I made this top ages ago, but as I talked about it on my blog I thought I would post about it.
The absolute first thing I made on Fred was actually this Maria Denmark Day to Night top! I was so prepared for this – I’d bought the pattern, fabric and notions, downloaded, printed and stuck the pattern, I’d even cut the pieces out! I was absolutely determined to begin my birthday sewing on my new machine. Can you imagine if I hadn’t got the machine?! That would have been another ridiculous situation I would have found myself in…
I made this out of a grey stretchy almost rib fabric bought from Trago Mills – discount superstore chain across Devon and Cornwall. Firstly, the elephant in the room on a downloadable pattern – sticking the pages together; refreshingly easy. Hardly any pages for this top and no random ‘scaling’ issues either. Winner. The pattern was so easy to sew up. I also remembered to add the seam allowances this time – result! I was a little worried about the cowl neck for a first try with this kind of machine and fabric but it really is straight forward. I did the variation which used invisible elastic rather than fold over, and am pleased with the result:
The cowl is very flattering and sits well on the bust. The inside edge of the cowl is unfinished, Which I was a little worried about but it is absolutely fine.
Here is a little confession: this isn’t actually the one I sewed on my birthday – I mistook the ‘grain’ of the fabric and sewed it with the stretch going top to bottom instead of left to right. I could squeeze in to the top, but only just. Yes, I am that stupid – it had RIBBING on it for goodness sake! Oh well, live and learn. I got both tops out of one metre of the fabric though – that is seriously good value!
I would really recommend this pattern. Great price. Quick to put together and a stylish finish. Another great Maria Denmark pattern!
Over to you:
- Have you sewed the Day to Night top?
- Have you ever got the grain the wrong way round?!
- What do you look for in a pattern?
Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
Hanny Bobbins 
I love this pattern. I’ve made it as a top & dress twice!
Oooh dress – sounds interesting!! I like the idea of that. I’ve got some more fabric lined up for another one. I am not sure I’m talented enough to turn it into a dress. But hey, I am not afraid to make whopping mistakes!
I used Vogue 1250 as inspiration. It’s my sewing dares post & there is a second dress on my Made-Me Tasmania post in January. Kim-ing has also made one recently.