SewFrugal with the Kelly Watch the Stars Top

 

#SewFrugal26, a fun IG challenge, was running during the month of May this year. I decided to sew along, but had a hard time deciding on what to make - there are so many great free patterns out there. I finally decided on the Kelly Watch the Stars top, a pattern by Festive Road, which I first saw over at PatternReview. It's in French, but if you don't know any French, Google Translate can help! It's a pretty straightforward design in construction terms, anyhow. 

I decided that I also wanted to make this from stash fabrics. So I looked through my stash for smaller pieces that would go together. (this pattern is a great scrap-buster). I finally decided that I would upcycle an old skirt (Simplicity 4236) which I made in 2014 but have only worn a couple of times. I hadn't given it away because I loved the fabric. And there was *just* enough once I'd unpicked the skirt. 

The black yoke was made from the scraps from a Matchy Matchy Skipper top that I made in 2023 - fortunately it has no clear nap so I could cut the front and back differently, one crossgrain, to make it all fit on my leftovers. 

I made a couple of small adjustments - I found that the sleeve cuff wasn't quite long enough so added an extra 1.5" -- maybe a little too much but my fabric would not stretch to fit, as it's interfaced (and my cotton poly is zero stretch). Also, instead of sewing on the cuff and then turning it in with a pressed edge and stitching in the ditch I just sewed on the folded cuff in one go with a zigzag. Much easier. 

I found the fit around the shoulders and arms really good, but it's a bit tight at my hips, even with grading to the next size. I will add another inch to the hem width if I make it again but for now I just opened up the side seams with a little side slit. Does the trick! 

The curved yoke was actually quite easy - they do mention clipping the seam to get it to sew smoothly, but do be careful doing this as the seam allowances are only 1 cm. (3/8") so don't clip too enthusiastically! I really like this pattern and can see using it again. A great option with nice details, for a free pattern.