Monday 6 October 2014

a tale of 3 bloggers - cynthia rowley simplicity 1366

i love this make and i especially like that 3 bloggers from different cities made it happen.


firstly, the inspiration.  i was reading a blog post on how good is that? one day and i saw in the side bar a blog i had never read before effortless anthropologie so i clicked on the link and this was the post that appeared.  i love everything about the neoprene sweatshirt featured, the style, fabric design and how it looks dressy but that i imagine it would be very comfy.  i decided i wanted to make something similar but needed a pattern and fabric.

i thought about using a rub off pattern that i made from a rtw top, but it has long sleeves, a high low hem and a round neck.  luckily for me lily sage & co has made up simplicity 1366 - a cynthia rowley pattern recently and as soon as i saw it on her blog i knew it would be a perfect pattern to use.

lastly i needed some fabric. recently darn cheap fabrics posted a photo of some new spring neoprene fabric on IG.  both myself and lara of thornberry liked the fabric and as the fabric was not available online lara very kindly offered to pick me up some next time she went to dcf. I love how social media works!

so here's my top:





i made a straight size 8, even though my bust measurement correlates with a size 14 and my waist and hips with size 16.  i decided to go with a size 8 based on the finished measurements printed on the pattern and am happy with how it worked out - though during construction of my first 1366 i did wonder if i had gone too small!

the only alterations i made were to lengthen the front and back by 2 1/4" and shorten the sleeves by 3/4". i also used home made bias binding to finish the neckline, rather than use the pattern piece provided.




i used my sewing machine with a small zig zag for all of the construction.  the inside of this fabric looks fantastic too.






i used zig zag to hem the sleeves and bottom as i thought it suits the triangle cut outs.

yes there will be more of these tops, perfect for work and play.  have made 2 others in knit already (they are quick - like a couple of hours) and am keen to try some woven ones too.  perhaps at some time i will try a neck band, cuffs and a sloping hem like the anthropologie one too.

emma


19 comments :

  1. I really like how this looks, and the tale of three cities ;) I do have one qn - how does it feel to wear? I've patted it in DarnCheap but wasn't sure if the perforations would help with breathability... ;) - oh, and I adore it's reverse pattern! ;)

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    1. Thanks! Yes I probably should have mentioned how it feels - its a little bit spiky to wear, you definitely notice this when you put it on, but after then you mostly don't notice it. I may wear a singlet (or perhaps scivvy in cooler weather) underneath too. I am planning on wearing it to work on Wednesday when its forecast to be 22, I have only worn in for the photos so far - will let you know how it goes. Am hoping the perforations will help with the breathability!

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    2. Thanks Emma - it's just too too cute, so toes crossed ;)

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  2. I really love the fabric! You wouldn't know it was neoprene at all!

    And isn't Lara the best?

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    1. Thanks Michelle, I really love the fabric too - and yes Lara is definitely the bestest!

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  3. Love this top. I am looking forward to trying out this pattern.

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    1. Thanks Noelle, I love this pattern too. I have so many fabrics in my stash that I am thinking will be great in this pattern - I am starting to wondering how many many be too many!

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  4. Curse you and Debbie for both making such all round RAD versions of this pattern! This looks absolutely smashing and it needs to be added to my queue STAT!

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    1. I LOVE debbie's versions, I am so grateful she brought this pattern to my attention! You should definitely get on the 1366 wagon!

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  5. Beautiful! That fabric is just amazing! Perfect pattern for it.

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    1. Thanks so much Debbie and thanks for enabling it!

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  6. This fabric is NEAT-O! I thought the little cut outs were dots and it's not until you laid it out I could see the cut outs...tricky. I love how colourful this top is...perfect for summer down under.

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    1. Thanks Mel, I love the colourful nature of the fabric too - i find it hard to find colourful knits, though am hoping to get some of the Miss Matatabi digitally printed ponti when it gets in the shop, did you see it of IG??

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  7. Emma. You are so creative and such a neat sewer. These certainly are your colours. Thanks for the shout out too:)

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    1. Thanks so much Maria and thanks for being an enabler too! Yes i love these colours and feel happy wearing them!

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  8. oh my gosh this is the cutest! That fabric is all kinds of wonderful amazing colours!

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    1. Thanks Susan, yes when i saw this on the DCF IG i was so taken with the colours I just had to get some!

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  9. I love this pattern but have yet to acquire it - you've inspired me! I'd even love a top made with the inside of the fabric facing out - I love the geometric cutouts with hints of colour peeking through!

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    1. Its a great pattern - that's such a great idea about making a top with the reverse. I've got 1/2 a metre left that you can have if you have any creative ideas about how you could use it to get a top!

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