias binding actually is now. I'm guessing yours is 'concealed'? The lemon colour of yours matches really well.
ReplyDeleteYep it is concealed. You learn something new everyday?
DeleteYou've picked a lovely print in colours that look great on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I'm a sucker for floral!
DeletePS. I feel the same way with pattern testing.
DeleteThis is gorgeous, such a cute top!
ReplyDeleteLooks good on your. Would have been better if it was fitted for my liking. I like fitted tops;) It somehow reminds me of the pendrell blouse sleeves LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks. I prefer my tops more fitted as well.
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