Welcome!
HELLO ALL and welcome to the Colleen Cape Dress & Top Sewalong! Today we are kicking it off with a quick intro to the pattern as well as sharing some inspiration for the design. I’ll wrap up this post with a quick outline of what to expect for the duration of the sewalong.
Inspiration:
I’m a little embarrassed to say that the idea for Colleen came from a place of comparison. Every major indie pattern brand has their version of a simple tee. Each with its own personal take – fitted, boxy, with darts, without, etc. Now, I’m not a “simple tee” kinda gal. So it got me thinking, what is the Amy Nicole version of a simple tee?
Then, I remembered this very unique top I picked up at a vintage shop. I wasn’t crazy about the color of it but the construction was so interesting, I was fascinated and had to get it. The top had a similar cape feature, but the fit was looser and the construction was a little more involved. I realized, that was it. The Amy Nicole version of a simple tee, is simple in construction, but anything BUT basic in style.
After much drafting and experimenting, I ended up with the Colleen of today. A knit tee pattern light in construction but heavy in style! Then of course I had to give you a dress option because … well do we really need a reason to make any pattern into a dress?
Sewalong Outline:
- Intro & Inspiration
- Choosing the right fabric – knit fabrics & stretch percentage
- Sewing with knits – types of stitches
- Sewing the darts
- How to attach a knit neckband
- Attaching the back elastic
- How to sew a twin needle hem
- Colleen pattern tester roundup
So I don’t have a specific timeline for getting these posts out to you. Because of my day job, sporadic time in the studio, and an upcoming weened getaway I’m not sure what the timeframe will look like. Just know I’m doing my best to release these posts in a timely manner!
Buy your pattern!
An important part of participating in the sewalong is of course snagging the pattern. Formats included are print-at-home, A0, US copy shop, and for the first time ever… PROJECTOR FILES! I’m working on releasing projector files for all my past patterns as well for all you tech-savvy sewists out there. Purchase Colleen here.
And that’s all for today! Keep your eye out for the next sewalong post, all about knit fabrics!
Happy sewing,
Leave a Reply