Yasss!! I finally found a top with a waist detail I actually like! This week, I tested and sewed the Knoxville Top (girls’), a new release pattern by New Horizons. (You can also find the Womens’ Knoxville Top here.) I’ve been trying to beef up mine and Cici’s fall wardrobe with some long sleeved shirts. Get this shirt during the new release sale!
Unrelated…I’m sitting in front of the curcubits (squash) my husband grew in our garden this year! Didn’t he do an amazing job?! The one behind me, ‘Atlantic Giant’, weighs about 100 lbs! My favorite are the “rouge vif d’etampes” variety. These are the super red squashy looking ones near my right shoulder, and another near my left heal. The most unique variety were the Blue Hubbard squashes. Some were 2 feet long!
I like this twist knot detail because it adds some fun interest without adding a lot of bulk. This pattern comes in ladies’ and girls’ sizes. I used the girls’ pattern for both myself, and my daughter.
I made my tester version in Cici’s size, a 3T (lengthened to a 4T). I wasn’t a double brushed polyester from my stash. This pattern lends itself well to drapey knits with good recovery and about 50% stretch. The cowl neckline requires more fabric but it is so cozy for fall. The top fits her perfectly!
The knot comes together really easily. No seriously! It’s easier than it looks.
I sewed Knot 1 for both of us.
Now for my top. I had just purchased this scrumptious striped bamboo/lycra from The Fabric Fairy. I think if you’re using bamboo you have to be aware of two things: drape and stretch. Bamboo/lycra is rather thin and drapey. I usually have to size DOWN when using this type of fabric IF it has the recommended stretch. But, since this fabric only has about 35% stretch and I was in between size 14 and 16, I sized up slightly to a 16.
I think I chose the right size for me, however, I’m noticing some pulling lines at the armpit right above the bust. This is because the fabric has a bit less than 30% stretch lengthwise. I think the bottom of the armhole could be lowered a bit for this fabric. I may also need a full bust adjustment.
If I make this pattern again in this fabric (in a girls’ size) I will make a slight full bust adjustment. (Feels kinda weird to need an FBA because my bust is normally so small in ladies’ sizing!)
I hope you’re enjoying your autumn and can take some time for sewing and making, too!
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