My Finished Sorbetto Top

Well after all that fun inspiration last week I decided I had better show you what has happened. If you watch my instagram you would have seen most of these photos already. But maybe not heard these stories.

I was inspired to create a top from this pattern, the sorbetto top by colette, but I also knew that I would have to learn some new techniques. It is my year for learning. I changed the pattern from the start. This was a bit nerve wracking. Since it was a multi size pattern and I looked at the hip measurements I knew it would be too tight at the hips. So keeping the size 12 for the rest I widened at the waist to meet the size 14 for the bottom. This definitely makes life easier.

The second change I made was to draw a line across at the waist. I then used this line to lengthen the pattern when I traced it. I only added an inch to the length but I think next time I’ll add two inches just to give more room to hem as well. I ended up binding the hem just because I didn’t have much leeway in the length. I have a very tall torso and short legs, I hate finding clothes that fit that. I knew I would need to lengthen the pattern because when I researched what people had done with them I noticed that the top ran on the shorter side. A lot of people have added length.

I also knew I wanted some sort of sleeve. I’m not a big fan of sleeveless for work. But I didn’t want a full sleeve. Here I am trying to draft it out. It didn’t really work…. I think that glass of wine I was drinking and the distractions of kids didn’t really help. I will try this again as most of the sleeve patterns I’ve found have been for smaller sizes. I will learn how…. I think I need to borrow a couple of metres of mum’s calico.

I ended up making a sort of capped flutter sleeve things. They actually do exactly what I wanted them to.

I did the binding the opposite of how the instructions say to do it. as I wanted the binding on the inside not the outside of the top. I bound the arm holes, neckline and hem. This took me most of the week. I would do one part. Sew one side on and then the next day pin it down and sew the other part. I really didn’t like this process. I will talk a lot more about binding vs. overlocker I have some thoughts on the processes but they each do serve a purpose.

One advantage is you don’t end up with threads that can sit and rub. Always more comfortable to wear.

So after all those changes. But really only two weeks after I decided to make this top and printed the pattern I have another finished top for work. I can safely say I have now made 3 tops for work. This with the two my grandma had made a couple of years ago means that my handmade work tops now number 5. I am so excited by this. Onto the next adventure.

I want to create one with proper sleeves to just below the elbow ready for the cooler weather that will be coming.

Happy Stitching,

Caitlin

Caitlin (51 Posts)

My mother taught me to crochet when I was 9 and I was hooked. Since then I do any craft that tickles my fancy which at the moment includes cross stitch, knitting, crochet, quilting and sewing toys and clothes. I like to always have something to do.