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Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been back into testing mode with the Itch to Stitch Kauai Top! I do enjoy testing for Itch to Stitch – it’s a great way to get a project for ME done and build some online sewing friendships along the way!
I’d tested a similar style pattern a few years ago (shortly after I started pattern testing) but it was a bit disastrous. Since I trust Itch to Stitch, I thought I’d give this style another shot.
Overall, I think the style works for me – the trick is to find the perfect fabric. This one that I used was just something I had picked up at my local fabric store’s $2.97 p/yard table about 10 years ago – it’s a polyester and about the thickness of shirting fabric. Personally, I find it just a little too thick and it crumples really easily – I think I would prefer a lighter weight fabric in a top. I did start cutting out another version in a lightweight polyester, but it seems rather similar to chiffon and I was just not quite in the mood to deal with sewing such a shifty and sheddy fabric! It will happen though… I mean the hardest part is done – it’s cut out at least, and I think it’s on grain!!
Anyway, this top comes in two sleeveless styles – plain and ruffled. It has 6 buttons down the front and a shirttail hem. It contains bodice options for A, B, C, D, DD sewing cups, and runs from size 00 – 20. The shoulders cover the bra straps too, woohoo!
Lengthening and shortening is easy – I added 1/2″ to mine. I also blended sizes – I used a 2 A for the bust and blended to a 6 hip. One thing I’ve learned to about sewing is the need to appreciate your unique body: it is normal and totally OK to have a body with multiple “sizes” all over it. I just love when a pattern designer makes it easy to make those adjustments!
This pattern is rated as “intermediate” – I think this is probably due to sewing the curved bodice, which could be a little tricky to some beginners. My take though, is that if a pattern seems above your skillset, do it anyway, but expect to take it slowly! The Itch to Stitch Facebook group is also a great place to go for questions and feedback!
The Itch to Stitch Kauai is on sale this week AND you can get an extra discount by bundling it with additional patterns in her store. Be sure to check out the rest of the tester photos for your dose of inspiration!
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