Lady Sings the Blues | NewLook 6108

I've been on a blue kick lately.... but no downer here!

You've already seen the Burda Yoga Top .....

..... and there's been a pair of comfy pants (that needs to be blogged), below..... along with the little top (that also needs to be blogged about) ...

....and now this sleeveless cowl top..... made from a remnant piece of fabric that was leftover after making the comfy pants.  Requiring less than a yard of fabric, I had even less than that and made it work.  And may I add this Kathy Davis Rayon Spandex 'Blue Dot' from Joann Fabrics is the most luxurious fabric against the skin and not too difficult to sew.  I did use my walking foot, but not sure that was necessary.

I've already made this top twice before you can see here and here, so am well aware of how much I enjoy wearing this style.  It looks great on its own, but is also fantastic for layering under cardis and jackets.  Worn with the ever hardworking white Itch to Stitch Belize Shorts today.   These white shorts are worn so much, am thinking I need another pair of white shorts.

Anyway, NewLook Pattern 6108, view C originally started out as view B as I thought the twist in the shoulder area would be fun for summer.....

...... but it just did not work for me.  I snapped this photo below right before the unpicking began.

You see, because I did not have enough fabric, I used a white rayon spandex for the inner cowl.  So I thought the twist would also look sort of cute with the white showing.  It did not.  On the dressform.... not so bad.  On the body..... not good.  So here you can see I've already unpicked and sewed the seams for the cowl version.  *EDITED TO ADD:  The inner cowl facing is a great component of this top.  After sewing, then understitching the front neckline, it is then treated more as an 'underlining' and is sewn together into the side seams and armhole seams.  Because of the knit, I leave its hem edge raw and to date have not had problems with curling.  I remember when I first made this top I was afraid the inner cowl facing would be weird and uncomfortable, but have found that to be not true at all.  This is one of the most comfortable tops pattern's I've sewn.* 

It's always interesting when photographs pick up fabric patterns that are otherwise seemingly unnoticed.  Feel fabric placement is okay though.

As before I cut the size 8 using 1/4 - 3/8" seams.  Sizing down to the 8, yet narrowing the seam allowance, gives me the form-fitting fit I like.  Do feel the instructions could do better to teach a sewist to construct a better-made top, like adding understitching to the cowl.  Understitching is so important.

This time the back neckband 'facing' was cut out of thin white cotton on the bias, as it still needed to stretch a little to be sewn on correctly, but I wanted that neckline stable.  Am so tired of my knits stretching out there.

And if I'd thought ahead and not done the 'twist', I would've finished off the back neckline 'facing' to cover the shoulder seams.  Also, the armhole finish instructs you to simply turn in and topstitch.  I turned in and zigzagged.  Again, seems like it could be better constructed.... but then it only took a couple of hours to complete after cutting out.  It is a quick sew and I guess no one else would see the insides, right?!  My other two tops have also worn well, and held up well, with this armhole finish technique.

And now there's a new top ready for the Summertime 'Blues'!!

Happy Sewing All!  :)