We’re so excited to kick off our Sylvie Sew-along! Over the next three posts we’ll be chatting through the whole sewing process. From choosing fabrics to the final hems, we’ve got lots of tips and tricks for stitching up the Sylvie sewing pattern!
Today, we’re going to take in some Sylvie inspiration, check out fabric options and gather our supplies!
If you haven’t got your Sylvie top yet, head HERE to snap her up!
With many mix and match features, the Sylvie sewing pattern is so versatile. She can make for an elegant going out top or an easy-going gym tank. Or use the V-style lines of the yoke to make a colour-blocked statement piece!
Since the pattern offers so many possibilities, different types of fabric really influence the final look. Let’s take a closer look at the Sylvie sample as well as some community makes for inspiration!
Our first sample made in a navy viscose jersey showcases the drape of the flutter sleeve and the cowl neck features.
Jo made the lilac sleeveless, cowl neck version in a merino wool jersey. Merino jersey drapes beautifully, but is not quite as fluid as viscose jersey. We love merino wool because it can keep you warm in the cold or cool when it’s hot, making this Sylvie a year-round wardrobe piece.
Since we launched Sylvie last month, we’ve seen so many incredible versions! Let’s have a look at some of our favourites.
Amelia (@sewamelia) made this black lace stunner! The stretch lace brings a whole new level of glam to this beautiful navy top.
Marja’s (@m3nieme) abstract floral print pairs beautifully with the cowl neck and flutter sleeves. So chic!
Angela (@autumnyarn) wanted a top that she wear on a hike or dress up for a coffee date. Her cotton-lycra Sylvie is as cute as it is versatile!
We love Diana’s (@eloise.ezra) dotty mesh and floral combination. Sylvie is so great for colourblocking!
Sylvie is designed for light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 15% percent horizontal stretch. Fabrics like cotton jersey, viscose/rayon jersey, and merino jersey are all great options. Fabrics like sweater knits, interlock or French terry would also work, but would have a bit more structure and volume, especially on the flutter sleeve and cowl neck features.
In thinking about the Sylvie tops I was wanting to sew, I had to do a little shopping. I thought I’d bring you along the journey!
I knew I was looking for a couple of solids. I love a print, but I know my wardrobe is lacking in solid tops that I can pair with my printed skirts (especially my cute Ella skirts!) I also decided that I wanted one sleeveless version that I could reach for as an everyday staple in the summer and that I could use as a layering piece in the winter. For my second version, I was looking to make something a bit more sophisticated with the flutter sleeve and cowl neck features. Here are a few of the options I considered:
I ended up going with a bamboo jersey from Textielstad in “raf blue”as my everyday sleeveless top and this sweet periwinkle “light blue” for my flutter sleeve version. I love this fabric so much!
The composition is 68% bamboo, 28% cotton and 4% elastane. Viscose, tencel and bamboo jerseys are often very fluid and drapey, so I love that this one has some cotton in it for a little extra body and stability. It was not without its sewing challenges though! I’ll chat about it when we get into the construction and offer some tips. But totally worth it! It feels so beautiful against the skin, and it washes and wears so nicely.
With fabric chosen and pattern printed, we’re almost ready to get started. Let’s gather up our sewing supplies!
Here’s what we’ll need for sewing Sylvie:
Before I leave you to go cut out your Sylvie pieces, here are a few basic tips for sewing knits to keep in mind.
We’ll meet back here ready to sew up our Sylvie tops! We’re starting off with a sleeveless round neck and then we’ll move on to sewing the flutter sleeved cowl neck version. Can’t wait to share it with you!
The rest of the sew-along can be found here:
Sylvie sew-along part 2: Constructing the sleeveless round neck view.
