In an effort to conquer my stretch sewing trepidation, I purchased some Jalie patterns.  They always seem to get great reviews.

After cutting out and mucking up two tops – neither from Jalie patterns – and tossing both into the bin I began sewing up the sleeveless Criss-Cross Top from a remnant I’d bought earlier in the year.

It was beautifully drafted and all the pieces went together perfectly. The fabric I used has a fair lycra content and is medium weight, so it was quite easy to handle. Construction was done using the overlocker, and edges were all finished with twin needle stitching on the sewing machine.

I shortened the pattern a few inches at the hemline, but now that I see a photo of the back with those fold lines I think I need to somehow modify the back piece to allow for the way my ribs are right on top of my hip bones (I am extremely short-waisted).

But overall? I love this pattern! I’m looking forward to making the flutter sleeve version, maybe in one size smaller (all those workouts at the gym are having an effect). Please excuse the lack of glamour in these photos – unrinsed and unstyled hair fresh from swimming lessons with the girls this morning, no makeup (what’s new) and no airbrushing!  After this taste of success I pulled out another remnant and made a top without a pattern (gasp!) – but you’ll have to wait until next time to see how that turned out!