The Ida Top: A Fun Easy Sew to Welcome Spring!

I have loved creating several garments with this fabric. It is a spectacular fabric from Polytex Stoffen. It is one of the special fabrics selected for Fibre Mood 22. This top is my second of three creations, last reveal coming soon. The colour evokes the awakening of spring and the texture gives any pattern you chose structure and interest.

It is a lovely 100% cotton stretch jacquard that feels like a double cotton gauze, but it is easier to sew because the layers of fabric are held in place by the 3D ribbing construction. You can see my first post using this lovely fabric to make the Marcia Vest from Fibre Mood here.

When using a minimalist pattern, structure can define a make. It provides a crisp finish that highlights the details of a pattern that otherwise may not stand out.

The Ida Top from Fibre Mood is a perfect way to begin your spring/summer sewing, and it is “a breeze to make”! It has a loose cut and two wonderful V necklines that add a simple elegance to an otherwise easy, straight forward sew. The neckline is finished with facings that add a deep V elegance without being too revealing. As one V neckline is cut lower than the other it is fun to wear the top either way depending on wear you want to wear it!

The straight cuffs add interest and structure to a drop shoulder design when working with this lovely fabric from Polytex Stoffen I took advantage of the ribbed design and cut the cuffs along the opposite grain of the bodice. I like the subtle highlight that this provides, drawing your eye to this charming detail.

The Ida is designed as a more oversized, loose fitting cut so I sized down one size through the neck and shoulders and graded the bodice down by two sizes. I wanted the length of the top to hit just at the top of my hips so that I could wear it with higher waisted pants and skirts. You see it here paired with a pair of faux leather wider leg Emerson trousers from True Bias.

Ida could easily be lengthened along the hemline to create a fun oversized summer dress or you could use a much heavier fabric like a denim to make a dress that is layered over long sleeves for the winter. A stiffer more structures fabric will give provided the more exaggerated shape, or you could choose a crepe or more drapery fabric for a softeners and flow that will completely change the look of the pattern. If you want a relaxed comfortable Ida try sewing it in French Terry.

Ida is a great pattern to sew and style no mater your choice of length or fabric. It will add a creative garment that can be layered and accessorize as a multiple seasons garment addition in your closet.

After all…. There is Sew Much To Design.

Happy Spring Sewing,

Lou Sheffer

• Blouse