Remember back when I used to be apologetic about always making clothes for myself? Ha! That ship has sailed. There is just no end to the things I want to make for myself and I’m not even resisting it anymore. (Although I am hoping to participate in the upcoming Kid’s Clothes Week and get in a few things for the boys). I’ve been stitching up lots of tops for myself these days and this sweet fawn fabric from Girl Charlee was calling my name so I modified a Plantain tee pattern (free!) from deer and doe to make this simple top.
My modifications were minor and less effective than I would have liked them to be. I attempted to add a bit of poof to the shoulders by spreading out the sleeve pattern a little but I just didn’t go far enough and the effect isn’t exactly spectacular. I also added a sleeve cuff. I also removed some of the flair in the stomach to waist area. Nothing big. This pattern is a great fit for me so I don’t need to do much.
It’s a sweet little top and I’ve worn it many times. I’ll be honest with you, much as I love this top I was a bit disappointed in the fabric. It doesn’t have much stretch and has a stiff hand. The amount of stretch was clearly stated on the website, to be fair, I should have realized it. At the same time, I still expected more softness. I feel like the top pulls and puckers in places it shouldn’t because it’s got so little stretch and is stiff. I am beginning to think that knit fabrics are one of those things I should really purchase only when I can feel them for myself. The quality varies so much. I still love this top, I just wanted to love it more. Ya know?
It’s really too bad about the fabric because it’s a really nifty shirt. Especially loving the contrasting trim you chose. It makes it look a little vintage.
Aw, thank you! It still is a nifty shirt, it truly is. And, thanks for the trim compliment. I love a hint of vintage without going full tight-bodice vintage, you know?
Totally agree about the fabric – I bought some of that and didn’t like it at all. Bit hit and miss with Girl Charlee, unfortunately mostly a miss with my purchases!!! I’ve worked out what brands/makes of knit fabric I like now and mostly stick with those. The top is still cute though!!!
Oh, I’m sad to hear you had the same experience, Toni. I was kind of hoping it was a once-off. I’d love to hear your brand & make suggestions!
I have found some stuff on GirlCharlee that I like a lot and some (like this print and the others on this substrate) that I don’t like at all. There are some other lovely knits out there (like Anna Maria Horner and Robert Kaufman) but they are a much higher price point than the stuff on GirlCharlee. I guess you get what you pay for.
So true, isn’t it. Argh. The old adage is true. Blasted.
This is super cute! Love that you added the contrast fabric. Bummer to hear about the fabric but the top still looks great!
Thank you! I do love this shirt and have worn it a lot. I’m a terrible critic of anything I make for myself.