Pattern Reviews with Laura

Cynthia and I had a wonderful time Monday with sewing fashionista, Laura. Laura is a fab-u-lous seamstress and she shared her sewing experiences on the following three knit tops.

Vogue 8151 View A

Fabric: Nicole Miller Knit (see 9/11/07 entry)
96% Rayon 4% Spandex

Prewash: Laura machine washed her fabric on warm, permanent press cycle and dried on a flat surface.

Notions: Thread, Knit Elastic

Alterations: Laura does her alterations on the original pattern and then traces the pattern with the new adjustments.

She altered for a round back using Sandra Betzina’s Fast Fit
and lowered the bust point.

Sewing Tip: Laura picked up this tip from Mary Tilton for a no gap neckline. Starting at the center front and tapering down 5 inches, trim off 1/4 “. This will make the neckline hug closer to your body.

Construction: The side seams are shirred by sewing in elastic. Laura used a knit elastic but it scratches. She will replace it with clear elastic.

Finished product: Back view
Close up of back neck view

The beautiful necklace is a gift from her brother. It’s a perfect match.

Laura had fabric left over and made a tie for the front to give it a different look.

Butterick 4347 View A

Fabric: Nicole Miller knit (see 9/11/07 entry)

96% Rayon 4% Spandex

Prewash: Same as above

Notions: Thread, Fusi knit cut on the bias

Alterations: Same as above

Sewing Tip: Laura stabilized the shoulder area with a strip of Fusi Knit cut on the bias.

Finished Product: Cowl Neckline
Full view

Butterick 4347 view C (see photo above)

Fabric: Renfrew knit
90% Cotton 10% Spandex (see 9/28/07 entry)

Prewash: Same as above

Notions: Thread, Fusi Knit cut on the bias for shoulders

Alterations: Same as above

Sewing Tip: The front of this top is a full crossover (a right and left front). This makes the hem consist of 4 layers. Use Steam a Seam II to hold the layers together so there will be so shifting while hemming.

Finished Product: Neckline front and back

Full view front & back

Laura loves all of her knit tops and strongly recommends each pattern.
After the photo shoot, Laura fed us gourmet pizza and homemade chocolate chip cookies! Thanks Laura, for the photo shoot, great company and good food!!