Monday, August 19, 2013

Jalie 2788 twist top

I seriously do not know why it took me so long to make up this pattern.
This top is great! I think the twist had me a little intimidated, but it really was much easier than it looks.
The pattern is Jalie 2788. Y'all have probably noticed that I love Jalie patterns, and this one is no exception. The instructions and diagrams are clear and easy to follow, and I got the geometry of the twist in one try.
Here is a detail shot of the twist. The seam that falls under the bust creates a loop of fabric. You make one side first, leaving a small opening to pass through the other side, then sew that seam shut. It creates two interlocking loops of fabric. Pretty neat trick!
The top also features an optional modesty panel. As a full busted gal, this was NOT an option for me. The top is indecently low without it, but that's the nature of the twist. The panel is actually an underlay that covers the entire bust area. It's sewn into the side seams and front armscye, so it is very secure.
The fabric I used, a printed cotton jersey from Girl Charlee, is fairly thin. This makes the twist part lie nice and flat without bulk, but it is bit transparent. The modesty panel also serves as a bit of insurance against bra show through.
The pattern offers several styles of sleeve. I chose the short, puffed sleeve with bound hem. The sleeve is gathered at the cap as well as the hem, so it's very dainty, but in my thin knit, not at all voluminous or overwhelming. I think it works with the delicate print and soft colors of this fabric.
The other stand out feature of this top is the back neckline. It scoops low on the back, but not so low as to require special underwear. I love the subtle sexiness. The pattern includes ties that go across the back neck, but they weren't necessary to keep the shoulders up, so I omitted them. I like the clean line the low neckline gives back here.
For fit, I did my usual Jalie cheater FBA. It's a little tricky on this top, since the front pattern piece is split and looks very odd, but once you find the armscye, the method is the same. Don't forget to add to the modesty panel as well. I also curved the center back seam a little, but from the back picture, it looks like I need a bit more shaping. Nice to have a CB seam for that. All in all, I'm pretty thrilled with this top. I also think it'll make a fab dress... Perhaps soon to come.

23 comments:

Sarahbelle said...

That's a very cute top!!!

Beth said...

It's hard to even see the CB seam. I think I would use that one a lot--great job.

Tammy said...

Happy Monday! What a great top! I have this pattern but it has been stuck in the file. Thanks to your post, I'm going to try it. And yes, you need sew this one as a dress.

Sam Rose said...

Wonderful! I have a Big 4 with a twist front I've been dying to make. This is a lovely fabric.

MK Reynolds said...

This top is so cute! You did an excellent job sewing it and it fits you so well.

Little Hunting Creek said...

This is super cute, and looks great on you. It would make a pretty dress

Sigrid said...

I made this pattern (too) long ago. Thank you for reminding me. Your version looks great.

Lori said...

This is so pretty.

Heather B said...

Love it! The style and knit print works so well together. :) A couple years about I got the Style Arc Twisting Tilly top which is a similar construction but no modestly panel. Yeah that never got out of muslin stage.

Anonymous said...

Very pretty top! It reminds me of a pattern from one of my Burda magazines that I've made at least 8 times! I love the twist-front idea, it's comfy like a t-shirt but so pretty and so easy for how pretty it is! Maybe I should try out to Jalie pattern sometime as a bit of variety. Thanks for posting!

Brendaintheboro said...

What a super top and love the scoop back

EmSewCrazy said...

Very cute. I love the twist detail!

Kris O said...

This looks wonderful on you. You've inspired me to break my pattern out of its wrapper soon.

Marjie said...

That's a really pretty top; I love the floral fabric! It would make a great dress, as you said. I can't wait to see more of this!

Sew, Jean Margaret said...

This is such a pretty top. Love the twist front, the gathered sleeves, the back neck scoop and the gorgeous fabric. It suits you beautifully, a real winner.

Brooke said...

Love the top! I once helped make three (in various stages of distress) wedding dresses for a theatre production with a similar twist. It's fascinating how that ends up working when you do it!

Anonymous said...

I love the scoop back with the twist front, great pattern!

Marie said...

What a cute top.

Jan said...

Great looking top. I love the twist. I do like the back neckline. I have never seen a pattern like that. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I love the twist- you were very brave! And very successful. The fabric is wonderful too! ~Laurie

Angela said...

What a cute top! It looks great on you!

Diya r said...

It looks great and with the denim skirt fab :) How is the modesty panel sewn to the top ? I am curious to know , please let me know

Katie Deshazer said...

The panel stretches across the bust and is sewn into the armhole and side seams.