Kicking off Jungle January!

Last year around this time, I started off Jungle January by sewing an outfit for one of Myra's Barbies. Little did I know that this would be the start of a new hobby that would bring me such joy! Of course, this year I could do no different. My girls love leopard as much as I do!

And so, Roxy got a new top! I used a diagram I found on Pinterest to roughly draft this top. It is extremely simple, with only one pattern piece, as front and back are the same. I thought the asymmetrical sleeves were interesting, but I wish I had made the long sleeve a little longer. It almost looks like an afterthought here.

Even well articulated dolls aren't as flexible as a human, so I added a snap closure to the shorter shoulder seam. I want to try this pattern again in a thinner jersey, as the seam would open and give a flutter effect. This ITY is pretty beefy, so it stands up and just looks like a seam.

But Roxy's not the only one rocking the leopard! I also made a similar style top for me. This is Kwik Sew 3694, which I've made a couple of times before and really love. It's a crazy simple top, particularly as I skipped the drawstring this time and just let the negative ease in the hip do the ruching.

I bound the neckline with black. Roxy says she likes the additional element, and wants me to do that to hers next time. We'll see... Teeny bindings are a pain.

This cotton jersey (from FabricMart) is on the thin side, so it has a nice drape. It works well in the hip area, where a heavier fabric might add bulk. The holidays added enough bulk without my clothes helping out.

I really what a fun look this is from such a simple pattern. I love a good leopard top!

Roxy and I are both pretty pleased with our new tops. I have some more tweaks I want to do to the pattern for Roxy, but I know I'll wear mine a ton.

Roxy wants to know how your Jungle January is going. Have you cut out some leopard? Cheetah? Snake? The sky is the limit! Come join us in the Jungle!