I recently had the opportunity to test the Itch to Stitch Newport Top*. This was my first time testing for this designer and my third time testing a pattern for me.
The Newport* is a boatneck style top with two sleeve options – full length and 3/4 length flute. It features a high-low hem and envelope shoulders. The fabric options are wide ranging – some of the testers used cozy sweater knits, some used interlock, another did cotton lycra, and others did various forms of jersey knit. I opted for a fluid jersey knit – I think it might be a poly rayon lycra blend. It has 50% stretch, which is the maximum recommended in the pattern. I really wanted to use some gorgeous coral stretch French Terry that I have, but I only have a yard and this top requires 1 3/4 yards in my size.
The pattern has detailed instructions for adjusting the pattern length and blending pattern sizes. I used a size 0 bust, graded to a 2 hip and added 1 1/2 inches to the length. I did not lengthen the arms, though there are instructions for doing this too.
(It finally decided to snow today, and along with that is a crazy amount of wind. Of course I decided today would be the day to take photos, so my shirt is billowing around like crazy!)
This top is a fairly quick sew – I think it took about 2 hours to cut out and sew. I love that this pattern includes notches, the sleeves are asymmetrical (i.e., not cut on the fold), and the instructions are detailed but not overly so. There are also instructions for Hong Kong finishes on the seams (I am too lazy for that though!).
For those with cover stitch machines, the collar presents a fun opportunity to put that machine to work.
The Newport is rated beginner+ so it’s a great project for someone who has made a couple of knit projects and is ready to move up to the next level. You can get it on sale for 20% off until the end of the week*!
Check out the rest of the tester Newport tops here.
*Affiliate link
auschick sews 
pretty top!
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