Top Knot Pattern Tour :: Hacked Sister Style

I’m breaking the recent silence with something great today – I’m participating in the Chalk & Notch Top Knot pattern tour!  When Gabriela set up the tour with different categories to show the pattern’s versatility, I jumped on the pattern hack option.  But then I took my hack and applied it to a dress and romper version for some sister style!

Before I go too far, be sure to get your copy of the pattern for 20% off through July 1st, 2016 with code tkt20 at checkout.

First the hacks:

• I added a collar!  I thought this fit well with the nod to WWII style.  I drafted a combined stand and collar, but left off the button on the stand since we all know that’s never going to be fastened.
• To carry the contrasting fabric further, I swapped out the self placket for a contrast placket, which was really easy with all the helpful markings included in the pattern.

The other changes were pretty subtle:

• I scooped out a sleeveless shoulder and raised the armscye from the small dolman sleeve of the pattern and then finished that seam with a bias facing.
• I also omitted the cuff on the short and simply hemmed the bottom edge without adding the optional elastic.

The fabrics were from Imagine Gnats shop – thanks to Rachael and Miss Matatabi for offering a lovely discount for the tour participants!  The bodice is lovely nani IRO double gauze and it’s so dreamy.  The contrast is artisan cotton by Windham Fabrics.  I have a small amount of nani IRO from a friend but this is the first time I’ve sewn with it.  Along with Liberty of London, I’d say it’s definitely a must-sew experience even if just once.  The artisan cotton is really nice, but I’m already finding it wrinkles more than my favorite stretch union chambray also from Imagine Gnats.  I thoroughly pressed everything, but the wrinkling you’re seeing in the photos are from a quick trip strapped into carseat and booster to get to the alley in which we were taking photos.

Arden absolutely loved how twirly the full circle skirt was.  Aside from the world’s longest hem, I loved it from a sewing perspective as well.  the skirt fit perfectly onto the waistband and bodice and Gabriela included suggestions for making sure your skirt remains even after hemming.

Hadley got the romper version and isn’t she the cutest in it?  Hadley has a full behind that we refer to as a “coconut butt”, so she fills these out a bit more than some.  I’ll probably try these out on Arden (with her “peach pit butt”) to see if a swap may work better, but Arden also has a longer torso.  It’s a bit of good/bad that the girls are pretty much wearing the same size with slight fitting differences.

I made Arden my Victory Headscarf to coordinate with the outfit.  Gabriela included this pattern in a roundup of headscarves and wraps with the pattern kickoff.

The pattern has many options beyond the two I made:  the romper also has a pants option, the dress has a maxi option, plus a tunic and long sleeves.  It’s for sizes 18-24 months to 12 years.  The pattern includes layers and no-trim pages.  Expounding a bit now that I’ve had some sleep:  the instructions and layout of the pattern are truly professional.  Each section of instructions is separately headed with a series of notated illustrations to make the construction perfectly clear.  I strayed from the tutorial only for the changes in my hacks.

Be sure to visit the other participants on the tour:

And here’s the giveaway with the entry widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway