My Latest Sewing Makes July 2020 | Sewing Tips, Tutorials, Projects and Events

This week I'm sharing my latest sewing projects with you on the blog/vlog. I stitched up two easy to sew tops that I've been wearing on strong rotation ever since I sewed the last stitch: the Adrienne blouse by the Friday Pattern Company and the Rowan Tshirt by Megan Nielsen. As always I'll talk you through fabric choices, size and fit and construction techniques - enjoy!

The Adrienne Blouse

Pattern and Fabric

I loved this pattern when it first came out, but couldn't quite think of the right fabric to sew it up in.

Fast forward to my research for Spring Summer trends this year and ditsy prints and puff sleeves were everywhere.

With these ideas swimming in my head walking round the warehouse one day I spotted this lovely ditsy print viscose jersey fabric on the shelf and I knew it was the perfect match.

It is a matt viscose jersey so it almost has the appearance of a cotton jersey, but is silky smooth and has fantastic drape and movement perfect for those romantic sleeves.

Size and Fit

I graded from a small at the bust to a medium at the waist and hips with no modifications and was very pleased with the fit.

It was very easy to fit the pattern since the bodice is the same pattern piece front and back and therefore my usual problem areas of upper back and shoulders weren't an issue.

If you are fuller busted there are instructions included for a full bust adjustment.

There are also instructions and alteration lines included if you would like to make the sleeves more or less voluminous. I went for the standard option straight out of the packet.

Construction

The construction was super duper easy on this one, it can be whipped up in just a few hours.

There are just three pattern pieces - one for the bodice front and back, one for the neckband and one for the sleeve.

The sleeves are gathered at the shoulders and hem with elastic.

The instructions recommended using shoulder strap/bra strap elastic because it is soft in comparison to other elastics and it was sage advice, this top is super comfy.

I used our Hemline shoulder strap elastic you can find it here.

Final thoughts

I have worn this top pretty much every week since I made it. I love the fact it is casual and comfortable enough for every day wear, but thanks to the romantic, voluminous sleeves it feels more special than your average Tshirt.

The fabric was the perfect match and I would definitely like to make more.

The Rowan T by Megan Nielsen

Pattern and Fabric

I had my eye on this vibrant John Kaldor Portia fabric for a while and was inspired by a dress I spotted on one of my favourite websites in a very similar print.

The dress was fitted with a high neck, which made me think of the Megan Nielsen Rowan Tshirt, which I previously made in our black ritual fabric.

I thought it would be a fun, cheerful top for every day wear and was keen to work on the fit of the Rowan T a little more.

I should also mention there are three different sleeve length and neckline options with this pattern plus options to sew a bodysuit. In other words it is a wardrobe workhorse!

Size and Fit

I made a size small and lengthened the shoulder seam by tracing the curve of the armhole then extending it out.

This is because the shoulder seams were too short on me last time I made the top.

The fit definitely improved as a result of this alteration, but next time I think I could do with scooping out the front armhole slightly to avoid the fabric bunching up in this area.

If you have a high round back and forward shoulder it can mean you are a little narrower in the front than the back and therefore sometimes there is excess fabric at the front armhole.

Construction

The construction is very simple and straight forward and I made the entire garment on my overlocker/coverstitch machine the Babylock Desire 3.

I used seam tape to stabilise the hems and neckline and stretch interfacing to add some stability to the neckband.

Final thoughts

I always feel great putting on such a bright, colourful Tshirt and have worn it almost weekly since I made it.

Shopping List

Have fun sewing!

Lucy

For more tips and tricks on how to make sewing easy you can follow our blog via Bloglovin and receive updates via email each time a new post is added.