Saturday, January 3, 2015

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!

16 comments:

prttynpnk said...

I love them!! You started off the month with a bang!

Gillian said...

Was Jungle January really the start of your Barbie sewing? How fabulous! I really like your top, and I've just pinned the pattern so i remember it for myself! Very cute!

EmSewCrazy said...

Hehe! So good. You look rocking in your new top! What a fun start to the new year!

Kathleen Cooper said...

Great top for both of you! Hmmm, maybe I need some leopard print in my life too.

poppykettle said...

Love the top :)

Mia Candies Polasek said...

Excelent idea :)

Elizabeth said...

It's YOUR month Katie! I know no one who pulls off animal prints quite so well as you. But as it turns out, I actually have some stretch twill in a tone on tone textured giraffe print dying to be jeans. It's prewashed and everything. I should join in the fun!

Katie Deshazer said...

Yes! You should!! That sounds amazing.

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thanks! I know I'm going to wear the heck out of it.

Katie Deshazer said...

You do!! Everyone needs a little leopard!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thanks! It was a good mojo boost, and a nice stashbuster.

Katie Deshazer said...

Do it!!!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thanks!

Katie Deshazer said...

Isn't that funny? I can't believe it's been less than I year that I've been collecting. Feels like longer.

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you, madame! You've created a monster (of the RAWR variety).