Hi Everyone! Once again, I know I'm late!!, but I am determined to get back on track!! So I decided to go ahead and post this week's Thrifty Thursday pattern. If you are just finding the blog, a quick review, on Thursdays (at least I try!!) I am reviewing the free patterns that are available on the web from independent pattern companies. Some of the patterns have been posted by fabric stores, and I also find them in other venues. It's a great way to try out a pattern. The only expense is the ink for printing, your paper, and of course your fabric. But at least you are not putting out money to take a test run on a new company only to find out that their patterns aren't quite right for you, or me as the case may be :) I'm having so much fun with this series, and as it looks at the moment, it will go on for quite a while as there are an abundant amount of free patterns available.
Today I am showcasing the Zoe Top by Tessuti Fabrics. I was drawn to this pattern for two reasons. First of all it is designed for sheer georgette and chiffon fabrics, so lightweight wovens.
The pattern is designed to cut the front and back on the fold. In order to do this, you will need a 54"-60" wide fabric. My silk was only 45" wide, so I added a seam down center front and back. Because of the pattern of the fabric, it really isn't noticeable.
The top is super easy to make, and has a lovely feminine shape that gracefully skims the body. The top would also work well as a swimsuit cover-up, or lengthen it and turn it into a breezy dress for summer, so very versatile. If you would like to download one for yourself, you can find the pattern here, http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/free-sewing-patterns/products/zoe-top-print-at-home-or-copy-shop-pdf
While you are there, you might want to check out the lovely fabrics that Tessuti carries. The shipping is a little killer if you live in America, but sometimes it's just worth it ;) Tessuti has two other free patterns available on their website. I am planning to give one other a try, especially since I enjoyed this one so much. For those of you who do not like the idea of taping a pdf pattern together, Tessuti offers a copy shop version as well. All you will need to do is download the pattern to a memory stick and then take it to your local printer. To be honest, I prefer to just tape the pattern together. This pattern took me a little less than 30 minutes. I would have spent more time in the car!
Hope you are having a great day!
Rhonda
Wow, I love everything about your top from the shape to the gorgeous fabric and binding. You made a lovely job of this. I hate printing pdfs but might reconsider for this one. Thank you for taking the time to share this pattern. X
ReplyDeleteThanks! This pattern would also make a great caftan.
DeleteAs for PDF patterns, I was not a devotee for quite a long time, but I love them now. Be careful, you just may start to like them too ;)
I can see this one also as a sleep shirt--especially a silk version. Your version is so pretty-especially the design of the fabric. I'm wanting to get back to the machine, but I just brought Onyx home from her leg surgery and I'm trying to keep her from chewing at her bandage without making her wear that darn cone collar.
ReplyDeleteIf you do make this into a sleep shirt, I would be sure to add to the shoulder seam at the neckline. It's a pretty wide neck opening and it would twist a lot I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteYou have your hands full. Poor you and poor Onyx. I think that when my pups have had surgery, I suffer more than they do. Little Bit had to have a back tooth removed. As I walked out of the vet's office, I burst into tears and cried the whole way home. Not the cool and collect mom I should be :) good luck and I hope she is better with every passing day. You too ;)
Beautiful top! I love the fabric you chose. It took me a while to find the CF seam when you said there was one. The print really hides it well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alexandra :)
DeleteMe gusta. este tipo de tops, son fáciles de confeccionar y muy bonitos. bss
ReplyDeleteSuch a summery comfortable top. I love it and what a great idea to add contrasting bias at the hems. Great!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I probably do a little too much of it, but I love using contrasting bias tape as a way to finish edges.
DeleteYou are tight ! The top really looks so baggy and loose in the first picture. It did not interest me at all when I saw it a few days back. Your fabric looks good. how is the fit by the way :) ?- Diya TheHobbyHarbor
ReplyDeleteHi Diya! The top is loose fitting, but it's something that is. comfortable and easy to throw on. You are tiny, so I would add to the shoulders as I did for myself, otherwise, I am afraid that it will fall off your shoulders. But...if you make it up as a beach cover up, a little shoulder action might be nice ;) Like I said, the fit is loose, but you can see that it works well belted, so another option.
DeleteThank you Rhonda for finding this pattern. Its a lovely breezy and simple top and works very nicely with the pretty silk you've used. With autumn's arrival I'm thinking of layering and I bet this top would work nicely over a long sleeve underneath.... Hmmm, I may need to dig through my stash as have some merinos to sew up. Perfect timing really :-)
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think about layering it over something for cooler temps. Great idea! If you have a light weight, drapey piece of wool, I think it would work perfectly for layering.
DeleteLovely top -- thank you for finding and sharing the pattern! At first I didn't understand what you meant by the curve of the sleeve shape, but after looking at it again, I see what you mean -- it looks like the top of the sleeve curves out slightly so, when worn, the sleeve hemline looks straight and even with the bottom of the sleeve. Is this the case? Beautiful print as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this, Rhonda! There are a lot of patterns out there, and some of them just aren't worth the time even though they are free. With your experienced eye, we have a leg up to which ones are worth a shot. This top is lovely, and you're right, the fabric is killah!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for this section on your blog, I was lost and now I return to visit friends blogs, I think this pattern would be very comfortable for a beach cover up. Great find! Thanks for that, dear Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, I've just discovered your amazing blog as I was searching for advice on how to best draft and insert side seam pockets into silk crepe skirts (think Elie Saab). In your Oct 2012 'Circled in Stripes' post you commented about doing a post on this and I am wondering if that ever eventuated?
ReplyDeleteHi Tracey and welcome! I have not done a tutorial on adding an in seam pocket to a dress or skirt. I am more than happy to do this for you. I will post it on Tuesday this week. Thanks for reminding me!
DeleteWhat a great beach coverup! It looks like it would work very well in sheer, soft and flowy. Perhaps over tights in the fall?
ReplyDeleteThe top would be great with tights!
DeleteTake care dear friend. Hope you aren't having to deal with poorly treated fur babies. That's what came to mind when you mentioned a hard task you had to do. We'll all be here when you have time to post.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Joy
Hi Joy, thanks for thinking of me. Thankfully, the problem has been resolved and it didn't involve a furry friend :)
DeleteNice top. The fabric really makes it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicki! When I went to the closet to choose a piece of fabric, it was as if that piece said, "pick me, pick me!!"
Delete