There are lots of reasons why I am pleased to share with you this weeks blog. I am happy that I finally got around to making this pattern which I have been sitting on since it’s launch earlier on this year. It’s also very unusual for me to make two garments from the same pattern back-to-back like this, but I loved the first one that I made so much I couldn’t wait to make another.
Also *drumroll* this is the NINTH make from my #2018makenine list. Some of you will know that this year I challenged myself to make nine patterns from nine independent designers that I hadn’t used before. I did it! Expect a blog post about this challenge in the next few weeks.
So, this is The Franki Top by The Wearable Studio. It’s a relaxed fitting boxy top with a cute ruffled hi/lo hem and 3/4 sleeves fastened with pretty ties. There is also another version which simply has a cropped length and short sleeves.
Their patterns are drafted for a C cup bust (note the bust darts extend from the sleeve rather than the usual side seam), but this can of course be adjusted if necessary.
The fabric that I used for this first version is a pale blue cotton blend that I picked up from the fabric swap table during my recent trip down to Wokingham to attend #thebigsummerstitchup at Sewisfaction HQ. It’s quite lightweight and I feel it’s the perfect weight for this pretty top. Thank you so much to whoever donated this generous amount of beautiful fabric!
One thing that I did notice about this pattern is that it does not include a cutting layout. The pattern pieces are well marked however, so by using the ‘place on fold’ markings and ‘grainline’ arrows etc, and noting how many pieces of each to cut, it was easy to work out your own pattern placement before cutting.
The instructions are good and contain great written directions as well as photographs to guide you through the construction process. The only minor addition that I made was to add a double line of topstitching around the binding edge of the keyhole sleeves as I felt that the binding might not lay flat inside the sleeve otherwise. The length of the sleeve ties is perfect, and they are just so pretty.
I like the hi/lo ruffled hem, and decided to use my wing needle and a fancy embroidery stitch on my machine to create a pretty line of broderie hemstitching when turning up the hem of the ruffle. I almost used the matching blue thread for this to keep it subtle, but finally decided to use a white thread for a bit of a contrast and am glad that I did.
It’s the perfect pattern for a confident beginner and upwards, and the ruffles and ties are right up my street!
As mentioned I could not wait to make it again, and whilst I was at Sewisfaction recently I purchased this gorgeous mint double gauze . It’s a pale mint green colour and has a delicate grey floral pattern all over it. After making my blue version I couldn’t wait to use the double gauze to make another Franki and am so happy with this version too!
I made this exactly in the same way as the blue version with no alterations other than the double row of stitching around the binding of the keyhole sleeve again.
Such a great pattern, and I can’t wait to see what Mel at The Wearable Studio comes up with next. I thoroughly enjoyed making these tops and am so happy that they are all photographed now so that I can actually wear them! Does anybody else have to wait until they have photographed their blog makes before wearing them for fear of spilling something down themselves – I am so clumsy so always have to do this.
It’s a great top that I will reach for lots during the Spring, Summer and Autumn months, and intend to make many more versions of. I rather like the idea of a simple white seersucker Franki or maybe a black crepe version ( I need more black tops in my wardrobe).
I hope this has been helpful, particularly if this is a designer that you haven’t yet come across.
Take care, and I’ll be back soon,
Kathy x
They are both absolutely lovely. You are so clever!
Thank you Pauline, what a lovely thing to say! x
What a pretty pair of tops! I love the embroidery detail on the edge it is a lovely finish. The great thing about making two tops the same is that no one realises they are the same pattern because the fabric is different. I really like the sleeve detail and those darts are unusual but a nice feature! Thanks for bringing this pattern maker to the fore, I hadn’t heard of them before!
Hi, thank you! I agree – same pattern but both look quite different don’t they? It’s always nice to discover a new independent designer too – I look forward to seeing what patterns she has to come in the future. Have a great week x
Both your versions are so lovely. I really like the stitches at the hem of the blue one, such a great addition! The ties really are so pretty
Aw, thank you. It’s such a cute pattern isn’t it? x