I bought this pattern from Joann's when I was in Houston this summer. I knew that I wanted the version with the back godet because I love some of the pieces that Lori Goldstein does on QVC.
It's interesting that I can only find two finished garments from this pattern on the internet because I think this pattern is so cool! My version is a combo of View A & B with long sleeves but no cowl and no front pockets - seriously who thought pockets on a woman's stomach is a good idea? Ummmmm, no!
My Fabric Choices ~
I picked a fabric that is not recommended on the pattern envelope - ponte. See I already own two RTW versions of this top. One made from a sweater knit with a polyester georgette godet and the other is a thin knit lycra with a polyester print godet. These wear so well and have a sexycool vibe that I like when I'm going out.
My godet fabric is a light printed mesh that I got from Fabric Mart years ago. There must have been a sale on these at some point because I keep finding pieces hidden among the other fabrics in the collection.
Construction ~
This is an easy to sew pattern. I made a straight size 24. Wait, I know you're thinking but I thought you lost weight - well remember that IF I was sewing this last year I would have added inches to the princess seams to give myself more room. It would have been the jumping off place ~ not sewn straight out of the envelope.
And it's loose...in a thinner knit I would go down a size or two depending on how tightly I wanted it to fit. However, since I was using the ponte as my base fabric, I wanted to make sure that it would go on easily and not be too tight.
I need to say that I added nothing to the sleeves because they are cut generously! Yes! However, I did make an alteration to the shoulder seam on the front and back pieces to make the shoulder seams an inch smaller. I also didn't play with the seam allowances, they are all 5/8" seams. Hey, there's loads of times those seam allowances have been altered to give me just a squeech more space!
To add the godet, I sewed it to one back piece, then to the other back piece and finally sewed the back seam up to the marked spot. It makes sure the point is enclosed in the seam without any puckering.
I also inserted the sleeves flat not in the round as the pattern suggests. This has become my method of choice now for inserting sleeves on knit tops, because you have fewer challenges with getting them in the garment correctly. Okay it is a truly puckerless application - I just needed to say that! hahahahaha!
Pictures of the finished top ~
I'm wearing this with my black leggings from The Avenue although I was a little chilly taking the pics. I may end up wearing this with my ponte jean leggings instead. Also note the flat shoe boots - I have them in black and brown and wear them almost every day. I miss heels! *LOL*
Conclusion ~
I want to make this again in the version with the cowl neck using a merino wool or a lighter weight wool. I think to make this top successful it's important for the godet to have enough drape. So for that version I'm thinking about making the godet a little wider so it has even more swing.
Finally, I love how high/low hems work with my figure type. I don't know how much longer the trend is going to last but I'm going to rock it while it does!
...as always more later!
Gurrrl - OMGoodness! I've never been a fan of the hi-low hem but on you! I'm loving it. You can tell you are really enjoying learning how to dress yourself for this new role you have - sexycool grandma! I'm not sure which of these photos are my favorite - I love 'shake your tailfeathers' (the first photo) but the one of you on the stairs - fabulous! Hope you are enjoying all these tops. b
ReplyDeleteGaylen - actually my daughter caught me mid-spin, talking smack! Of all the tops I made during sewing vacay - this was my favorite. I loved how easily it came together and how cool it looked on.
DeleteSuch a cute top on you--I don't know what the facing method on this is but if you make another you might consider doing a bias binding around the neckline in the godet fabric to tie it in and give you some color near your face.
ReplyDeleteParisGrrl - I actually thought about doing that but then I decided I really wanted an all black look so that the drama would be all in the back!
DeleteIt reminds me of the phrase, "business in the front, party in the back"...so darling and it must feel comfortable and give you some pizzazz when you want to do twirls! By adding such unique garments to your wardrobe you certainly can have a fun side to your days off!
ReplyDeleteThat was my thought, too!
DeleteActually ladies my dress code is so relaxed at work that I will wear this to work. Big change right?!
DeleteI love reading your blog and seeing your latest creations. You're an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely top! Love the back.
ReplyDeleteHey Irene - thanks for the compliment! And I'm so glad that you're still reading about my sewing adventures!
DeleteI have this one and so appreciate your comments and pictures! Great job!
ReplyDeleteMary - you should move it to the top of your sewing list. It's a great top, easy to sew and fun to wear!
DeleteI like it... So nice...
ReplyDeleteThanks Vivie and thanks for leaving a comment!
DeleteI think you are transitioning very successfully to a different work dress code. You look quite stylish.
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileensews! I'm still a little more "dressed" than some of my younger co-workers but I don't feel like I stand out too much which is a good thing.
DeleteThis is so cute! I love the contrast godet!
ReplyDeleteBianca - that's my favorite part too! I want to do another one with a lace insert...wouldn't that be amazing!
DeleteHow nice to see you having so much fun making your latest creations. I too prefer attaching sleeves in the flat for knits.
ReplyDeleteTomasa - it's just so much easier to insert sleeves that way isn't it! Thanks for liking this top!
DeleteLove it! So creative and that godet is full on party in the back! If I wore it I'd do dramatic turns all the time so that I'd have a big swooooooooosh going on :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny - I love the godet too!
DeleteWhile I am not a fan of the hi lo hem on dresses a do like it, not too exagerrated, on tops. The shorter front gives length to one's legs and the longer back covers one's butt. For curvy petites this is heaven sent.
ReplyDeleteThis design is flattering on you. I like the godet as it is not too full. You look very happy and comfy in your new top. Nice work!!!
Bunny - I'm probably so late to this trend but I've found that high/low in tops are so effective in hiding a bountiful boody! I will be making more of this style.
DeleteYou have certainly found your groove girl! This is a great casual piece with panache. It's flattering and interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy - I love the flattering and interesting description! Just what I'm going for with these new tops.
DeleteI am finding your transition to stylish more comfortable dressing, versus the corporate, very inspiring and interesting - and right where I am now too. Thank you for the ideas!
ReplyDeleteBarbara - I'm happy to inspire you. I do think I'm finally shedding the corporate look in the creative area of my brain and starting to look at casual pieces differently. Though every now and then I look at a dress and wish I could make it and wear it again!
DeleteCute top! I like it paired with the leggings and flat boots.
ReplyDeleteThanks Levone! Getting used to wearing flats, boots with low heels and sneakers all day has taken some getting used to...and I will admit that I miss wearing heels!
DeleteI like this pattern. I don't know how I missed this. Looks good on you!
ReplyDeleteLinda - I know you're still living that corporate life but this is a great top pattern! Hope you can find a use for it in your life!
DeleteI love it and you look great. I'm doing an FBA on this pattern right now and I can only hope my version comes out as nice.
ReplyDelete