Pink Linen Blend Fibremood Quilla

I’ve tentatively started some summer sewing even though we’ve been getting a chilly Spring and it’s been very hit-and-miss with a lot of dodging of showers. The top that I’ve made is the Fibremood Quilla {AD/PR} in pink linen-blend fabric and both the fabric and the pattern were gifted to me as part of a collaboration.

When a new Fibremood magazine is issued every three months I get the option to choose a pattern to sew up if one of the designs appeals to me and this time I was also offered some fabric of my choice from the latest FM collection. For the pattern, I was drawn to the sleeveless Quilla top with its swingy flare and unusual gathered side detail.

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The fabric called Uzma is a linen and viscose blend and as I mentioned is part of the new range that goes along with the new designs. It’s definitely ‘my’ pink because it has that subtle warmth about it which suits my colouring. The texture of it after prewashing is incredibly soft and rather light and drapey.

For the pattern, I chose to make a size M based on my bust measurement. I did do a couple of adjustments to it as well. Firstly, I assessed the armhole depth and found both the front and back to be a bit too long for me so I folded some out of the pattern horizontally. If you get the pattern, I would check this measurement too. I also decided to take a smidge of width from the gathered side panel, but this was purely a matter of taste. You might like more fullness. I took out about 1”. And lastly to accommodate my rounded shoulders and to prevent a slight upper back armhole gaping, I added a vertical dart on the shoulder just where it meets the neckline. Oh, and I nearly forgot…I lowered the front neckline about a half inch (1cm) because high necklines make me gag (I know, I’m a bit strange eh? 🙂)

The instructions were fine and I followed them with no problem except for the rather complicated description for finishing the facing along the armholes. Ultimately, I went my own way for the process of armhole-facing application and I used the burrito method which I also used on my Fantail tank. I’m a definite convert to this method for making sleeveless tops with a combined armhole and neckline facing.

 

I just want a quick mention about the pleats where the side panels meet the front and back. The instructions have you finish the seams and then just hem it normally with a machined hem. If like me you want the pleat to be a bit more permanent and hold the fold more easily you could try my solution where I hemmed the bottom before finishing the seams off completely so that you can seam right through the hem to the bottom and the seam holds everything in place. See what I mean in this photo:

This is such a charming pattern and I can recommend it for a lovely addition to your summer wardrobe. I just love how my version turned out. If you do try it for yourself, make sure your fabric has some fluidity to it though because, in a stiffer fabric, it wouldn’t fall nicely from the bustline due to the shape and swingy style of the design. I’m already planning a second version in a viscose print from my stash. 

Coming up in my next post is an addition to my Quilla top which completes the look for a lovely co-ord set, so do look out for that next time. In the meantime, thanks for reading and I’ll catch up with you soon.