Finished: HP Torque Tops

 

Pattern: HP 1130 Weekend Triple Torque Knit Top - Twisted Hem with long sleeves

Mods: cut a size 10, but straightened the body out so the waist was more like a 12. significantly reduced the armhole size. adjusted sleeve to fit into cap. lengthened sleeve about an inch. left hems raw.

Fabric: slightly slubby, kinda shiny rayon jersey from Designer's Resource.

Cost: $4.

I really like this top. It's exactly what I was going for - comfortable and stylish. And it was so cheap! How often can you find a shirt that you love for $4? NEVER. (Pattern prices don't count in the total.) I'm sure I'll make another one with short-sleeves for summer.

Pattern: HP 1130 Weekend Triple Torque Knit Top - Wrap with elbow-length sleeves

Mods:  cut a size 10, but straightened the body out so the waist was more like a 12. significantly reduced the armhole size. adjusted sleeve to fit into cap. lengthened sleeve an inch.

Fabric: 11 oz. rayon jersey in soft light green from Gorgeous Fabrics.

Cost: I was mailed a very generous yard, so this top was only about $10.

I may just count this a wadder. There's tons of potential. There really is, but I'm not thrilled with the outcome. I was constantly adjusting the shirt to make it look normal in pictures. I think the over-sized fit works with the twisted hem top, but not this one. The shoulders and arms are too big and the wrap pattern pieces need to be adjusted. It's also too long. I may try again with a size 8 and make some other adjustments. The other problem is that I cannot hem this fabric! I've tried every size of twin needle, but it's not havin' it.

So what's next?? I've had it with knits for the time being, so I'm leaning towards a woven top. I also have lots of small knitting projects that I've been wrapping up, so I'll post those soon, too.

*Thanks to my new bangs and countless hair tutorials on Pinterest, I am obsessed with sock buns. By next week it will be braids. Hopefully.

WIP: HP Torque Twisted Hem Top

The only review that I could find for this top mentioned that the armholes were big. Given the amount of effort that went into making my Hot Patterns sleepwear look normal, I was not surprised by the strange sizing. The blue knit top is a slouchy fitting favorite of mine. Obviously there was work to be done. I cut out a size 10 and ended up with something closer to a 12, but with the armholes drastically reduced.

The side seams had a really intense curve for a defined waist, but I prefer a straight cut on my knit tops.

The sleeve pattern piece was a little intimidating, but I did it. Hooray for a semester of pattern-making at community college! Totes worth it.

Alright, alright. It's a bit anti-climatic on the hanger, but believe me that it is cute on (I'm too lazy/disheveled to model tonight). I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT IT. I think I'll use a grey rayon blend that I picked up for cheap at Designer's Resource for the real deal. But don't hold me to that.

Hot Patterns Sleepwear

 After sharing a few pieces that need work, I wanted to share something that I made and love. After I sorted out some fit issues (more on that below), the sewing part was relatively quick. It was completed in May except for the ruffle. I didn't want to use my machine to attach it because the bias tape looked so pretty! Months later I hand-stitched the ruffle on. I'm glad I put in the extra effort. So here's another warm weather piece finished just in time for fall!

Pattern: Hot Patterns - 1093 Boudoir Of Bliss Ooh Yeah Baby-Doll

Mods: I traced off the pattern and made a muslin. The result was a lunch lady apron. The front piece was then slashed, spread, taped and glued. I have no idea what size I even cut out. The resulting pattern piece says 'custom fit based on muslin.' That is not very helpful information. Anyway, I will be very sad if I lose these pattern pieces because the fit is perfect.

The shorts were a size 8, but turned out so huge that I took in the side seams by TWO INCHES.

Fabric: Cotton batiste from Mood. I bought it there during my first-ever trip to New York a few years ago. It was an overwhelming experience.