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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 01-15-2007, 11:29 AM (1 of 12)
This is a pattern for knit tops that include kimono or "duro" style tunics, either with raglan or kimono style sleeves. Without further ado, here are the pictures:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/kemartin2/DSCN1369.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/kemartin2/DSCN1368-1.jpg
(Sorry it's a bit bunched up in the back -- it does hang straight, I was just too lazy to set up the tripod again!)

This is a very easy top to put together, especially if you do the kimono style sleeves! After I made the alterations to the pattern, it probably only took me 2-3 hours of real work time. I'm a bit pokey, so this could easily be a 1 hour top for someone else. I took it in about 4" total around the empire waist (1" from the side seam of each pattern piece, if that makes sense) because my "muslin" was very loose and dumpy looking there. I also lengthened the sleeves about 2" and shortened the length of the top probably 7". I think if I make this one again I'll lengthen the bodice just slightly, since the waist part pulls a little funny I think because it's riding a little high.

The fabric is a polyester/lycra lightweight jersey from Joann's, and the pink bands are "performance knit" (polyester/lycra) from Hancock. The jersey was a bit slippery and very stretchy, which make it a bit difficult to work with. The pink fabric was a bit heavier, and it really did not want to press! I had to use a little bit higher heat (up to "silk" on my iron) to get it to press at all, and I was really nervous about getting it too hot! Now that I'm looking at it, I think the neck band still needs a bit more pressing. :sick:

I did everything, including a 3-thread serged edge at the hem, on my serger, but it would be just as easy on a regular machine since the seams don't need to be finished on most knits. I probably should have used some kind of stabilizer on the hem, since it really wanted to stretch and "lettuce" a bit.

Well, let me know what you think! :bg:
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006
Total posts: 222
From: MaryW
Date: 01-15-2007, 12:18 PM (2 of 12)
So very pretty. Looks great with jeans too. Good job! Now, if I only had cleavage. : (
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 01-15-2007, 12:25 PM (3 of 12)
Oh! I forgot to add that I'm probably going to put it a removable "modesty panel" in with snaps so I can wear it for professional functions. It doesn't look too revealing in the picture, but it is just a bit too low to be appropriate for the hospital. :re: Those of us who have cleavage often wish we had a bit less of it!!
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006
Total posts: 222
From: MaryW
Date: 01-15-2007, 12:45 PM (4 of 12)
"A bit less of it" :dave:
That is just not my problem. Hubby says I could wear two bandaids.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-15-2007, 01:24 PM (5 of 12)
Don't you know that if you put fabric from JoAnn and fabric from Hancock together in the same garment it will explode!!!

It's beautiful. Good job.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: esrun3
Date: 01-15-2007, 11:56 PM (6 of 12)
Really great top! I love the colors!
Lyn
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004
Total posts: 2345
From: Sherri
Date: 01-16-2007, 09:59 AM (7 of 12)
If I lived close To a store i would be buying that pattern.

It looks great.

sher
My website
User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001
Total posts: 357
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 01-16-2007, 01:14 PM (8 of 12)
Thanks for the compliments everyone! I guess I haven't tried washing it yet -- maybe that will provide the necessary agitation for the Hancock/Joann's explosion. :bg:

I was so nervous about screwing something up, I think it took me a week start to finish, even though I had already done a practice version. I got a lot of practice threading my serger though -- I was nervous about black thread showing through on the bands, so I used beige, but switched to black for the side seams and the hem. I think next time I make this one it'll go much faster! The only question is how many kimono/duro style shirts I want in my wardrobe... :re:
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006
Total posts: 222
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-16-2007, 01:28 PM (9 of 12)
I really like it, K. It looks great on you.
Andrea
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005
Total posts: 1007
From: Shellymoon
Date: 01-17-2007, 10:26 PM (10 of 12)
Don't you know that if you put fabric from JoAnn and fabric from Hancock together in the same garment it will explode!!!



LOL Dorothy...I am still laughing.....
What do you suppose happens if you mix in a little fabric purchased from the web?

Nice job Kaitlin....DD has been bugging me for a kimono style blouse. I'll give that one a look.
Shelly Moon
User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001
Total posts: 240
From: bridesmom
Date: 01-19-2007, 11:46 PM (11 of 12)
Very pretty!! I've always liked those tops but now I think I am too old for one. You did a nice job and I really like the fabric!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: IsabelleB
Date: 01-24-2007, 10:07 AM (12 of 12)
Oh, I love it, love it! Shall have to be on the lookout for that pattern. Great job, Kaitlin. Love your fabric choices.
Isabelle
Sewing blog: Kitty Couture
User: IsabelleB
Member since: 10-25-2006
Total posts: 265
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