I’d been looking forward to using this fabric since it arrived on my doorstep all the way from the UK. The mail here is slow but the fabric does arrive intact.
Now that I’ve completed my studies it was time to decide to use this fabric for a basic top.

But then I had to choose the top that I can use right now that it’s so cold here in Sydney and I needed some layers.
I had to choose between McCalls 4261 and Butterick 5525. They’ve been used before so I know what their design strengths are.

I chose McCalls 4261 because I’ve made it ‘forever’ and I can size it up or down depending on my waistline at the time.
As I’m writing this review, I can tell you this top has been worn every week while it’s been a wee bit cold here in Sydney.

Why do I keep making this pattern.
For starters when I get a wonderful knit like this, it’s perfect for this pattern.

If you’re a beginner, there’s no neckline pieces to sew on. You simply turn down the neck edge 1.5cm and zigzag 1 row of stitches. If you’re skilled, grab yourself a twin needle with 2 spools of thread at the top of your machine and run a row of stitches on the neckline edge.
If you’re happy with this result, use the same finish for the hems. Go on. Try a new type of needle to up your hemming skills.

I guarantee you’ll love the result you’ll get.
The hems and neckline will be as good as tops you buy on the high street, but you’re the skilled on that made it.
So you might be a bit wary about having stable sewing on the hems and neckline. Don’t fret. Grab a packet of fuseable hemming tape.

Why?

Well, you would then follow the instructions on the packet to iron on the hemming tape so your edges are ‘stable’. This stability provides you a clean finish.
Oh and sewing the hems and neckline are more stable to sew. That’s right. You get a more enjoyable sewing experience that will make you try these techniques and sewing supplies on more knit fabrics.
I love this print and colours.

The main reason is they are dark colours. The blues, reds and purples have an element of black in them. This makes this print a useful fabric to wear in the Winter when dark colours seem to be in vogue, every Winter.

It really wasn’t hard to choose a knit print that works well for Winter based on the colours I generally wear. Thankfully I now have this neat top I can pair with anything in my existing and future wardrobe.

I know everyone who’s used this print loves it. I do too.