Alright – poll? How much did you get sewn so far during Selfish Sewing Week? Me? ummm… a big fat Zero! But I did sew this Seafarer Top last weekend (with 3/4 sleeves, tutorial coming soon!) and I LOVE IT. It’s so comfortable. I think I may have worn it more than half of the days last week. And yes – I did wash it (at least once) in between!
I bought the Indie Sew Mini Spring Collection recently. It’s made up of the Sailor Top, The Marianne Dress and the Seafarer Top from Sew Much Ado. I fell in love with Abby’s girl version of the pattern – the Skipper Top – when I was on the pattern tour a few years ago. It was only natural to get the women’s top as well!
Here are a few things I love about it:
- This shirt is such a great easy wearing style.
- It’s easy to put together – with out any set-in sleeves you can stitch one up in about an hour.
- It’s knit, so easy wash and wear is not a problem.
- You don’t need a serger for this one!
- Since knits usually fit great the first time around, I don’t usually make a muslin for them. (YAY!)
I always get into conversations with people about the cost of sewing. It used to be that making clothing was more cost effective than buying it. Now, especially with the “fancy” quilting and organic cottons, this is not so much the case! However, on occasion I am happily surprised. I found the sweater knit I used in this top on sale for $5/metre. Since I used just over a metre, it technically cost me about an hour and a half, some thread and $6.00 for the fabrics – win, win, I’d say! And it seems to be washing well – and I’m hoping the fabric will hold up over time.
Thoughts on the pattern:
- It is a pdf pattern – easy to print out and tape together. No tracing involved!
- The steps are very clearly illustrated with clear, easy to follow photos.
- Abby includes professional tips, like adding clear elastic to the shoulder seams.
- There are lots of options – hemmed vs banded neckline, sleeves & hem. Optional Hi-Lo hem. Super-cute pocket.
Thoughts on the fit:
- Again, knits are easy to fit because they stretch – making a very satisfying project if you measure yourself correctly first!
- The length is purposefully long, and easy to lengthen or shorten.
- I made a small, based on my measurements, and it fits perfectly.
- Dolman styles can be up-sized easily to wear with a baggier fit, without any alterations to the pattern.
- Grade the waist out to a medium so the hips are looser, but it really depends on how much stretch is in the knit I’m using.
- I’d love to try making more of a boat-neck shaped neckline.
- I might use some thicker sweatshirt fleece and re-print and cut a medium-large to wear as a comfy at-home shirt. (Who am I kidding, I’d likely wear it everywhere!)
I picked up a perfectly striped XL men’s shirt yesterday, so I’m hoping to make another one of these shirts soon, exactly the same as this one. That will bring the total of shirts I’ve made myself (that I can actually wear out of doors!) up to 4 in the past month or so. I’m pretty excited about that!
Reader Feedback: What have you made yourself lately? Hint: It doesn’t have to be clothing!
Disclosure: I had way too much fun making the photos on this post. You can relax now, there are no more unexpected silly photos. I promise to be more sane next time! Oh, and I did not receive this pattern or any compensation for this post, it’s just really great. And Abby is amazing too! Sew Much Ado is one of my all-time favorite blogs. (Gorgeous photos!)
Oh Sherri, you are too sweet! Thank you for the review and kind words! I love all of these photos of you, you are so beautiful. And I love the top you made, now I’m dying to make one with long sleeves too!
Eeek! Thanks SO MUCH Abby! 🙂 I had fun taking them and, honestly, I love your patterns – so well written and easy to understand. It’s super comfy! And 3/4 is perfect for spring – though, by the looks of your weather summer will soon be upon you!
I love the way it turned out! And the photos are awesome. Definitely need to make one for myself!
Yes Laura – totally! You can do it – thread that serger up. 🙂 (Though, you don’t really need it… hee hee!)
I only made one thing… drum roll… the Seafarer! haha I was going to make another top (actually had a choice of two patterns), but did not have enough fabric for either, so made a Skipper top for LM instead (also Abby’s pattern). We now officially have matching outfits! Love your seafarer, and I think I want to make a longer sleeve version now it is starting to cool down in my corner of the world.
Ha! So good Jenya! It’s such a great pattern 🙂 I am so tempted to make matching shirts for the girls. Not sure I can fit two into my left over yardage, but I might try. Either that or make a short sleeved version in the same fabric for the summer – it’s so soft and comfortable! I’m sure your daughter will love being matchy – that’s awesome!
Great pictures! haha 🙂 I like the shirt you’ve made, it looks great on you. I didn’t make myself anything for a long time. I hope to make myself a skirt or so soon. Becouse skirts are quick to make and I’m not quite back in shape yet after my pregnancy 😉 So I don’t dare to buy or make myself new pants, becouse they soon will be to wide, I guess. But I’m kind of in need of some new pants or skirts…
I love your seafarer! I made one a year or so ago with a knit that didn’t have enough stretch and the hips were snug on me too. I need to find some springy coloured solid knits and whip up a few more of these. Also, I love the 3/4 sleeves. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the tutorial!
Darn it all about the knit being tight in the hips. Could you shorten it a bit and re-hem it? The Art Gallery Fabric new solid knits look amazing – maybe those would be a good idea? I’m dying to try them out! So glad you’re excited about the 3/4 sleeves – they are a great length for our weather!
I love it! When is the tutorial coming?
Thanks Jodi! I am working on it, but since we are going on vacation next week for 10 days I think it will be closer to the end of June or in July.