After my success with the Afternoon Blouse, I was excited to see another vintage inspired top from Jen and I knew this one would be perfect for my upcoming July 4th parties.
Unlike the Afternoon Blouse, the Bronte Top pattern is intended for knit fabrics. As a relative newcomer to sewing with knits, my first attempt is by no means perfect but has already seen heavy rotation in the three weeks since I sewed it up. I have another version planned soon!
Things I liked:
1) Tiling of the pattern allows you to print specific pieces
2) Long sleeve and short sleeve versions
3) Very clear instructions!
4) Button details at the collar can really showcase unique buttons. I used vintage buttons I got for 50 cents at a quilt show a few years ago and I love them.
Things I had issues with:
1) The sleeves were a bit short for me so I had to lengthen the fold over part. Heather had the similar sleeve length problems which she provided a super helpful tutorial here.
2) Keeping the front neckline from stretching out was a big issue. I think next time I will make the neckline binding an inch shorter so the neckline lies more flat.
3) Easing the sleeves was hard for me and I didn’t get it quite right. The very top of the sleeve pokes up a bit but not so much that I won’t wear the top.
Cute top. I like the button details. How was your trip?
Thanks Ginger. The trip was wonderful! Italy was all I expected it to be and more. The food was to die for and I probably got more “culture” in two weeks than I’ve had in 10 years :)
Glad you had a good trip. Did you buy any fabric?
Unfortunately no. I spent most of my cash on food, wine and Vietri china when I went to their factory in Nove!
This top is really cute on you! Re: the neckline, I think that’s a common issue with this type of top, if you’re not used to this style. I made a similar-style top for my daughter recently and had the same neckline gape issue, and I’ve sewn a TON of knits and have a good feel for how much binding a need for a round neck opening, but I had to go the trial-and-error route for this type of opening.
Do you think my idea about making the binding shorter would work? If not, what do you suggest? I’m starting to make more knits now that Colette has starting producing knit patterns but still feel like such a newbie!