Pattern Reveiw: Marfy 0303

As styled for work with navy J. Crew pants.

(Navy/Cream Stripe Knit from Sew Much Fabric)

I like to take the shape or image of a pattern and reinterpret it in my own way. That brings me to Marfy 0303 which is a free pattern provided in the graph with the 2014 Marfy catalog.

I only gave the pattern a passing glance because I’m not convinced that the sheath is my best look and well frankly, it’s a little plain considering the rest of the catalog.  Then I saw another blogger Core Couture make it up and I was a little impressed.  Then I saw this top on Pinterest and I said “heeyyyyy, I know that pattern!”

For those of you who have never “taken the plunge” and made your first Marfy, this is how I approach the whole no-instructions conundrum.

• Look at the pattern and think through it.  
• Make a note of the matching letters which are clearly marked.
• Lay it out in order, I often take a picture of the pattern as assembled for reference.  
• I measure the pattern bust, waist and hips and plan alterations.
• Consider and note what interfacing is needed and where.

I serged and turned under the hem and it curled.  It curled and curled and curled.  I swear its about an inch longer (and needs to be) when it isn’t curled.  They best way that I found to keep knits flat for sewing is spray starch.  Seriously, hands down better than sizing spray.  The down side is that you have to give yourself enough time to make a couple of passes and let it dry between starching.

Spray ‘sizing’ on the left, starch on the right

Insides as finished:

interfacing on the center seam

center elastic on the neckline

armholes were turned under and stitched

OK, the arms are a little unstable and gapey.  I should have used interfacing there I guess.  They do stretch a little.

As for construction order:

1. Finished the front neckline.  This is necessary as the first steps since it intersect the bodice as a crossover.
2. Stitched the right upper bodice to the bodice, pivoting at the center front (slit through the SA).
3. Oh yeah, finish the back neckline.
4. Sew the front to the back
5. Check the fit.  Do I want to create a sleeve?
6. Finish the armholes.  I just turned and stitched with a zigzag
7. Hem
8. Brag

There you go, 8 steps to a new top.

Thank you Becki-this came out great.  I might be a copy-cat!! Of course, I’ll use a different fabric. 🙂  You can find all of Becki’s sewing adventures here.