Happy New Year sewing friends!
I am feeling so blessed to have made it through the tumultuous times of 2020. Dealing with the global pandemic and social upheaval was much more than any of us expected. We have lost loved ones and had our lives upturned because of everything that’s happened. My children have been home since March and we’ve settled into a new routine of working from home, online learning and therapy for my youngest.
Despite all of these changes, I had a prolific sewing year. Aside from making masks for healthcare workers, friends and family, I was able to make 64 individual garments. I keep a running list in my notebook of everything I make and am always surprised by the total number every year.
Check out my recent roundup of all of my makes in this slideshow that I created to memorialize these items. All the Makes of 2020
I’ve also completed my first make of the year. It’s the Melody Dolman top by Love Notions Patterns. This is a cute button-up top with cuffed sleeves with a fifties flare. It’s available in sizes XS-XXXL for upper bust sizes of 31″to 47″, full bust sizes of 33 to 49.5″, waists of 26.5 to 41.5″, hips of 35.5″ to 51.5″, and biceps of 10.25″ to 15.5″. It’s designed for light to mid-weight woven fabrics and has standard and full bust bodice options.
I used a lovely Art Gallery Rayon from Harts Fabric called Picadilly Sunset. It really does look like an autumn sunset and feels amazing against the skin. I found it a little difficult to work with as I experienced some shifting during the cutting process. I also had to resort to using my manual button option on my sewing machine instead of the automatic buttonhole options which usually work like a dream. I ended up creating wonky holes and had to do a lot of unpicking before I wised up and tried manual buttonholes.
Once I worked through this issue, the rest of the sewing process was a breeze. There is a great collar sewing tutorial link within the pattern that walked me through the process. The next time I make this, I’ll likely use a chambray or shirting instead of a slinky rayon. I’ll be looking into new ways of handling this type of fabric this year to make it easier next time.
Check out my video review of this cute top. Love Notions Melody Dolman
This pattern along with the other Love Notions patterns is on sale this week for 30% off. The sale runs through Friday, January 8th at 5 pm CST. Here are links to the Melody Dolman and some other patterns that I think you’ll enjoy. (These are affiliate links and I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. Thanks for your support). Love Notions Patterns
I pray that you all have a prosperous and productive year of health and happiness. Until next time,
Happy sewing,
Crystal
I'd love to know what you think!