August 16, 2017

DO YOU EVERY MAKE A GARMENT JUST TO LEARN A NEW TECHNIQUE...

...have you ever sewn a garment just to see if you could handle it, or to learn a particular technique.  Well such was the case of this pattern
Jalie 2921 Knit Scarf Neck Top
I've had this pattern for about seven years and I did make it once way back then.  My curiosity got the best of me, and I just couldn't resist the temptation of learning more about the burrito technique of attaching the scarf collar to this top.  I just wanted to find out if I was capable of making this top successfully, and I did do just that. The only problem with the first top I made was that I used 5/8" seam allowances rather than 1/4" so the results were a little snug.  Fast forward to this week when I wanted to use this particular knit fabric (gifted by Diane Osborn) for a top.


This is such an interesting technique.  Would you believe that the  entire top is encased in this scarf tube?
I received a much better fit this time around because I actually read the directions better and used the right seam allowance.
In addition to reading the directions I actually found this great YouTube video that shows exactly how to put the entire top together.  This made my job a breeze.

One of the best things about completing a project (no matter how simple) is being freed up to make yet another project.

What interesting projects are you freed up to sew????



31 comments:

  1. Love this top, pretty fabric. I made this pattern several years ago also. Thanks for the link to the video. Sometimes I wonder how I ever sewed before without videos and You Tube????!!!!

    I am currently working on a tunic for the Pattern Review Tunic Contest. Tunics are not something I make or wear much, but I keep seeing more of them on people and sewing blogs so decided to give it a try.

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    1. Thank you Linda. I have thought about making a tunic several times and also have quite a few patterns. Of course I just haven't gotten around to doing that yet. I wish you the best in the tunic contest!

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  2. That's really pretty! I love the color, and it's amazing to me how reading the instructions can make something so much clearer....

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    1. Thank you Marjie. And you are so right about reading the instructions!

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  3. What a pretty top! How interesting (and odd looking) that the top is totally encased in the scarf tube!

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    1. Thank you Tomasa. Yes this method is odd. I think that is what interested me in it.

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  4. Anonymous8/16/2017

    I have purchased several of the mimi g patterns to sew along with her YouTube tutorials. I don't have her cute shape so I've made the less fitting stuff ie jackets,wide leg pants. More pattern designer should do more of that because I'm not the only who does this. Janie

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    1. Yes I agree, Mimi G has great helpful video instruction!

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  5. I love your top Faye! You always find the most fun prints for your tees. This is my TNT t-shirt! Of course, I've only made the scarf collar a couple of times, but I do really love it. The burrito technique is so clever on this one and it's really helped me think clearly about clean finishes. I remember a top with hem ties that I applied the technique to. I couldn't sew it completely inside the tube and get it to turn, but I was within 1"! At the time, I was thrilled to have figured it out.

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    1. You always make such beautiful things Elizabeth! I'm interested in a sleeve with ties at the sleeve hem too. I need to search out a pattern for one soon.

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  6. Wow, that is amazing. I have seen this pattern made up many times and always looks fabulous but never seen a construction shot of what looks like a snake ! Yes , I do like to try new techniques with garments but only if I can wear the end result.

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    1. Glad you found it interesting Janine!

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  7. What a lovely top! I really think I should sit down and make something for myself...and this technique is new to me.

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    1. I know you would enjoy making something for yourself Barbara. I'll look forward to your posting about it too.

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  8. Very chic top - I love the tie neckline. Yes, I gave the burrito technique a try when I first became aware of it! Kudos to whoever "invented" it . And, I totally agree that finishing a sewing project is so freeing! Currently starting to sew the Misty top by Andrea (Sew To Fit).

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    1. Can't wait to see your new Misty Top Samina!

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  9. Lovely blouse. I've used the burrito method before and love the professional finish it gives.

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    1. I really enjoyed making this top Catherine.

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  10. I'm a huge fan of Jalie patterns but this is one I actually haven't made! What an interesting technique and result is gorgeous with the fabric you used. I'm going to revisit this pattern for sure and knowing Jean has a video on how to do the construction inspires me even more! Thank you for another great post. I'm just about to make a bag! I made my last one more than 40 years ago and it was nothing like the one I've decided to make (the Stowe bag by Grainline in collaboration with the Fringe Co)and I just fell in love with this bag. Just for a bit of a change from garment sewing. I've been spending almost a year on wovens (getting the fit right) and I'm just about to do the switch to knits so I thought as an inbetween I would sew up a bag!

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    1. Kathleen I have several other Jalie patterns in my stash but they are just sitting there (insert sad face). I sometimes get excited and order patterns and when they arrive I get scared to try them (crazy I know). And yes working with wovens will definitely help you increase your fitting knowledge. I've added you to my Bloglovin feed so I can more readily see your posts so I'll be looking to see your new bag!

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  11. Beautiful top! I have definitely made a top just to learn a technique. :) I have never seen this type of burrito method done (encasing the whole top, WOW), but I have used a burrito method for other patterns. How neat!

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    1. This is the only pattern I've used that incorporated the burrito method Vanessa but I am interested in others as well.

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  12. Faye!!! This is an amazing video. Thanks so much for sharing it. I've always wanted to make scarf neck tops or pussy bow blouses and drafted one myself based on my TNT block but couldn't figure out a proper clean finish technique. Now I can do it so much better than last time.

    I love the idea of creating a new garment just to figure out a new technique. What a wonderful idea. Can we have a sewalong sometime using that theme please.

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    1. Kay what a great Idea about a New Technique Sewalong! I am really going to think about that and will get back to you about it!!!

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  13. Lovely, lovely top Faye! And this is a good example I have too many patterns...I have this pattern too and when you were asking for a recommendation on a "knit pussy bow" pattern I totally forgot about this one and suggested the "Linda" top. I am so happy you went back in your stash for this one because it turned out beautiful and learned a great technique! Love the video too...more pattern companies should do that, especially the indies!

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    1. Myra!!!, I have so many patterns as well - it's actually a problem at my house but I really can't think of how to stop it. I AM STILL INTERESTED IN THE LINDA TOP that you suggested.

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  14. Very lovely top, Faye. Thanks for sharing the video.

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  15. Awesome! It's so lovely top! I really love your fabric choice.

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    1. Thank you. I am truly blessed the fabric was gifted to me by a blogger friend from Texas.

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  16. I have made this top a number of times and it is one of my favorites! Video tutorials or sew a longs are so helpful. I also enjoy learning new techniques!

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