This is the other half of the Toaster Sweater patterns sewn up last winter. (I previously described Toaster Sweater 1.) It’s sewn in a lightweight jersey with lycra (for extra stretch) mixed in with the cotton. (Lycra is probably the only synthetic component I’m prepared to have in my stash. Not a lot of choice in the knit section otherwise, especially for activewear.) The lycra makes the fabric curl up when cut – a tad annoying to work with but comfy to wear.
BTW check out my puffy moon face last year in the photo below. That’s what steroids can do. (I’ll post about that one day – the medical situation.)
I made this top in size medium and found it far too big around my torso, yet well-fitted at the shoulders. As such, I had to sew down the side seams. I’ve since encountered this in another Sew House 7 pattern so maybe there’s a big discrepancy between my body shape and the designer’s. Or maybe I just need to try making this in a smaller size and let the fabric stretch at the shoulders. Mind you, we’re not talking just a little shave off the sides here…. It tapered to a full 2 inches off each side (= 8 inches off circumference at the base!) Even the small size wouldn’t take much off in comparison.
I also took a centimetre off the arm seams (= 2cm off in total) and added some inches to the overall length. (Yes, I know I’m mixing centimetres with inches here. I’m sure you can roll with it.) The arms are good now so indeed, I’ll try a smaller size next time.
I didn’t bother with the nice detail at the hem – the little side splits. Some times a fast sew is the best sew. Just turned and hemmed with my new coverstitch machine.
Although I do wear this top, I don’t often reach for it first. That’s probably because the boat neck can feel annoyingly high at times. It’s also worth noting that the self-facing on the neck can flip out and be seen at the front unless you tack it down discreetly, as I’ve done.
My kind of fabric. Looks good!