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In the meantime I am sewing aspirational tops during break times.
The latest was this one from Burdastyle, one of those digital patterns you tape all those pages together. Here is the picture of how it looks on someone who is not me and actually never was me:
They made their's in a sort of fake fur but I decided against that in case the folks around here thought it was a Halloween costume.
Besides I had some of that purple loopy knit like I used in the first Lazi-boy top and a purple scarf with wiener dogs on it which I don't get a call to wear as often as you might think.
Here are the pictures.
They show this is a really big top, even on me and suitable for wearing with leggings or any time you might want to disguise your actual true body shape, as I often do, or if you are unexpectedly carrying triplets. One of these is a better shot of the top, the other one is included because for once I don't have a dopey look on my face or am inspecting fleas on the ceiling:
This is an excellent top for schlepping around, marking papers, or cutting out Lazi-boy top #3.
Now some technical notes.
Probably because they actually thought someone would make this top, and not as a Halloween costume, in fake fur the neckline is finished with bias tape turned under and stitched.
Even before I started following these instructions (or as my friend Sue likes to call them the destructions) I knew this woven binding, even in a bias, on a knit is a bad idea.
I figured it would distort the knit and bow out the V neckline and for once I was right.
I still tried it out though.
You never know. Sometimes in the rare instances in which I actually follow the instructions (like when I can find them and haven't thrown them out with the back neck facings) I learn something new, which since I am in education is probably an experience I should support.
Back to the neckline.
Once I had established in the bathroom mirror that this did stick out and look horrible I just cut the binding right away from that neckline. A lot faster than unpicking a knit. Borrow this idea if you want.
I then installed my super easy cross over V for idiots that always works out and requires no thought.
Here is how you do it:
1. Cut a long piece of knit twice as wide as you want it finished ( you will be folding the band in half lengthwise) and much longer than the measurement around the neckline ( you can cut off the extra later- apply the band with a good few inches extra hanging around at the bottom of the V)
2. Starting at the point of the V stitch up one side of the V, without stretching the band, stretch slightly around the back of the neck so it will cup a bit, and back down in the direction the point of the V on the other side - Stopping a few inches before the point of the V on the second side.
3. Lay the whole unit out on a table right sides out and tuck the end of the side of the band that was stitched from the point of the V into the gap left unstitched on the other side. Arrange it around so it looks alright from the right side. Pin it in position.
4. Go back to the wrong side and finish stitching that bit of seam on the second side you left unsewn through all layers of band that are there.
5. Cut off any extra band length.
Now I want you to know that I tried to take pictures of this but it came out as one dark purple blog and despite the fact I am fully aware that instructions without pictures are useless - I can and should do instructions later.
It is a great method.
Perfectly fool proof and about 1000% easier than all other methods I see described anywhere else I look on the www.
If I get enough requests I will do a proper tutorial like a decent blogger.
But right now I have too much brain numbness after the many assignments I have already marked today.
You know when all you can think of to write at the bottom of a paper is "You mean this is it? You're kidding right? " it is time to call it a day.
For educational purposes.
24 comments:
Yes, please with the tutorial. I have tried to do that, but I've not been able to get my head around it.
I second the request for a tutorial. And my favourite "WTF" student assignment was when the kid described the taste of a Spanish Rice casserole (I teach high school foods studies) as....spanish. Eek!
Nice, comfy top!
Yes, please do the tutorial. I've not yet succeeded with the v-neck band. Thanking you in advance. And I love your blog.
Would love a tutorial. I have been unsuccessfully looking for an efficient way to do a crossover V knit neckline, and it looks like your method might be the Grail. Please tute! Thanks.
Oh my gosh, this seems so much easier. I would be delighted to see some pics to go with it.
I would also love to see a tutorial on this. Sounds interesting.
I'm loving the lazy boy series! Keep them coming!
I just want to say that I find your blog hysterical. I can totally relate to what you write about, especially the idea of Lazy Boy clothing (a personal specialty of mine). My goal is to have an entire wardrobe of clothing that appears professional and suitable for work, but feels like pajamas. Your recent posts have gone a long way toward helping me to refine my ambition. Thank you.
I'd love a tutorial! I think I understand, but not sure. I actually have fabric on the way to make this top! I'm doing it in a sweater knit, not fur. I'm so happy to see a review on this.
I remember working on end of year school reports with a colleague and we knew we needed to take a break when the most positive comment we had for one particularly challenging pupil was 'she has lovely hair'! Sometimes you need to walk away and do something else.
A tutorial would be great if you have time, sounds like a winner :)
Ditto.
Vancouver Barbara
I'd love to see a tutorial. Thanks in advance. Sue
A tutorial would be great.
I get the middle part but not the beginning or the end, but would love a 1000% easier neckline method.....as an aspirational lazy girl having someone else do the work of creating a tutorial would be excellent.
ceci
That looks like a wonderfully warm and cosy sweater and, since winter has hit us early with colder-than-normal temperatures, I'm all about cozy.
I too would appreciate a tutorial about the neckband if you have time.
I'm looking forward to top #3.
It's refreshing to see a sewing blogger make clothes for real life, you make the kind of clothes I wear, not that I aspire to wear.
I'm slowly venturing into garment sewing from the quilting world where everything is 100% cotton and I sew only straight lines.
I'd like to see a tutorial on the neckline, wouldn't that method leave an unfinished edge on the binding showing right in front?
Fabulous top. Looks so comfy and goes really well with your scarf too. Thanks for sharing your method for inserting a v-neck band. Such a great idea.
Yes, please do a tutorial with photos. This problem has plagued me for years and your alternative sounds perfect. Thanks.
Would love the tutorial, and I had to order the Lazy Boy shirt pattern since the Jalies were on sale - thanks for the heads-up!
Nice outfit,especially with the scarf.A tutorial would be welcome.
Ria in Austr.
I love this top-you have the glorious height to wear it. And...yes please on the tutorial whenever you find the time.
I am in my 4th year of sewing and it is getting better. I am actually wearing the odd garment that I make. (The really odd ones still hit the bin!)
Your method sounds very much like the method I figured out in year one after trying everything I could find on the web. Soooo much easier but I thought it was cheating and have persisted in trying the 'described' way. Thank you for freeing me!
Laugh out loud post, thanks Barb
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