SPR's Sewing Bee and StyleArc Cyd top

StyleArc, you are my nemesis when it comes to keeping my stash under control...I can't resist your design lines or your stylish makes that are not only adorable but fun to sew!  Especially if you like challenging sews!



Sewing Pattern Review is hosting a Sewing Bee and I am super excited to participate.  When I realized the first garment was a fitted blouse/top, I knew I wanted to make some other than a button up--although I LOVE button ups and have made many, I wanted to stretch my skills and try this pattern from StyleArc I have been eyeing for months--the Cyd top.  Look at those lines!  Look at how the shaping is created with the seams and pleats at the waistline.  I simply love it!

 
For my muslin/test garment, I cut apart a top I'd made last winter that I'd never worn because of the sizing.  It was too roomy and although I liked the styling, I felt like it didn't work on me without major alterations.  So, I did the next best thing and cut it apart at the seamlines and cut out a new top. Am I the only one who does this?

Cutting this out is fun--you have to pay attention and look at which pieces need cut once, twice, and ensure that all pieces are cut right side up.  This makes a huge difference in whether the garment will work or not.  If you cut out one piece wrong and don't have extra fabric, this will go in the dumpster.

I know that everyone remarks--including me--on how sparse the StyleArc directions are and this tops directions are better than most.  However, there are a few diagrams that make this easier so you can visualize what is supposed to happen.  Thank the sewing goddesses for small favors as these were super helpful!  One of the diagrams includes a visual of the seams marked starting with A and ending with E.  The next shows a photo of the inside of the garment with serged edge finishes.

And yes, there are two small errors in the text when it comes to the sleeves and right/wrong sides and also with the sleeve binding and folding it with right sides together--this should state wrong sides together.  But if you have sewing experience, which you really do need with this jacket, you'll have no issues of figuring out the correct way to put this together.

My fabric choice was a black chambray and it is probably a tad too heavy for this top.  Although I like how this turned out in my test/muslin, my second version was cut with a white rayon viscose from Hancock's.  I really love white tops and think this will work well for this garment with its lovely drape and color that will highlight the style lines.

I simply love putting in invisible zips and this one was no exception.  Careful snipping of the zipper tape and pressing are your best friends when it domes to inserting a zipper with precision that is required for the zip to be truly invisible.

I love my new top!  I love how it flares out from the bust and waist to the hips, fits me well enough that I don't have to make a full-bust adjustment and is so dang different from other tops in my closet. I'd love to draft a long-sleeve version and also a sleeveless version that I can wear under jackets in the winter.   I'll keep buying more StyleArc patterns because they are so cute and unique! Did I also mention they are fun to sew?

Can you believe how big my grandson is getting?
Thanks for reading!
Sue