Nursing Summer Tops - Sorbetto and Burda

First of all: I'm really sorry about the poor quality of the pictures. I would redo the whole photoshoot if I could but I can't for the world fit into these tops anymore since I'm 4 months pregnant. Yay, the word is out. That being said, they will come in handy next summer when I'll probably be breastfeeding our little one.

I made these tops at the end of last summer and didn't feel like blogging about them once fall set in. I suppose they could be an inspiration now to all the young mums out there in Sewing Land.

The first top is the classic Sorbetto, by Colette patterns. I inserted an invisible zip just behind the right side of the front pleat. Really easy and you can't see it at all! You just have to cut the front pattern piece in two to the left or right side of the pleat and add a seam allowance for the zip.
I know that a front zip won't make sense to everyone, but my breastfeeding bra's open at the front.

I altered the pattern a little. I lengthened the top and made the armholes a little wider. I also took the back in just a little bit to prevent gaping. I used a pretty raspberry pre-made bias binding to finish the neckline and armholes.

The second top is view D of a Burda pattern (Burda Young 7051), of which I'd already made view B.

 

Okay, I should learn how to pose more naturally!

I was happy with the fit of B so I thought I wouldn't have to alter the pattern of D much. Boy, was I wrong.
It was as if I was sewing a whole different pattern. I had to alter the armholes, the back and the side seams to get a fit that I liked. I also inserted an invisible zip on the Center Front and a hook and eye closure at the top. This helps keeping the top modest enough when breastfeeding (it doesn't fall completely open). I chose a fabric with the Pantone Fall colours Acai en Koi.

The only issue I have with this top is that the fabric pulls a little where the zip ends. I think it has to do with the fact that I cut this top on the bias to create a kind of chevron feel.

Otherwise i'm very happy with both tops and how comfortable they are to wear and to nurse a little one!

Laurel in Roses

I attended a pattern drawing workshop this summer at -the very appropriately named- Workshop in Leuven. We learned how to draw a basic pattern block for skirts and to design skirts from that block. It was all very interesting and I loved the whole experience.
Workshop also sells beautiful fabrics, yarns and patterns. During the workshop, I of course spotted a fabric that really caught my eye. The fabric consisted of panels, with roses. I bought two panels and the Laurel pattern from Colette.

I must admit that I really like this Laurel. I was a bit apprehensive at first, Laurel is not the kind of dress I usually wear. I like rather tight fitting clothes and that's not what Laurel is about. However, I needed a pattern without too many darts, so as not to break up the roses on the fabric too much.

I made some pattern alterations. I did a sway back adjustment. I finally figured out that I need this and suddenly all my dresses seem to fit better... I also took the back neckline in, just a little bit though. I think I lengthened the dress a bit, but I'm not sure, since I chopped the pattern up to create the bottom tier...

I used a blue stretch cotton for the sleeves and the bottom of the dress. And I found a jacket in the exact same colour, to match my dress :-) Hooray for matching colours!
PS I forgot to iron this dress before taking pictures... But the wrinkles really show how much I love to wear it! Hah!

Turquoise Sorbetto

My sister celebrated her 26th birthday in June. I made her a wonderful present, if I may say so myself (hehe): a Colette Sorbetto top.

I used the same fabric as for the sash on her Crepe. It's a cotton/poly blend. 

This top is actually the second try. I messed up the first one completely. That happens sometimes, right? You think something is so simple and than you completely ruin the whole thing: I ironed it on a setting that was too high for the polyester, so it melted a bit. The armholes were too tight, the whole top was too short, the darts wouldn't sit right and the bias tape wouldn't stay on.... A disaster!

I'm very happy that the actual gift turned out all right!

I made my own bias tape from a fun print I found in our local haberdashery Veritas. They sell all kind of fun fabrics in fat quarters and even smaller bits. Practical if you want to make some bias tape without having to buy too much fabric!

My sister loves her top and has worn it a couple of times already (at least that what's she's led me to believe!).

Summery Crepe

We're having an Indian summer. Instead of planning my fall wardrobe, I'm still thinking about bright summery dresses like this one.

Summer!

It's a Crepe from Colette Patterns I made for my sister. The fabric is cotton from Liberty of London. I underlined it with a simple white cotton to make it a little more opaque. You may recognize the Liberty fabric from this baby peasant blouse I made for my little one.

The sash is made from a cotton/poly blend in a beautiful turquoise.

The back

 

The dress was really easy to sew. I used the pattern pieces from my own Crepe dress (post coming soon!) and adjusted the fit a little bit. I made a Small Bust Adjustment and repositioned the front darts a little bit. I also made some changes in the back and adjusted the cap sleeves. I think it fits my sis beautifully and all in all I'm very happy with the result.

 Liberty! Yay!

This dress was originally made for a wedding my sister had to attend. She has worn it already several times and thinks it's a really comfortable dress and chic at the same time. That's always a winner!

Look, I can do the Marilyn!