I know I said I was going to get caught up on a lot of blog posts while in my down time healing from this surgery. But I’ve been really tired and just, healing. Resting and healing and just being. I do want to get caught upon all my backlog of blog posts and makes but it will come in time. I want you all to know that I am healing and doing ok. The pain is mild and I’m just biding my time to heal.
I should be able to sew again soon here (like in the next 2 weeks or so) and so I bought a new machine….. more on that later. And I bought fabric TWICE!!! What is wrong with me! I have sooooooo much fabric in my stash to use. Some yards even from 2012 when I started full blown sewing LOL. We are most likely moving here in the next year or sooner and I really wanted to tear down that stash some. But you know…. so many pretty fabrics….. and buying them made me feel good. I bought a few new patterns and am making new plans too. So lets move on to something I sewed up just before surgery.
Jalie 4453 – Louise Multi-Sport Jersey Top
As you know, Jalie just released their new pattern collection.
Quick Disclosure: I am so lucky and blessed to be a pattern tester for them. Even though I am a tester, I share only my honest opinion. And you all know that I am very opinionated.
If I like something I love it, if I don’t like something I’m not afraid to tell you. (photos here were taken before my recent surgery).
My Measurements at the time: Upper Bust 38.5,Bust 42, smallest Waist 34.5, low belly 39.5, Hip 48.5
Size Used: AA for bust, grading to a CC for the low belly and hip.
I looked at the finished measurements for Bust and bicep and I fit right into an AA so i chose that for upper. my hips are a CC usually in all Jalie patterns now.
Alterations: none except grading. I chose the short sleeve version of the pattern
Fabric Used: 70% stretch width and 60% length for both fabrics. I used a blue nylon spandex athletic knit that is so awesome and slightly brushed inside. The black is also a nylon spandex type athletic knit. They worked well together. The blue was called Aqua Blue Activewear that I purchased May 2018 from fashionfabricsclub for only $2/yard! sadly I don't know the content for it. Unfortunately the same is said for the Black Spandex, I don't know the exact fabric content for it. The fabric width was 59" wide after prewashing.
The pattern states to use 1.5 yards total for the top. I used 2 different fabrics so I didn't measure completely. What I used was scraps of about 1/2 yard for the black pieces and about 1 yard of the blue. So I would say that yes, the pattern requirements are correct.
Instructions: I thought the instructions were great , as usual with Jalie. I really look at the pictures more than the wording but it is helpful in some parts to have the wording instruction.
Overall fit and issues:
I love the fit. Now that I have sewn one up and know how every piece goes together I think I could make a better one if I sewed it again. Its a really cool look and I love all the color-blocking. The back pocket confuses me (maybe because I am not a runner or skier), but its not easy to reach back there and if running wouldn’t things be bouncing around back there? I mean don’t get me wrong; everyone loves extra pockets and this top has lots of great pockets (the back 3 and the inside 2).
Also, I have a shelf butt and the pocket in back liked to ride up my back due to my larger butt. I kept reaching for side seam pockets after I had finished sewing it and was wearing it so I do wish there were side seam pockets; however then you couldn’t have the inside pockets there – and they make more sense in a sport top. By grading out for my hips, I feel the fit on me was great.
If I were to change anything it would be the cuffs. I feel like the cuffs for the short sleeve version are just a tad too loose, by about 1/2" to 3/4". I would want the cuffs to sit on my skin and not be baggy. (I am not sure if they changed this in the final pattern).
Thoughts: I think this is a cute sporty top. I am not in any way a runner or active due to my health but I sure feel like I could be when I wear this top! lol. I like it, the lines of it are slimming and its a fun top to wear. I especially like all the pockets it has.
You can easily get away with wearing leggings or bottoms with no pockets when you wear this top – because it has so many pockets.
Leggings seen in photos are my Sew A Little Seam – Movie Night Pajama Leggings (FREE Pattern)
Happy Sewing!
Kristin
If I like something I love it, if I don’t like something I’m not afraid to tell you. But this pattern is a definite love for me. As my body changes and I get older I find my taste in clothes changes too. This top is perfect for my pear shape. it is also perfect to hide that annoying middle aged thyroid belly I have gotten. (photos here were taken before my recent surgery).
