Lemon Ice Sorbetto - Colette Patterns

What a perfect name, right?

That's what Wright's calls the color bias binding that I used for this top, Lemon Ice. The fabric is a re-purposed yellow gingham cotton-blend pillowcase that is soft from use.



For this version of the Sorbetto, I started with scooping out the neckline some. Jewel necklines are not as flattering on me as a scoop or v-neck. I also decided to have the pleat inverted, thinking it would be more loose, unfortunately, for some reason, it looks like I should have done a FBA because it's pulling horizontally and causing vertical stress lines too? Why, when the Sorbetto with the pleat sewn up fits is this one too tight?

Details



I did my piping without the last top-stitching step in the instructions and hand sewed by piping on the inside with a clean, smooth finish on the outside.



The substantial hem appropriated from the pillowcase that this top once was. You can really see it in the pictures above.

Sorbetto Tank Top - Colette Patterns

Pattern: Colette Patterns Sorbetto Top (free!)

Pattern Description: Tank top with center box pleat detail

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 2 -20, I made a size 4 tapering out to an 8 at the hips

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very much.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Well, first of all I liked that the pattern was a free download! I also liked the simple shape and the fact that it could be used to draft different variations. It was quick to make, only used 1 1/2 yards of fabric, and needed no fastenings. What I disliked was the alterations I had to make for it to fit me without gaping.

Fabric Used: A 100% cotton Fruit Spots print by Jo-Ann Fabrics and Wrights 1/2" wide single fold bias tape in Stone Blue (an almost perfect match).

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I originally made a size 6 at the shoulders and armholes and tapered the pattern to a 10 at the hem but after wearing it once realized it was way too big at the neckline and gaping at the underarms.

I took it apart and recut the pieces in a size 4 at top tapering out to an 8 at the hips. It seems my shoulders and upper chest area were too narrow for the pattern as is so I took in the top of the pleat a bit more to eliminate the gaping there.The length of the upper chest was too long so I cut the shoulder seams to the size 2 on the pattern. Then because the shorter straps caused the underarm seams to rise I scooped out the underarm 1/4" and tapered up. I made the changes to the pattern by tracing each fabric piece with every change I made.

After wearing it again, I think I will scoop out the underarm another 1/4".

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I actually have a beautiful Swiss dot print chosen for another one. Now that I have a custom pattern prepared it should be lovely, I might even add wavy cap sleeves as the new fabric calls out for feminine details. I highly recommend preparing a muslin.

Conclusion: A very comfortable top that could possibly be made in an hour (if you're not me!).