The Ballard Top by Straight Stitch Designs
/Happy New Year from Pattern Revolution! We have some great things planned for 2015, so be sure to follow us on Facebook or sign up for email alerts for this blog so you don't miss a thing! We're starting off this year with a great self-care sewing top, the Ballard Top from Straight Stitch Designs! Crystal and Gloria have done some really nice versions, so read on to see how they liked this pattern!
Hi, Pattern Revolution! It’s Crystal, from Stitched byCrystal, and today I get to tell you all about a really great pattern for self care sewing…The Ballard top by Straight Stitch Designs!
My go to style is jeans and a tee so I was excited to try out the Ballard top, a simple knit top with a gathered front, and a fun open back option. This was my first time sewing up a pattern from Straight Stitch Designs and I think I am hooked! The pattern is professional, the instructions easy to follow, and the end product is a great fitting and flattering top, perfect for dressing up or just wearing with jeans for a trip to the park with your kids!
The pattern calls for knit fabric, I used some I found on the clearance rack at JoAnn’s. The pattern has instructions for the open back design but gives tips for several other options, including the closed back I chose to do. And there is a link in the pattern to her blog where you can find more detailed instructions of some of the variations.
OK! Here are the details on the Ballard top…
· 10 sizes included (sizes 0-18). I love these number size options versus small-large, you can really get a great custom fit this way!
· Fabric requirements included in the pattern
· Size chart and finished garment measurements in both imperial and metric measurements.
· Tips on adjusting the pattern length for a custom fit.
· 23 pages of pattern to print
· Pattern pieces have a professional look and are easy to assemble and cut.
· The pattern only includes instructions for one option, but there are tips for varying the pattern and a link to tutorials for more detailed instructions on some options.
· Instructions are easy to follow and there are clear diagrams for each step.
· Quick sew! I had my shirt finished in under an hour.
I love my new top and can’t wait to make more Ballard tops! You can find the pattern along with her other adorable top pattern in her shop. I think my next one will have to be the open back option!
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Happy New Year! I'm Gloria from gloriajune with the Ballard top, two ways, by Straight Stitch Designs.
Always in love with a pattern that compliments my sewing magic with versatility! This tunic length top has 5 variations offered in the pattern instructions, cuffed ¾ sleeves, gathered scoop neckline, banded hem and open back detail option. You can create tops for work, casual days and night time fun. The pattern instructions are great and I was finished before I knew it. It's a pretty quick sew. I can cut fabric and complete the top within 30 minutes using my serger.
This pattern has my stamp of approval!
Formalities first:
· Confident/advanced beginner sewist;
· Cost: $12.00, purchased with either PayPal or Credit Card at the designer's website/blog;
· Women's sizes 0 – 18; Size Chart provided in imperical (in.) and metric (cm.), finished garment measurements provided as well;
· Fabric recommendations are: cotton lycra, Ponte de Roma, French Terry and Sweater Knit;
· 3/8" seam allowance included;
· Nested pieces to allow for grading in between sizes; or
· Layered Pattern Tiles so that you can print only the size you need;
· 23 pages to print pattern pieces; 5 pattern pieces once assembled, one piece (banded hem) is optional depending on which variation you chose to make;
· Totally worth it!
My first version is a casual look using Joann's Doodles Collection Sofia Zigzag and a ribbed knit, also from Joann.
The Sofia fabric is 99% polyester and 1% spandex. I used the ribbing for the neckline and sleeve cuffs.
It worked wonderfully and as usual, my 22 year old daughter stole the shirt right after I finished taking photos . . . .
. . . . so I made a second Ballard, this time with stretch lace purchased from Fabulace on Etsy. I chose to make the open back, no band option.
Love this flowy look! I think it may work wonderfully for those maternity bellies!
How about a sparkly tube top underneath for a night on the town . . .
Head on over to Straight Stitch Designs Blog for links to see what 13 other ladies have made with their Ballard pattern.
Have a safe and happy New Year of self-care-sewing!
gloriajune
