Sunday, 21 October 2012

Springtime Banksia

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Still on the Spring/Summer wardrobe and I am making good progress so far with this addition.

This is my first top for the Banksia Sewalong, I have another two planned but have no idea when I might finish them as my head and sewing table are overflowing with sewing idea and plans right now!

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This is my first dip into the Megan Nielsen pool and I loved it! Okay I know I am a bit slow as everyone seems to have made this top as well as many other Megan Nielsen patterns, but I am a relative newbie to the independent designers.

I loved the cute packaging the pattern came in, from the little Velcro dot to the sturdy paper the pattern is printed on.  This is one well thought out pattern company!

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The pattern was so easy to use and the instructions were super clear. I am not normally so good with reading and following instructions, I tend to just sew things together the way I know things normally go together.
 
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I had one small issue with the placket, but suspect this may have been a "user issue". When I first sewed it up and folded it in half, it was too wide for the opening. Easy fix, I just folded the seam allowance in a little more to take up the difference! I used Method 2 from the instructions for the placket as I wanted that perfect clean look.  (this method involves fully enclosing all the raw seams so results in a super tidy finish)

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Sorry, this is my only picture of the back, it was such a windy day I had a job getting any good pics at all!

I used a light cotton which was a dream to work with. I didn't have to make any adjustments to the pattern, not even an FBA! This is very unusual for me. I cut an 8 at the shoulders and graded to a 12 at the hips and I am very happy with the fit. I shortened the sleeves and the length.
 
It is already a billion degrees here so I think a sleeveless version will be next!
 
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I love how versatile the pattern is and have plans for lots of other versions, I can see this becoming my "go to" pattern for tops as I can just sew it without loads of alterations.
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18 comments:

  1. megannielsen21 October 2012 at 06:27

    It turned out beautifully Lizzie!! I love that gorgeous fabric you used - it seems really breezy for warm weather, but also a great wardrobe staple for layering. love it!!
    Can't wait to see the other versions you have planned :)

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    1. BusyLizzie21 October 2012 at 21:33

      Thanks - I am so happy with this top! I think I need the Kelly skirt to go with it!!

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  2. Lynne21 October 2012 at 08:00

    It's gorgeous! I love the Peter Pan collar. :)

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  3. Sew Blessed Maw [Judy]21 October 2012 at 10:51

    LIzzie, this is really cute.. I can't wait to see what you make next.. Bet the sleevless version will be cute. It is fall here , and getting cold..SO the cute summer stuff is over..[oh I dread winter,ha]
    I have not done any of these patterns either.. Really cute.. It is similar to the colette violet pattern.

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    1. BusyLizzie22 October 2012 at 01:48

      I hate winter too, which is part of the reason I live in sub-tropical Brisbane! The Banksia is similar to the Violet but fitted me a lot better as the Violet was a bit boxy on me.

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  4. Amanda21 October 2012 at 14:15

    This looks super comfy and light- just what you need for a SEQ summer. Love it!

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    1. BusyLizzie22 October 2012 at 01:49

      Thanks - it will be even more perfect when I make the sleeveless version given it is over 30 degrees again today - crazy!!

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  5. Symon22 October 2012 at 08:41

    Really nice, cute and practical wardrobe staple - I'm sure you'll get loads of use out of it! I really like the placket, it looks very professional! :)

    I haven't tried any Megan Nielsen patterns yet either, but this one seems to be very popular! ^__^

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    1. BusyLizzie24 October 2012 at 15:51

      Thanks, this such a versatile top, I can see it in so many different fabrics. I would suggest this is a great Megan Nielsen pattern to start with, although her Darling Downs dress is gorgeous too!

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  6. Erin24 October 2012 at 03:03

    Love this top its so pretty for summer! Looks fantastic and I love the fabric. So the pattern was worth it by the sounds!!

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    1. BusyLizzie24 October 2012 at 15:52

      Definitely worth it - plus the patterns are shipped from Perth so they arrive super fast

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  7. Anonymous24 October 2012 at 12:51

    This is so, so cute! I love it! The neckline is really flattering on you, and the print, too! I'm making one right now-- it sure is popular!

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    1. BusyLizzie24 October 2012 at 15:52

      Oh cool, I can't wait to see your version, is it for the sewalong?

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  8. Christine24 October 2012 at 15:43

    Just found your blog, and your creations are lovely! Following your blog now :)

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  9. Kathleen29 October 2012 at 10:17

    Beautiful top!

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  10. Kestrel4 November 2012 at 02:46

    Very nice, looks like a great wardrobe staple .

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