So yet more tops, this time some knits.

While I was feeling out-of-sorts this year, I resorted to sewing lots of simple tops to sate my craving to sew – which it really didn’t. Although I do have a collection of tops to wear so all is not lost. In hindsight I should have sewn more complicated garments, I find while I love simple garments, I find sewing challenging garments more relaxing – which is what I needed in 2016. However these little garments were about all I could fit in. Such is life!

Vanilla Top, Waffle Patterns

First up the Waffle Pattern Vanilla top.

I hate these photos so probably why it’s been hovering in the Neverland of Unblogged.

Vanilla Top, Waffle Patterns

One thing I really don’t like about this top is how the perfectly neat neckline hits the stripes at an odd angle (due to the slightly-off-beat stripe directions with the drape) and looks messy. It really annoys my eyeballs like dust on a dry windy afternoon! I’ve often worn a scarf with it for that reason because it visually drives me bonkers. But I can be precious.

I do find the sleeves an odd length but I also think in a different weight fabric they wouldn’t bother me so much.

If you like stripes doing odd things, you will love this

So another easy-to-wear-with-jeans garment as hence got a lot of wear throughout the colder months as a ‘house’ jumper with jeans.

Yes, you may recognise the fabric from my first Penny Raglan. I managed to squeeze a Penny Raglan and this top out of 2m of this fabric.

I think this fabric choice is too heavy for this design BUT very easy to make and rather fun to wear. My eldest daughter has declared that this will be her top when I tired of it.

This is the second Waffle Patterns pattern I have made and I must say I do enjoy them. Nicely presented, comprehensive but not excessive instructions well illustrated with diagrams, and an A0 copy shop sheet printing option… and you can turn off layers to print as many or as few sizes as you like. I’d love to try some of her jacket patterns, the details are thoughtful and they have intrigued me for some time.

Pattern: Waffle Patterns, Vanilla top
Size: Size 34
Fabric: Make It Fabrics, Brisbane

RUMI TOP by Cali Faye Collections

Next up a Cali Faye Collection Rumi Top which was released a few months ago.

I volunteered to pattern test for this and found the process really interesting. I’ve always quite liked the design aesthetic of this designer, simple and modern. Although the pattern price point is quite high.

Rumi Top, Cali Faye Designs

Cali Faye Collections have a closed facebook group for their testers. Throughout testing period, testers post their versions, comment about the design, instructions and so on. The pattern did changed several times in response to feedback from testers and it was interesting seeing different fabrics being used. I thought it was a thorough, open and interesting community sewing process.

Rumi Top – Side view

I sewed up the final version which you can see here. It’s a large over-sized boxy top with fitted sleeves. I’ve worn it a lot, it is easy to wear and great with skinny jeans or fitted pants. It is a very simple design and reminds me of my Japanese pattern book top patterns.

The neckline is finished with woven bias tape. I haven’t finished a knit neckline in this manner before and would be curious how that works for a stretchier knit than this. With this rather stable cotton terry knit, it did provide a nice neat, flat finish.

I would advise sewing with a knit with nice drape. Anything too heavy and you may find yourself wearing a tent!

Rumi Top, Cali Faye Designs. Back view

Pattern: Cali Faye Collections Rumi Top
Size: XS
Fabric: Cotton Terry Knit, Spotlight Australia
Note: I received this pattern as part of the testing process, all opinions my own.

And I think that’s all the Unblogged tops done now. Hooray!