Day: 13 August 2017

adult's clothing, sewing

Esme the third

This is the third time I’ve sewn the Style Arc Esme top, but it’s quite different to the last two.  This time around it’s sleeveless, without the collar.

Style Arc Esme top in poly Anna Sui double knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

I had a small amount of this poly Anna Sui double knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics left over after sewing a cardigan, and wanted to use it up. I did consider a sleeveless version of the Tessuti Mandy boat tee, but remembered that the Esme top has a nice high-low hemline with side slits, so just that little bit more detail.

Style Arc Esme top in poly Anna Sui double knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

From the Style Arc website: Square cut top with funnel or band neck options, sleeved or sleeveless, with a high/low hem. “The Wanted” garment of the season. This knit top has a fabulous bias cut collar that can stand fashionably high or turned over. Make it sleeveless or with sleeves for the cooler months. FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION: Ponte, Scuba or any fabric with a stretch component.

esme-top

Most of the versions I’ve seen of this top on the internet have the collar (most are the long sleeved versions too).  I think that the sleeveless version with neckband is definitely worth keeping in mind as well.  I love some pattern versatility!

Style Arc Esme top in poly Anna Sui double knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

I’m happy with the fit across my rounded forward shoulders (that’s another alteration I should consider adding to my list) and there is plenty of ease through the body – most of you know that is my preference. I sewed size 12 without alterations.  Construction for this one was mostly on the machine, with the overlocker used for the shoulder seams and to attach the neckband.  I needed to be able to press the side seams open so that I could hem the sleeves effectively and sew the side slits.

Style Arc Esme top in poly Anna Sui double knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

It’s really more of a winter top than a summer one despite being sleeveless, because it definitely is polyester. I have worn it a bit as part of a twin-set, with the aforementioned cardigan (the pattern is the Style Arc Coral cardigan). I rather like it in this combination! Definitely an outfit for those days when I need a bit of psychological armour – plenty of colour and print. It gives me confidence!

Style Arc Esme top in poly Anna Sui double knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

children's clothing, kids clothing, sewing, tween

McCalls 6690

Oh my goodness, there are less than ten blog posts from last year left to write.  Of course, I have a fair few from this year to catch up on, but hey…..I’m making progress!

McCalls 6690 in printed cotton size 8

This pattern – McCalls 6690 – caught my eye because it seemed very fashionable. Like something that was in the shops – and that’s important to the kids. From the pattern website: Pullover, partially lined tops and dresses have side panels (sleeveless), no side seams, side-front/side-back openings for self-belt, back button, thread loop closing and very narrow hem. Purchased bias tape finishes neckline. A: Purchased trim. B, D: Ruffles.

m6690_a

m6690

We decided on view A, mainly because this style is a major fabric eater and we wanted to get it out of the fabric that was available.  As it was I used another fabric for the inside lining pieces.

McCalls 6690 in printed cotton size 8

The fabric was a printed cotton lawn, and came to me I think from Spotlight via another person’s stash (thanks Anna!). It was lovely to sew with. We eliminated the trim that the pattern suggested for this view. I cut and sewed this in size 8 after measuring the pattern pieces – clearly it has ridiculous ease; I sew a girls 12 or 14 for Clare now.

McCalls 6690 in printed cotton size 8

We didn’t need the slit with button and loop opening at the centre back – Clare can get it on and off just fine as it is. It’s an interesting pattern actually. It’s basically a tank style with princess seams in the front and back – no side seam as such – with the sleeve attaching to the front and back princess seams. The main bodice pieces are lined as well, which combines with the flappy angel sleeves to mean that you need plenty of fabric.

McCalls 6690 in printed cotton size 8

This top is a little tricky to wear with anything over it – those angel sleeves mean that you can’t fit other regular sleeves on top. This means it’s definitely something that can’t be worn trans-seasonally. As it turns out Clare hasn’t worn it much, but she’s not sure why – maybe because she was wearing other things, she suspects, rather than something being “wrong” with this. I’m not sure that it will still fit Clare this summer. There is a fair bit that needs to migrate from her wardrobe into Stella’s at the moment!

McCalls 6690 in printed cotton size 8