Great Looking top, Not functional or comfortable sadly

Nombre Great Looking top, Not functional or comfortable sadly
Estado finalizado
Felicidad
Iniciado 04/09/2020
Completado 10/10/2020
Progreso 100 %
Privacidad público
Notas Date Started: 09/04/2020
Date Finished:10/10/2020

My Measurements at the time: 37 high bust, 39 bust, 31 waist, 45.5 hip
Size Sewn: custom to my measurements above
Alterations: 1/2” forward shoulder adjustment (common for me) and I took 1/2” off back yoke & bodice from armscye to waist.

Fabric: Gray Scuba Blue Triangle Stag on White Cotton Jersey Blend Knit Fabric. 50% Cotton/50% Poly. I used 1 yard. I purchased it 07/08/15 for $6.60/yard. I got it from Girl Charlee before I realized how terrible of a company they are and how shoddy their fabrics are. I like this fabric, but I would never buy from them again. The accent is Aqua cotton lycra from purpleseamstress. A really awesome place to buy fabric and an awesome seller; seriously Mel is amazing. she ships faster than lightning. I used 1/4 yard for the accent and it is $6.50 a yard. So total for the top is $8.23

Thoughts: Well I sewed these completely different than the instructions stated. I’ll list the steps I took below. When making the top the front bodice was 1/2” too long at the hem to where the back bodice didn’t meet it. I had to chop off that 1/2” on the front to have an even hem. I also cut the back as one piece. For some weird reason they wanted it cut as two with a seam in the middle. I like the look of the top a lot. I just don’t know how well it wears. The front yoke piece likes to buckle up and you can see straight down my shirt when I move my arms forward. I don’t appreciate that. I feel like it wears a bit awkward even if it looks cool. I will have to see how much I even wear it.

Steps to sew: 1 sew front yoke & facings on top edge only; 2. sew shoulder details on curved edge only to facing; 3. sew darts; 4. sew front yoke to front bodice; 5. turn back neckline 1/4” under and topstitch. 6. sew back to shoulder facings; 7. line up shoulder sides with notch at top on front yoke and baste. Make sure to do the same spot on both side, make them even; 8. attach sleeves; 9. add buttons; 10: sew side seams and 11. hem.

Blogged with tons of photos and info: https://sunnysewing.com/2021/10/02/jalie-jeanne-pjs-and-lekala-top/

*Update* ok its Jan 2026, 5 years since I made this top. I love the look, love the fabric, but I just don't feel comfortable in the top. The front yoke buckles forward every time I reach for anything or move my arms forward. I think if it was a bit tighter across the top of the yoke it might lay better? or even if putting some clear elastic in the top yoke across just the top. I am not sure. It sucks because I love everything else about this top but it just isn't working.

Comentarios de los usuarios

  • PattyG

    Thanks for your comment on my project. I finally realized what you meant about the 2 pieces back. You meant the "back yoke" and "lower back". I misunderstood and thought you meant the lower back had a vertical center back seam. Sorry for the misinformation. Yes, the back is still in 2 pieces! I was actually happy about that because my fabric scrap wasn't big enough for the whole back so 2 pieces worked out well for me.

  • Kristin Turner

    @desiree - Merci beaucoup!
    @PattyG - thank you! I left a more detailed comment on your project ;)
    @Nicole - Thanks for the tip. I need to try that. I have some ideas to make this top work with either clear elastic in the top of the yoke. or maybe taking a half inch wedge out of the yoke at the center, so it doesn't buckle. And definitely making the arms less tight,

  • PattyG

    Your version looks very cute. I know exactly what you mean about wearing comfort because I just finished my own version of this pattern/model. Mine is not terribly comfortable either. I feel the sleeves are too tight and, yes, the front yoke doesn't behave well unless you have perfect posture (which I don't)! The lengths of my front and back pieces do match and my back was just 1 piece, so maybe they fixed some of the drafting problems you had.

  • désirée boutault

    tres sympa

  • Nicole Keller

    I know with Liddy, I have to scoop the arms out a bit xx