Laura’s Busan Top
This month Laura received the Art Class Mini Box and used it to make an Itch To Stitch Busan Top using a contrasting fabric.
Getting the Mini Box takes me back to when I first started subscribing to SewHayleyJane. Only having 1 metre, it pushed me to think more creatively, which is always a good thing!
So I got my thinking cap on. I wanted to steer away from doing a plain t-shirt as I know that it wouldn’t really slot into my autumn wardrobe – I wanted a slouchy long-sleeved top that I could pair with jeans and pinafores. But with only having one metre, I obviously didn’t have enough. So, I had the brainwave of making a two-tone top.
The colours in the jersey are absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful jewel tones on a soft pastel base. Bonus that lilac and green are my favourites! I wanted to pick out one of the colours from the print in a solid to make the two-tone and of course, I went for that beautiful teal bottle green.
Little shout out to the lovely Liana at Lamazi Fabrics who very kindly helped me find the perfect matching fabric! I purchased 1 metre for the front and back pieces and it was the perfect amount with only small scraps (ideal to try my hand at making some underwear!).
On to the pattern – I chose the Busan Top from Itch to Stitch which is perfect for drapey knit fabrics like this. I was really drawn to the interesting sleeve design – the pleats on the shoulders, batwing and long tight cuff. If you’ve been here a while you’ll know that I’m all about that!
This was my first experience with the pattern company, and I am very impressed. The drafting is excellent, and the instructions are really clear. I sewed this up over a couple of evenings but could definitely be done all in an afternoon.
There are no fiddly bits, and the sleeves are sewn flat. The pleats are basted in place on the sleeve head before sewing into the armscye. Even the neckband went in really easily.
It is ideal for a beginner sewing with jersey!
Just a couple of minor adjustments. I lengthened the body by an inch, and when I tried it on I wanted the cuffs just a little tighter, so I tapered it in by an extra centimetre or two. Now it is perfect.
It was a very pleasant and satisfying make. I’d never thought about really colour blocking before, but it turned out great. I decided to use the patterned jersey on the sleeves and for the neckband to tie it together.
I am so, so happy with how it has come out. It is the perfect amount of slouch without looking too oversized and baggy. I have paired it here with my Jennifer Lauren Pippi Pinafore and a pair of RTW jeans and I love it. It is so comfy, and the fabric is so soft. Perfect working from home attire!