Knock it Off Tour

The Knock-it Off Tour hosted by Sprouting Jube Jube and Lulu and Celeste is for all you do-it-yourselfers.  You know who you are.  You walk through the mall and all you can think is, “I could make that so easy!” or “Man, that top would be so cute if only it was two inches longer/shorter/had sleeves/a v-neck/hood/ruffle/stripes/butterflies/etc…”.  Chances are if you’re a seamstress of any level you will be thinking this on EVERY single shopping trip!

My inspiration comes from a no longer available Anthropology top I came across during the Tallinn testing.   I loved the simple ruffle and knew the Tallinn was just the pattern for it!

Try not to spit out your soda at my awesome recreation of the pic.  I’m pretty sure this model is a size negative 20 and hasn’t seen a donut in her life.  It’s like I’ve found my long lost twin 😉

I was really thinking this would be an easy hack.  The Tallinn sweater features the same overlapped front but is a straight angled top piece.  The bands are done in two pieces and the neckline features a turtleneck or slouchy cowl.

Now there’s a reason I don’t really do tutorials. #1- I rarely ever hack patterns.  I can usually just find a pattern that suits my needs.  #2- I definitely don’t have the sewing skill to share with you.  I learn from doing and would hate to teach techniques wrong.  #3- I don’t have the patience to take all the needed pics to properly show what I’m doing.  Now with that out of the way I’ll do my darndest to explain what I did to create this look.

My original mods to the actual pattern pieces were fairly simple.  I used two right front pieces and altered them to be wider at the shoulder and curved at the hem.  I used my french curve for the curve and added 2.5″ at the shoulder seam.  I slashed and spread my sleeve piece to make it a bit looser like the inspiration and made it 3/4 length.  I’m sure I could have just sized up that piece to make it easier.  I also cut the neckline right in between the turtleneck and cowl necklines and made a neck binding piece 1.75″x 80% of the neckline circumference.

I had to get a little creative sewing it up.  The Tallinn has separate hem band pieces for the front and bottom.  I struggled wrapping my mind around getting one continuous ruffle sewn on since it’s included in the shoulder seam.  I didn’t want the bulk of the ruffle under the other shoulder so my ruffle tapers off underneath and is not included in the right shoulder seam.

So, I got a little crazy and sewed up the right shoulder then sewed about an inch of the outside left shoulder seam.  I then added the sleeves and sewed the side seams.  I could then add the ruffle to the outside hem in one continuous piece.  (My ruffle is 2″ by 2 times the length of the full hem.)  Once the ruffle was on I could then finish the left shoulder seam and attach the neck binding.  Not mind blowing sewing but it did stretch me a bit.

I honestly wasn’t in love with this when we first took these pictures.  I couldn’t figure out what it was.  I found the original top and read some of the same thoughts in the reviews- not flattering was a general consensus.  For me, it really highlights my broad shoulders.  Not something I usually go for.

That night as I laid in bed I had one of those hallelujah moments.  I knew the ruffle needed to come in on the shoulder to cut my shoulder in a bit and it was as simple as pleating the shoulder piece.  I really didn’t want to unpick all the ruffle and topstitching to fully alter the whole front piece!

It’s not a huge difference- before altering on the left and after on the right, but I think it helps a ton.  I really love the final top and think it’s such a great transition top for spring.

For this top I used a super soft blush french terry from Stylish Fabric.  It looks like this shade is out of stock currently (glad others are sharing my current pink obsession) but there are a ton of other beautiful colors to choose from.

I’m so excited to pair this top with jeans or my favorite new Brassie joggers.  It’s such a great, comfy mom outfit.

BTW- The Tallinn is a great nursing top and this little hack is a great way to switch it up a bit in case you need a closet full of them.

 

You can catch all the amazing Knock-offs this week here:

Monday, April 24

Lulu & Celeste – Call Ajaire – Paisley Roots – Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Tuesday, April 25

Sprouting JubeJube – mahlicadesigns – Sew and Tell Project

Wednesday, April 26

Lulu & Celeste – SewSophieLynn – Nini and Ash – Little Heart Threads

Thursday, April 27

Sprouting JubeJube – sewingbyti – Inspinration – House of Estrela – Beri Bee Designs

Friday, April 28

Lulu & Celeste – Duchess & Hare – Creative Counselor – Filles a Maman (FAM)

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