Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3!

Wow, it’s been a million years since I blogged! I’m still trying to figure out the “rhythm” of my new San Francisco life, and while I’ve been doing a great job of, say, knitting and running, I’ve really been slacking on blogging and, weirdly, sewing. For some reason my sew-jo has really taken a hit with this move, and I’m still trying to get back into the swing of things.

However, one of the projects that really motivated me to get sewing again was my first opportunity to test a pattern! I’ve been wanting to take part in pattern testing for a while, so when Katy and Laney put out the call for pattern testers, I enthusiastically volunteered. Pattern testing was a bit of a scary process for me – I usually like to research a pattern before starting out, seeing how the design works in different fabrics and on different bodies, as well as learning about common problems or alterations, so I really felt like I was going into this process blind. I think that was really good for me, though – it forced me to use my own critical thinking skills to think through fit, fabric, and construction instead of relying on the internet to answer all my questions.

That being said, I now present to you…*drumroll* the Geometry Top! This loose-fitting top is surprisingly figure-flattering, with angled side insets that create the illusion of an hourglass figure ( and believe me, I need all the help I can get in that department!).

I sewed up a size 4 with no fit alterations, though I may lengthen it a bit next time. Although my measurements pretty much exactly fit their size 4, I was considering going down a size, since super loose styles tend to make me look like I’m wearing a sack. I’m very glad I stuck with my correct size, though; it’s actually not too roomy – just the right amount of drape – and fits fabulously through the shoulders (something that’s pretty important to me as a pianist!).

Although it’s a simple style, the pattern level is listed as “intermediate,” which I think is very appropriate – the bias side seams can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to them, and the slippery fabrics recommended can be finicky. That being said, this is a great way to bridge from beginner to intermediate, so don’t let it scare you! If you’ve been wanting to experiment with drapey fabrics but have been afraid of a bigger, more involved project, this is the perfect pattern for you.

Speaking of fabrics, let’s talk about that, shall we? I went the classic Sound of Music route and made mine out of a curtain and a bed sheet :P. Yup, that’s right! I didn’t have very many drapey fabrics in my stash, so I got creative. The sheet is a lovely sand washed silk with a nice medium drape, and the curtain is some sort of polyester chiffon, most likely. I started out trying to make the pattern from a cheap polyester satin back crepe, which was a total disaster. The fabric didn’t have the proper amount of drape, and just hung like a sack. It was a classic case of the fabric not fitting the pattern, and I ended up abandoning that version. So just be sure your fabric really is nice and drapey. Don’t be afraid of silks and rayons! They are your friends for this project :).

So, that’s the Geometry Top! My version blogged here used the test pattern, and a few alterations were made since testing (mostly with the sleeves and the neckline), so I hope to have a second version up soon with the finished pattern.

Congratulations to Katy and Laney for another fabulous pattern! They really are inspiring gals, both in the blogosphere and in real life, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know them!

WINNING!