Itch to Stitch Idyllwild Hack and Birthday Party

Hi everybody,

I always wanted to make the Idyllwild Top with a V-neck instead of the scoop neck that comes with the pattern. I just like the look of V-necks better on me. So as Kennis from Itch to Stitch asked me if I would like to hack one of her patterns for her birthday party I joined in happily.

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As it turned out there was only a tiny alteration needed. I used the large scoop neck as a basis. I only had to change the last few cm to get a V. In the picture below you see the original pattern peaking out just a little bit in the center front:

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I love how it turned out. The V is slightly curved.

A technique I always wanted to try is to sew the neckline band a little differently. I saw this method in the book from Lynda Maynard “Professionell Schneidern” (The Dressmaker’s Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques), and it looks so pretty. It is easier than the classic V-binding and looks more interesting, so double win here. The only thing I should take more attention to is the turning point of the topstitching. Next time I will mark it instead of eyeballing….

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There is not much to say about the construction. All seams are serged. For the hem I used the cover setting of my serger. I added some elastic to the shoulder seam to prevent it from wearing out.

The fabric is a rayon-spandex knit, at least that is what I assume, as there was no content given. I found this piece in the scrap bin of a fabric store. Does it ever happen to you that you do not know why you purchased a certain piece of fabric? Well, I do not like rayon knits. Unfortunately for me this is what you most commonly find in the stores. I do not like pink. And I am unsure about prints. So, I really do not know why I bought this in the first place. Now I like it a lot. It goes well with jeans or a bit more dressed up with black trousers.

As I was short on fabric I had to piece the sleeves. Do you see where I pieced them together? No? Me neither. Actually I already forgot about it until I wore it for the first time and felt the seam on the inside. With this busy print I thought it would not be necessary to make sure that the sleeves are symmetrical. I am not sure if it would have been possible due to my fabric limitations, but shame on me I did not even try….All in all I am happy with this top and I am sure it will get a lot of wear.

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IMG_6963Now to the birthday part: Itch to Stitch patterns is becoming 1 year. If you follow my blog you may have noticed that I test a lot for Kennis. I just love her patterns, I love the testing process and Kennis is such a lovely person and I enjoy working with her. Now she is throwing a big birthday party with a blog tour, giveaways and sale. Check it all out below. You have to klick on the rafflecopter link to enter the giveaway (for some reason I do not understand only the link shows on my blog…). Make sure to visit the Itch to Stich blog everyday as there is always a new giveaway. Have fun!

Itch to Stitch Birthday Fun

(scroll to the bottom to enter to win!)

Follow these blogs to see their awesome creations from Itch to Stitch patterns:

Scruffy Badger Time | Call Ajaire | Wally and Grace | Sew Wrong | Bella Sunshine Designs
Seaside Notions | Made by Jaime | Sweet Little Chickadee | Inspinration | Friends Stitched Together
Stoney Sews | Just Keep Sewing | My Little Sewing Dreams | Allie J. | Creative Counselor
Love, Lucie | Girls in the Garden |  FABulous Home Sewn | Goddess of Sewing | Rebel & Malice
The Telltale Tasha | House of Estrela | Made by Sara | Sew Shelly Sew | Red Knits

Be sure to scroll to the bottom for your chance to win great prizes by these sponsors:

Itch to Stitch First Anniversary Sponsors

The Fabric Store – $100 Gift certificate

Elliott Berman Textiles – Fabric bundle from France & Italy

Craftsy – three online classes of your choice

Girl Charlee Fabrics – $25 Gift certificate

Indie Sew – $25 Gift certificate

UpCraft Club – $25 Gift certificate

Quarto Publishing Group USA – the SHIRTMAKING WORKBOOK by David Page Coffin

The featured designer of the day will give away 2 patterns to a lucky winner:

 Baste + Gather

Straight Stitch Designs

Megan Nielsen Patterns

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14 Replies to “Itch to Stitch Idyllwild Hack and Birthday Party”

  1. I have that same book (The Dressmaker’s Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques). I love that they have clear photos. I love your top – such a solid, staple piece.

    1. Thank you, Kennis. I often flip through the book just to look at the pictures. So many inspirations in it.

  2. Fondest sewing memory is when my niece asked to spend the weekend with me to sew together- she was 10 at the time. We made fabulous pillow covers embroidered her name and 2 totes for school. All designed by her. She melts me!!!

    1. What a nice sewing memory. Does your niece still sew?

  3. You may not like pink, but this looks great on you!

  4. The top is just so perfect! Love it.

  5. I love the fabric and the colors! It looks wonderful on you and the curved V turned out just fine. I really love the look of the binding there!

    1. I love the look of the binding too. I think I will use this method a lot in the future.

  6. I love your fabric! The print is perfect! Wish I could find some of that.

    1. Thank you Linda. I often find it hard to find the right fabric or print. Or I can not imagine how it would look as a finished garment.

  7. The is a nice top that I’m sure you will wear often. The topstitching looks fine.

  8. This fabric with the v-neck alteration is FABULOUS!!!

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