Friday, August 20, 2010

My First Knipmode Pattern

And I love it!


As soon as I saw the sleeve-less top (#4) in the July 2010 issue of Knipmode, I knew I wanted to make it. And as far as patterns go, it appeared relatively simple. Perfect for a first try sewing something for me from a foreign language magazine (it is in Dutch).

So after working out what colour lines I was looking for, and on what sheet (thank you babelfish), I traced out my size, added a good 5cm extra length to the hem and set about cutting the fabric.
I bought this fabric because I love purple, and I have another style of top a want to try that needs a light weight, slinky-ish knit. It was a bit slippery to work with, but lots of pins help.
I wasn't going to do the pleats at the neck, I was just going to gather it, but the pleating was so simple I went ahead. And I am glad, because it looks nice.



I am not sure what they intended you to do with the neckline, because you cut three pieces, 2 for the front neckline (one left, one right) and one piece for the back. I had already sewn a shoulder seam by this point (oops!), so I joined the neckline pieces together into one strip. This worked out ok, but the pieces were all too long (I don't know what the seam allowance included was, so it may have been my fault). Easily rectified and on I went.

The armholes were easy, but again, the binding seemed too long (next time I will shorten it and pull it a bit when attaching, as I feel it doesn't sit close enough to my body).

I do love the gathering in the side seams - helps hide the lumps and bumps :D


I could have not added the extra length, it seems these patterns are about spot on length-wise for me! Woot!

Cheers!

15 comments:

cherri said...

That look great - you have been so busy!

The colour is perfect (purple is the new black) and the fit is awesome!

mummy_chelle said...

I am so impressed! Love the fit on you. And that colour is gorgeous. Well done for trying a new pattern.

willow and moo said...

Liz, that top looks gorgeous on you!!!

Kelly said...

Oh go Liz! That top is gorgeous and it looks so great on you!

Kat said...

that is beautiful! Love the gathers. But damn! There's another magazine I'm going to need to get!! Good on you! Kat xx

Heather said...

It looks so good on you! I really love the colour choice, the pleats on the neckline, and the gathers on the side. Cute top!

Unknown said...

LOVE IT! That has to be my favourite that I have seen you make ... more please ;-)

Frances said...

Oh my! I'm with everyone else - absolutely gorgeous, Liz, and very flattering with all those nifty gathers. I do believe you have surpassed yourself again ;)

Joy said...

I agree; it's a very attractive top on you. I really like the pleats and the side gathers.

Kirsten said...

STUNNING Liz. That top looks absolutely fantastic on you! I'm now thinking of going out and buying this issue for this pattern alone.

Sally said...

Looking great Liz!

Daphne said...

I lived in Holland for a year, many years ago, and I used to use Knip patterns too! I loved them because they were a bit different. Congratulations, your top looks great!

Anonymous said...

Oh,my favourite color, very beautiful blouse!

Mary Nanna said...

Oh I like the pleats too - and I read with interest your foray into foreign sewing magazines without English translations - will be sharing that experience very soon! Looks like you made good use of your computer for translation...

melissa said...

Super cute! This is just as flattering on you, I think we're on to a winner pattern here!