Hey there! Here I am with another pattern review for your reading pleasure. This time it’s from the talented Shauna from Shwin & Shwin and it’s a women’s pattern! This one is her Day Tripper top from the limited release Pattern Anthology Just Add Jeans collection, which is only available TOGETHER from March 10 – 24, 2014. After that, you’ll be able to buy all four patterns separately at their full prices.
I’ve been sitting on this post for a bit, as I’ve worn this shirt several times already. I love the simplicity of the colors (green and black) and how comfortable it is. I’m finding that I am reaching for projects that require knit fabric so that I can get over my issue with sewing with it. Most of it is because I’m too scared of the fact that I may end up stretching something out of sorts. Didn’t really have to worry about that with the Day Tripper pattern top.
The pattern is a PDF, and I know that among the sewing world that’s a point of contention, but I tend not to care so much. Mostly because I’m not a professional sewer, and I don’t like waiting for patterns in the mail as I’m impatient like that. It did go together well (as all of her patterns do) and didn’t eat up too much of my ink.
I love that the pieces number less than ten, so I don’t have to keep up several small pieces. The sleeves are even easy to sew up, as you don’t have to set any inside the bodice. I’m the weirdo who actually likes doing that, but I know several people who don’t like sleeves.
MY stumbling block happens to be binding, and there are two areas that use it. The neckline and the hemline. For the most part, I’m happy with what I did, but my stitching can always be better. I’m just thankful that it’s not seen in the photos. Obviously, I’m not too bothered by it, any chance that I get to wear this comfy top out, I’m doing it.
The pros of this top right off the bat are many:
It’s super comfortable, since it’s made from drapey materials, specifically knit in my rendition. The knit that I purchased was from JoAnn Fabrics, and is a interlock. Thick enough to not require a lining, but still thin enough to wear during warmer seasons. It also came together very easily. I think it took me a total of one and a half hours to sew it up because I fiddled with my binding so much. If you’re a pro with adding binding, then it should be even faster for you.
POCKETS! I mean, I probably would only carry very lightweight things in them like an ID, or receipts, but still, POCKETS! Love them!
Cons:
I think that the knit fabric falls into my belly button and causes me self-esteem issues, but that’s more my con than the pattern, no?
I’m going to digress for a moment here. I want to go on record and say that I’m EXTREMELY jealous of all those fashion bloggers who can hit a pose without fault. I’m also jealous of bloggers who have very photogenic backgrounds. I LOVE my block, but it is SO BUSY! And now with all of the melting snow, it looks like we’re waiting for the Titanic to come through and wreak havoc. So of course we get a little bit creative, or at least TRY to. For the rest of my outfit, I’m rocking Lee Jeans (yes, again – you all will believe me when I say they are SUPER comfortable) in their Slender Secret line in the Izabel style. I’m also wearing dexflex flats from Payless, only the most comfortable flats that me and my Fred Flintstone feet have ever had the pleasure of wearing! These are my second pair (I have another pair in nude) and the padding and comfort are EVERYTHING!
What’s an outfit post without a gratuitous booty shot? Mr. Houseful was my photographer today, and I’m sure that he was enjoying this entire portion of the photo shoot. He informed me that you all would want to see the detailing on the pockets of the jeans, and I fell for it. What I will say about the jeans is the fact that this line really does stretch, and not in a way that bites your thighs. So, you can get a nice slim fit without looking like stuffed sausage. If that’s not enough to make you want to buy jeans, I’m not sure what else there is. I’m not too keen on looking like I belong in the pork section of the grocery store.
The pattern collection is available for purchase now for $29.95 until March 24, where you’ll then have to purchase each individually. I’m looking forward to making myself more tops, and holding myself to the promise that I would make something that was NOT a bag for me every single month. I’m 3/3 and I’m loving it!
Don’t forget to check back here on Thursday for my March project (this shirt technically qualified as February, but I couldn’t blog about it until now) so there’s that! I can’t wait to show you all!
Andrea @ Mouse in My Pocket says
This top looks super cute on you. I love what the citron green does for your skin tone – yes, I’m jealous- I look awful in this color. I’d love to see more pictures, particularly a detail photo of the sleeve if you have one. Thanks for the review.
Natasha says
Will try and get some more pictures of the detailing. One of these days, I’m going to do this ‘modeling’ thing right! I love green! I got to sew with my favorite colors these last two months (green and brown) and I’m a happy camper! Thanks for coming through.
Dawn York says
Love the top!! Wish I could sew.
Natasha says
Thank you Dawn! I really do suggest checking out YouTube to get started. It helped me quite a bit!
Amanda Neal says
Love this pattern! so cute! I also have self esteem issues so not sure if I would want it this short, but it looks great on you, so may I will take the plunge and just do it!!
Also, like your blog!!! I am so glad I joined the Sewn Up FB group – lots of new things to sew and learn!
Natasha says
Thank you Amanda! I love that you are coming through and visiting. Please don’t be a stanger! And the back was pulled up to show off the jean’s bottoms. LOL! My husband you will learn is a bit of a hoot!