Happy Thanksgiving week! I am so grateful for each and every one of you who take the time to follow along in my sewing journey. It feels like it was just yesterday that the thought that I could sew my own clothes crossed my mind, and I am so glad it did. This creative journey has been such a source of joy in my life!
My latest project is a woven top that I made last month to wear this fall. I sew a lot of activewear and comfy clothes so it was really nice to change it up and sew something a little more put together and out of the norm.
The Pattern
The Designer Stitch Keelin* is a top or dress that is loose fitting and has the option for long or short ruffled sleeves. The bottom of the top or dress has a wide ruffle. The pattern has the option for a standard neck or a lower neckline. I made the top length with the standard neck.
Since fall in Texas has many warm days, I opted for the shorter ruffle sleeve. I also am just a sucker for ruffle sleeves so that helped me to decide on sleeve length!
The back has a seam on the bodice, and the neckline is closed with a button.
Sizing
I made a size 1 with a B Cup. I chose my size based on my bust and did not account for the fact that my waist measures a size larger. There is plenty of ease in the waist of the pattern so I did not grade out for it. My hips also fit into the size I made, but even if they were just a size up, I would not have made the bottom ruffle any bigger.
I like that the pattern has cup sizes and bust darts. It really gets a nice fit through the shoulders and bust. I had to raise my bust dart by 1 inch. This was my first time to need to raise a bust dart, so I used this method to do it.
Fabric
The KeeLin* sewing pattern is drafted for woven fabric that has a nice drape. You don’t want a fabric like quilting cotton or linen that may tent out. This pattern has a lot of nice ease!
I found the fabric I used in the Dallas Fabric District on the remnant tables at Wherehouse Fabrics. Unfortunately, the day after I bought this fabric the place was hit by a tornado!!! They have since cleared out the store and are rebuilding; so, it may be a few months before they are back open!
It was a 2 yard cut and was just barely enough!! It is a shifty woven with nice drape. It takes a little extra patience to sew with fabrics that want to move all over the place, but I always love the finished product when I just take my time with them. I also press them with starch before I get started to hopefully stiffen them up a little.
Will I Sew One Again?
I sure hope I get a chance to make another Keelin*. I would love to try the dress version, but I will need to wait until I am completely done breastfeeding before I will be able to wear a dress with a woven neckline this high. Thankfully, I can rock it as a top and just lift it up for breastfeeding.
I hope you have a wonderful week! Thank you for stopping by. I would love to stay connected with you. Find me on Instagram! If you want to take a look into the things that inspire me, you can follow me on Pinterest. You may also follow my blog with Bloglovin.
*Disclosures
I received this pattern for free as part of the testing process so that I could give the designer feedback about the pattern. Also, this post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small compensation when you purchase via my link. This does not cost you anything, and I genuinely appreciate the support. Any and all opinions expressed are still my own.
XO
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