FO: Dawn To Dusk Knit Top

You guys ... I sewed something! And it was successful! It feels like a small miracle to type that, but it's true. My life has been so crazy over the past few months with being half moved and working on getting my house ready to sell on top of my usual schedule and household duties. It feels like I never get anything much done, and I never feel justified using my time to sew since I have to plan when I will and head to my sewing room away from home. There's just so many other things that need to be done that sewing feels frivolous. But you know what - you have to still take care of you and do the things you love to help with stress. Thankfully I always have knitting, but I've seriously only wanted to sew for months now since it's not an easy possibility like it used to be. I decided to finally carve out some time on a Saturday night and just get sewing.

Naturally, the first thing I sewed up after my long break is something that I was supposed to make up last month. Craftsy contacted me a few months ago and asked if I would like to review one of their sewing kits. Like I would really say no, right? I've actually been a buyer for several of their kits since they sell for such deep discounts in some of their sales that it's cheaper to buy the kit than to buy the pattern and fabric separately. But to get one for free? Even better! They were nice enough to even consider my style and picked a kit they thought I would like. Once I approved, they sent it out and I was super excited when it showed up.

The kit is called the Dawn to Dusk Knit Top, currently available for $20.80. The kit includes New Look 6150 and just shy of 2 yards of a medium weight viscose knit from Confetti Fabrics. You guys, I was on the fence since this is a rayon knit technically speaking (which I usually shy away from because it's too clingy to be flattering on me), but this fabric is fantastic! Normally when I think of a rayon knit, I think of the super thin stuff that clings to all your lumps and bumps, but this is thicker and is heavy enough to drape nicely but not cling. It's more like an interlock knit in thickness, but it's super soft from the rayon. This fabric really made me rethink my swearing off rayon knits in general. I know I received it for free, but for real ... this stuff is awesome.

Isn't the flower print cute?!

I was unsure what size to make on a New Look pattern, so I decided to measure across the bust on a wrap top I already have that fits well and compare to the finished measurements. I went with the largest size, 16, and it was just the right fit for me. The pattern was simple enough if you've sewn with knits before. The only head scratching part is the gathering at the sides and which direction to sew first since one side gets gathered and the other does not, but the instructions tell you very clearly. I used a lightning bolt stitch on my sewing machine to sew everything up. I also went with a twin needle hem since it's my favorite.

The top is technically a wrap top, but the wrap is secured in the side seam. Wraps are another thing I usually stay away from because I hate having to constantly adjust them to avoid indecent exposure. The pattern photo looked pretty high (borderline puritan high, really), so I figured I would try it out as it was. I'll confess - the wrap is still pretty high especially if you're comparing to a ready to wear wrap top, but guys this shirt is so comfortable! I wore it to work and did not have to worry about it being low one time. It relaxes a bit throughout the day and became a little lower than the photos show, but still plenty of coverage and no bra flashes.

Construction-wise, I made a straight size 16. The only changes I made were 1) I added clear elastic to the shoulders (the pattern calls for twill tape) and 2) I shortened the sleeves by 2.5" so they hit me at a better spot. I almost cut the back piece on the fold instead of as 2 pieces, but I noticed the center back curves in and wanted to try this out. This shaping was like a built in sway back adjustment and it worked great. Also, the print is so busy that you really can't see the back seam anyway.

All in all this was a lovely project :) The fabric sewed great, the pattern fit straight off, and I'm comfortable in the finished product - I call that a win. I will certainly be making more of this pattern - I have a plan for a cream version with stretch lace on the front, and my mom has requested one too. And if I find more fabric like this I will certainly snap it up fast! So if you want a nice win of a project like this, I definitely recommend Craftsy's kits. It takes the guess work out of the patterns involved and gives you appropriate fabric in the right amount. Plus you can already see what your project will look like finished up thanks to the modeled photos. This kit is still available (click here), and I know I will certainly shop Craftsy's kits again in the future.

Thank you Craftsy for such a fun top and opening me up to new sewing possibilities!

Summary: 
Fabric: 1.9 yards of Blooming Dots Viscose Knit by Confetti Fabrics - Free from Craftsy
Pattern: New Look 6150 - Free from Craftsy
Notions: clear elastic - $0.25, thread - $3.00
Time: 7 hours
Total Cost: $3.25
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*I received this kit for free from Craftsy, but my opinions are 100% my own. Craftsy links are affiliate links.