This post contains affiliate links that help support my blog at no cost to you.
I always love a quick and easy sewing pattern test, especially when the end result is so satisfying! The new Soller Top and Dress from Itch to Stitch checks off that box – I was able to get it cut and sewn in just a couple of hours and I love how it turned out!
Soller is available in two lengths – top and dress. I made the top length and paired it with my high waisted Hermosa shorts. One thing to note is that this top IS designed to be worn with high waisted bottoms, so if your closet is all low waist, then you’ll want to add a few inches to the hem.
For this top, I used some beautiful rayon Lycra that I picked up from Fabric Mart a few weeks ago. It’s the nicest rayon Lycra I’ve ever seen – super smooth and a gorgeous color to boot! The downside is there’s no guarantee I can get this one again – such is the nature of Fabric Mart’s close out deals!
The whole project can be sewn up with a regular sewing machine. Since I have a serger and coverstitch, I used those machines for the most part, though I used my sewing machine to zigzag the elastic into the shoulders.
Soller is rated as “beginner plus” – I personally rated it as beginner, but if you’ve never sewn knits before, then perhaps the binding and elastic portions may be a little tricky. It’s funny how your sense of difficulty goes out the window when you’ve been sewing a long time! Either way though, I think a beginner could definitely make this top – just be sure to take your time, read through the directions and ask for help if you need it.
Since the Soller top hemline is just below the waist, I decided to just use my bust and waist measurement to blend the sizes together (I used 0 bust, 4 waist). Previously I’ve blended out to my full hip for tops, but I’m realizing that full hip is really only for dresses and pants. Learning more every day ;-).
I really loved doing the neckline on Soller – I hadn’t done a V like that before, so that was a new one for me. Sizing wise, Soller runs from 00 – 40. It’s available as a layered PDF with blueprint option.
Anyway, I’ve been wearing my Soller quite a lot these last few days and definitely need to make a few more! Be sure to grab Soller on sale during release week!
If you’re new to FabricMart, you can get $10 off your first FabricMart order of $75 by using my referral link!
auschick sews 