Monday 28 December 2015

Style Arc Esme Designer Knit Top



The Esme Designer Knit Top appealed to me the minute it was released. The relaxed fit and stylish design lines ticked all the boxes. I have been making the most of the Christmas Holidays by spending time in my sewing room over the last couple of days, much to my daughter's disgust. She just doesn't get the fact that I love to sew.


Style Arc suggest using ponte or scuba knit to make up this top. I have a lovely printed scuba knit ear marked for this pattern, but I decided to use this less precious rich purple delux ponte from Spotlight, to make a test garment.


I made one alteration to the pattern before I started, and that was to add 5cm to the length of the front and back pattern pieces. I added the length in just above the top of the side split. I am long in the body and I knew that I would not find the length flattering on my body, as drafted.


I am happy with the length after my alterations and the fit is ok as drafted. I made a size 12. I love how beautifully the collar sits at the neckline. I was a little dubious about cutting the collar on the bias in a knit, but this has created a lovely result so I am now sold on the idea. The collar only worked folded over. I couldn't make it stand nicely as illustrated on the pattern envelope.




The instructions suggest sewing the seams, pressing them open and then top stitching them down as a feature. I went with this suggestion and am very pleased with the beautiful neat finish this created. All raw edges were overlocked to create a neat edge, before the seams were sewn on the sewing machine.



The front and back hems, side slits, side seams and armhole edges, were top stitched with one continuous line. I did press and pin quite extensively before beginning the top stitching, but I am very pleased with how neat this turned out.


The back collar points turned out beautifully and this was quite easy to achieve. The instructions were clear and also provided diagrams for this step. This ponte was very well behaved and all the corners and points turned out so well. Not something I always have great success with.


The skirt was also made to wear with this top. I used the Colette Mabel Skirt pattern, combining the style of version 1 with the length and kick pleat of version 3. I have made the Mabel skirt twice before and am still working on the fit. This one is made from a scuba knit from Spotlight. I used the purple ponte to line the waistband. I have also inserted elastic into the waistband to make it feel more secure. 


The kick pleat is constructed in the usual way, as opposed to the Colette way of sewing it closed. I think it sits better open. There was enough delux purple ponte left over to make another Colette Mabel skirt, which can also be worn with the top to create a different look.


Now on to the next project...


Happy sewing

25 comments:

  1. Great! There are a lot of scuba knits around. Very current :)

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    1. Thanks Vicki. There certainly were quite a few printed scuba knits to choose from at Spotlight. Expect to see more on the blog.

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  2. I love the details and the collar is great. This is so totally your style that I'm sure you will wear it everywhere!

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    1. I feel great wearing this style Sue. Maybe I should make more things like this? Thanks for your nice comment.

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  3. Margaret, I love this look on you! Such a great combination, and you've topstitched so beautifully. I have the Esme pattern and am now thinking it's time to make a sleeveless version!

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    1. Thank you Lara. I have admired your long sleeved Esme and yes you should make the sleeveless version too.

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  4. and I do know that your name is Jean...

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    1. Ha Ha...it is amazing how many people get my name wrong. Margaret is my middle name.

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  5. I love the look of this elegant top in such a rich purple. Changing the skirt gives a completely different look -- both very nice. I really like the top stitching, and that collar sits beautifully. I'm still hoping to get my sewing room tidied up and spend some time there myself over the rest of my holiday.

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    1. Thank you Melwyk. I was very impressed with the bias cut collar. I didn't think cutting on the bias in a knit would make much difference, but it does. Hope you get to spend some quality time in your sewing room during your holiday.

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  6. This is lovely. So simple, but really stylish. You've done a beautiful sewing job too. Like you, I was itching to get back to normal sewing after madly sewing Christmas presents for weeks. My husband was amazed and said he thought I'd never want to see the sewing machine again! They have no idea ;)

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    1. Simple and stylish...love that combination. Thanks Megan for your lovely comment. Glad I am not the only one enjoying sewing in the holidays.

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  7. Fantastic collar points (on a ponte too, very impressive), and excellent topstitching. Stylish top.
    I've been enjoying some quality time in the sewing room the last few days too. Isn't it great?

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    1. Thanks! I surprised myself with those collar points too Paola. I think the fabric was being very well behaved. Looking forward to seeing what you have been sewing in the holidays.

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  8. Pretty outfit! The top is very flattering, I love the finishing hem. You look great in purple :) Best Wishes for 2016 for you and your family.

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    1. Thanks so much Hana for your great comment. All the best for 2016 to you and your family too. Looking forward to following along with your sewing journey.

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  9. Very stylish top. It has a bit of a 60's vibe, like something Kackie Kennedy might have worn. And that skirt is the perfect length for you!

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    1. Thank you Nancy. I have always liked the 60's vibe...maybe that's what appealed to me? I'm glad you like my skirt length...I find it to be the most flattering on me.

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  10. I think we all get your need to retreat and sew. I think all sewers need to do this. And look at the stunning results. This outfit suits you - colours, fabric and style. like the collar folded down - I think at this time of year that would feel more comfortable as well. Happy New Year.

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    1. Thanks Sarah Liz. This neckline feels quite comfortable...not too hot but we have been having unusually cool temps for this time of the year.

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  11. Awesome collar! I agree with Nancy on the 60s vibe, perhaps even more so with the matching skirt!

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    1. Thanks Marianne. I was really happy with how the collar turned out too.

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  12. Thanks for sharing, nice post! Post really provice useful information!

    FadoExpress là một trong những top công ty chuyển phát nhanh quốc tế hàng đầu chuyên vận chuyển, chuyển phát nhanh siêu tốc đi khắp thế giới, nổi bật là dịch vụ gửi hàng đi mỹ, gửi hàng đi nhậtgửi hàng đi pháp và dịch vụ chuyển phát nhanh đi hàn quốc uy tín, giá rẻ

    ReplyDelete