wardrobe essentials 2016 - the Mojave top

I am on a roll. I have made two new tops last week, in time for the summer holidays. Here the first of one, a floaty tunic of sorts and, ideal for hot days spent poolside. That's exactly what I have been doing, sit poolside. I prefer supervising from the side but I have been seen to cannon ball into the water.

Once more, I used a Seamwork pattern, the Mojave top. It is described as a Kaftan but I made a short version and call mine a tunic. The creators behind Seamwork patterns are to be applauded. I have more patterns lined up... we do after all have another sunny holiday planned!

I made a toile and decided that it needed some adjustments. The first iteration was far too long around the shoulder and upper chest, even though I graded the pattern across two sizes to prevent just that. Maybe the cleavage was meant to be for tummy button gazers. I could of course have chosen the size by upper bust and make a full bust adjustment but I didn't fancy this on a gathered princess seam top. What I took away from the shoulder seam, I added to the bottom side of the kimono sleeves because I didn't want the sleeves to be too tight. The second toile fitted just fine and I cut into my expensive pink fabric with the colourful parrots. I didn't  buy enough to worry about pattern matching so I didn't. t wasn't quite sure which way round to place the pattern pieces actually, the parrots seem to be printed in multiple directions. The fabric is soft and drapey and unfortunately quite sheer. A camisole is in order, or maybe a swim suit.

The top yoke is faced with the main fabric and I didn't pay attention to the pattern layout and now a parrot from the facing is visible through the front. I guess it is a minor problem but it does annoy me a little, considering how much thought I'd put into pattern adjustments....

On the whole, I would probably make a next version based on a smaller size because it is really quite big. I suppose a kaftan is a large and roomy kind of garment so it is meant to be like this.

The pattern description is excellent and easy to follow, as seems the norm with Seamwork patterns. There is a glossary of terms at the end of the pattern to explain techniques such as under stitching etc. This is handy if your memory is a bit patchy, like mine is. I sewed French seams wherever possible because they give a nice finish, particularly with fine fabric.

You can see the gather in the front a bit better. Also, the princess seams. 

The top didn't take long to make (not including the toiles and pattern adjustments). It probably took less than two hours, including fabric cutting. A quick and satisfying make. What have you made recently?

I am enjoying a well deserved holiday in Switzerland, where it is warm and sunny. It is also far away from the political turmoil of back home, which suits me just fine. Although of course I get a lot of questions about the miserable referendum and how 'we' managed to do something so stupid as a nation and why on earth that brownshirt of a man Farage was allowed so much airtime. He does of course continue to offend, which seems to be his only talent. I have no real answers of course, I, like so many can only hope for the best possible outcome. Sam, my ever so practical teenager practiced queuing at the 'all other passports' line upon arrival in Switzerland :-)

My thoughts tonight are also with all the victims of the latest atrocity, the attacks at Istanbul airport. Why?

I am hoping to give you all a glimpse of Switzerland next time I pop in. I have been a bit lazy with my camera but at the very least, I can share my mums beautiful garden with you. xx