Saturday, September 28, 2013

Two for One Fall Floral Knit Tops

I purchased this beautiful Mood Fabrics' floral jersey at the first of September.

 I purchased 2 yards with the intention of one knit top, well, I pulled out the Renfrew top and Jalie 2921 trying to decide which one to make. Sometimes I feel like that is the hardest decision in sewing, what pattern to use?

 I posted my dilemma on Instagram and Carolyn was the only one to voice an opinion which was the Jalie. Well, I cut out the Renfrew first but no worries, Carolyn, I had enough fabric to make the Jalie, too. My choice of the Renfrew, was one that would show off this fabric, it looks like a watercolor. I selected the fabric for the purple and plums which seemed more fall to me. Mood Fabrics' Soft floral knit jersey top Sewaholic Renfrew top





It is a fun top, looks good with dark corduroys and will be good for the fall. This is the first time, I have made the 3/4 sleeve in the Renfrew. In the future, I need to eliminate some of the width in the cuffs. They are a bit wide for my forearm. So do note that if you make this sleeve length.


  Mood Fabrics' soft floral jersey knit



 I had enough fabric for the Jalie 2921, so in the end I did not have to pick one pattern over the other. Carolyn, you were right the Jalie tie top is a much better fit for the fabric. It just looks so much better in the combination of the fabric and pattern. In the future, I will cut out and sew your suggestion first.

 My moral of this story, when in doubt ask a friend, with all the social media, opinions are readily available. My social media choice, is Instagram, as the name states, it is instant! I do think my preference to the Jalie top in this fabric is how the dark colors are center front. In addition to the shape of the Jalie top, the dark colors give the illusion of more shape. I will take more waistline definition anyday!

Mood fabrics' soft floral jersey top



With this Jalie  and the cut of the top, I will be able to wear this top with jackets and cardigans. This floral knit was very easy to sew. My only tip if using a regular sewing machine to hem the top, interface the hem with a knit fusible. Make sure the stretch of the knit interfacing is going with the stretch of the knit. By using the interfacing, it will stabilize the hem, especially if using a twin needle.


  Mood fabrics knit top with ties, Jalie 2921 with a jacket



 Here is a side by side comparison side by side


Which one do you prefer?

24 comments:

  1. Great tops, Lori. This fabric looks so good on you. I kept looking at that fabric on the Mood website - it's nice to see it made up!

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    1. Thanks, Andrea, it is a fun fabric.

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  2. Love them both.....but maybe the Jalie just a teeny bit more. Great fabric!

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    1. Thanks, Patty, I am with you, I like the Jalie better, too.

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  3. I like them both! Both patterns seem to feature a different color more predominately than the other so to my eyes it makes it seem like different fabrics. Good choices actually.

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    1. Thanks, Linda, the fabric does look a bit different in each top.

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  4. Beautiful fabric! I like both. The Renfrew does appear to have a boxier fit, the Jalie, more waist definition. I think it is the wide neckline, 3/4 sleeves and lower band that all add width, visually to the Renfrew. The Jalie, with the shorter sleeves and busier narrower neckline, creates vertical interest, with an emphasis on the upper portion and the waist in comparison appears narrower. Great job on both!

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    1. I think you are so right, Kelly, it is wear the sleeves hit adds more width.

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  5. I finally sprung for Renfrew but have yet to make it. Is that the Jalie top pattern that has that wonderful magic collar tie? If so I have that pattern too. I made it once as a wearable muslin that has gotten tossed because the fabric was not that great. Must make it again now that you have shown both of your BEAUTIFUL TOPS!

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    1. Thanks, Faye, yes that is the Jalie with the magical tie!

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  6. Both tops look great! Pretty fabric!

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  7. What beautiful fabric! You will get a lot of flexible wear out of both - great matching of this fabric to 2 excellent patterns ... J

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    1. Thanks, Judith, you are right I will wear these lots.

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  8. I think Kelly's right about why the Jalie top creates vertical interest vs. the Renfrew, but I agree that the Renfrew showcases the fabric . I really like both tops so I can't pick one over the other. (My Marc Jacobs raspberry plaid was delivered today. It's gorgeous!)

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    1. Thanks, Shar. I am so happy you like your fabric, have fun sewing it and I can't wait to see what you make.

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  9. Both tops turned out great! However I think I agree that the Jalie top is a really nice look with the fabric and looks great with your jacket too!

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    1. Thanks, Joen, the Jalie just has a slimmer look.

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  10. great choices of pattern. I cannot pick my favourite.

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  11. Floral is so exciting for Fall. You make THE cutest tops and LOTS of them. Very nice!

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    1. Thank you, this fabric is the prettiest colors yet soft looking color, does that make sense? I do like making tops!

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  12. What I think is interesting, is how both tops look so "different', though they are made of the exact same fabric. Hard to pick a favorite as both look terrific!

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    1. Thanks, Lisa, yes,they do look totally different.

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  13. Anonymous11:45 AM

    I like the long sleeved version, though I don't like to disagree with Carolyn. She is always spot on. It would also look good with the denim jacket. And with that jacket, I'd add a long rope of pearls (the 20's style length) along with cords or jeans. But maybe that is a bit much for others?

    Laurel

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