Second Serving of Sorbetto

A couple weeks ago I made this Colette Sorbetto top, and was completely thrilled with the way it turned out (though the photos leave something to be desired).  I decided pretty much immediately that there would be another Sorbetto in my future.  When I saw Robert Kaufman's London Calling Cotton Lawn fabric, I knew it would be a perfect combination.

I already wrote most of my comments about the Sorbetto in my Alligator shirt post, so I don't want to repeat myself.  The only thing I did differently here was I lengthened the hem a bit.  I just used the bottom hem from the original pattern and continued that line a few inches further.  I think this change makes it easier to wear with jeans - if I were wearing a skirt, it would probably get tucked in.

Another brief note - I was very careful to make sure the pattern was centered on the pleat.  It was easy, but the shirt wouldn't look nearly so nice if I hadn't done this - depending on the fabric, this may or may not be important for you, if you try this pattern.

Last weekend was perfect, so I got to wear my new shirt to the park with my kiddos.  A perfect afternoon!

The REAL reason I bought the Alligator fabric

After making my daughter's alligator skirt, I felt that I absolutely had to work on my blouse in the same fabric.  Luckily, I already had the pattern cut out.

I used Colette's Sorbetto pattern, which was lovely.  The pattern was simple enough that after cutting out my pieces, I just glanced over the instructions then sewed without really referring to the pattern at all. And, because this is a free downloadable pattern, I did something that I never do - I cut right into the pattern after taping the pages together.  No tracing for me!  Tracing can be so tedious, and if I want to sew one in a different size, I'll just download the pattern again (but, because it fits so well, that seems unlikely).

Joanna took this picture - it is important to her that there be a fabric close-up

The most time consuming part was making my own bias tape for the edges - even using the continuous bias tape method, it takes a while.  It's all the pressing involved after everything has been cut.  I had planned to use store-bought bias tape, but it seemed like an unnecessary hassle when I had so much leftover fabric.

Even though I have now officially accomplished my Alligator fabric mission, I don't think we've seen the last of this print - I'm going to make sure every scrap gets put to good use.

Upcoming projects

I really meant to work on some sewing projects last night, but this is what I did instead:

• Baked two loaves of beer bread
• Went on a run with my daughter
• Started reading a new book
• Fell asleep early (with the book lying open next to me)

Maybe that's why I love sewing so much - I know that it will be waiting for me when I get back.  When I do get around to working on these projects, these beautiful fabrics will be:

• A top for me 
• New potholders
• A stuffed cat toy
• A skirt for my girl
• And much more!