What an afternoon of learning. My focus was on using brand new Baby & getting some overlocking miles under my belt. In the previous post I wrote up my learnings from the restyle of my NY Tshirt, & this included needing more practice before I take the plunge & buy some gorgeous new knit fabric. Therefore, I rummaged in a pile of ex-clothes I no longer wear, & found a polyester knit shirt dress. Chopping off the skirt I estimated there was enough fabric to make a top, so finding an unused pattern for a knit top (New Look 6569), & with a few simplifications, scissors got snipping & I discovered new rules for cutting knits … boy, they go all over the place. I have seen advice (including in Sew Stretch, by Wendy Mullin) for using weights, cutting mats & rotary cutters. I need to find mine & replace its blade …). Anyway, a bit of a scrimp, to get the 2 pieces cut out with a few corners missing. Even though it’s a big bold pattern I’m not good at plain styles, particularly when I know how fine my Baby does rolled hems for ruffles, so I cut a piece from the sleeve to make a ruffle. I also took a risk & used the self tie belt to make the neckband & armhole bands/ facings. The pattern called for making a narrow hem, but I wasn’t keen on that. Yet more unpicking …. but there was nearly enough fabric in the belt (& I didn’t have to cut a dodgy long straight line).
What did I learn making this top?
- Sewing knits is not as scary if you can start from scratch and sew them in a sensible order for overlocking
- No pins required! Freedom
- Just like my Pfaff, my overlocker prefers it slow over the chunkier bits, else it throws its thread out.
- That is why I got the Baby Lock- for its easy threading
- Overlocking & binding neck edges with folded over fabric so that you end up with a binding that’s meant to show (is the word I’m looking for, collar? Not sure) is really neat & I love it.
- I knew I was taking a risk with the self tie belt, as it wasn’t cut on the stretch. This meant more baggy neck edges – however- it’s almost a feature, & I can put up with it.
- Rolled edges on ruffles rock
- I am enjoying the prospect of not having to iron this top each time I wash it!!
So, this time a more successful restyle, & versatile because it will be something I can wear to work or out of work. Happy times.
