Inserting the Sweetheart Neckline - The Ostara Top

Today, I'm showing you how I insert and secure the pleats for the sweetheart neckline for View 2 of the Ostara Top.

You can choose to stack your pleats on top of each other (depending on how thick/slippery your fabric is) or you can off-set them slightly.

I have off-set my sample versions by about 3mm (1/8") from each other, but feel free to play around with this to suit you and your tastes. If you stitch your neckline in and don't like how it's looking, simply unpick it (leaving your pleat markings in place) and try again.

To see how it's done, watch the video below (I've also included a few static close up images in case that's useful).


You'll Need:

• Your Ostara Top front pattern with centre front markings in place
• Needle and contrast thread
• Your sewing machine

Steps:

I think this step is really about taking your time and experimenting with the look of the neckline. You also don't have to use all of the markings (leave the last one off for a shallower neckline).

Let me know if this was helpful! 

xx
J

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Tailor's Tacks for The Ostara Top, Sweetheart Neckline

I released The Ostara Top just a little over a week ago and I've been seeing some gorgeous versions popping up around the internet.

One of the things I promised was a tutorial on how I insert the markings for the sweetheart neckline (as well as how I permanently stitch the neckline in, but that will be coming at the end of the week!). Before you remove your front paper pattern piece from your cut out fabric, you'll need to mark the notches along the centre front fold. For a shallower neckline, you can just mark the top three notches.

I've made a little video, as well written up a full tutorial with photos below. You can definitely do things your own way, but this is how I like to do it - I hope it helps!

You'll need:

• Your Ostara Top Front Pattern Piece
• Needle & contrast thread
• Scissors or thread snips

Steps:

1. Take your needle and thread and at the first notch, insert your needle into the centre front fold, you only need a tiny bit of fabric for this.

2. Pull your needle through, leaving a tail.

3. Go back through the stitch you just made, making a loop at the centre front fold.

4. Pull your needle through, leaving the tack loose-ish and trim your thread off leaving a tail. Repeat for remaining tacks.

This is a easy and quick way to mark your sweetheart notches, plus, they won't go any where until you need them.

Purchase your Ostara Top here.

xx

J

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Pattern of the Month, Reviewer Round up - The Juniper Cardigan

The Juniper Cardigan was the latest pattern to be reviewed in the Pattern of the Month review series that I've been running.

There are so many wonderful creations, and they're all so different — from modern colour blocked long-line Junipers to stunning bright red cropped versions that wouldn't look out of place on an old Hollywood movie set.

There are also plenty of little tips in each review as well if you're thinking about adding a Juniper to your handmade wardrobe, so make sure you click through to read the reviews in full.  Oh, and I did a full Juniper Cardigan Sew Along in case you're interested :)

I'm taking a small break from the Pattern of the Month this month as I tie up a few little loose ends here and there. There should be a new one of these in a couple of months though, and if you've been wanting to join the group, keep an eye out, as I'll be opening it up again soon :)

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What I Sew

I am having a dusty-pink moment at the moment (having nearly finished my Wainthropp cardi in just that colour) and this amazing cropped Juniper by Wis really has my heart singing.

With the addition of the contrast plaid, I'm planning to somehow raid Wis's wardrobe so I can have a turn wearing this beautiful Juniper. Planning my trip across the world as we speak...

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Sew and Such

Elly made both versions of Juniper, a fun springy (dusty!) pink cropped version and a stunning, long-line quilted black version.

I love the pop of colour the buttons lend to Elly's black version, and I love that she chose to button it all the way down. It really changes the silhouette of the long-line version, and it's an easy adjustment to make (just add extra buttons!!).

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Izzy Sews 

Everyone needs a cropped Little Black Cardigan in their wardrobe, right?! And when made from a ribbed fabric (or quilted like Elly's above), it really elevates the piece and gives it some subtle interest. 

Plus, the stripes on the saddle shoulders will run horizontally across the shoulder, adding even more perfect detail. Add some shiny jet black buttons and you have the perfect wardrobe staple. 

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Sweet Mama Sharon

Sharon's fabric choice is just stunning! I love how she has styled her long-line Juniper with slim-fitting pants. I know I usually tend toward vintage-styles, but Sharon has really showed how modern you can make the Juniper silhouette.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of Sharon's Juniper cardigans with additional pockets (which you can download for free here).

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My Sewing Thread

Donna has gone one step further and turned her long-line Juniper into the perfect robe! Just add a little waist belt and you're done. And made up in a rib, you can really see the saddle shoulder detail: subtle but perfect.

I don't know why I hadn't thought of this, but Juniper made up in a cosy merino with some flannel pj's is just about the cosiest outfit I can think of right now.

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Blackberries in the Sun - Masustak Eguzkitan

Now that autumn has nearly settled in down here, I know I'll be craving bright colours and handmade clothes that lift the soul. Maider's Juniper is just what the doctor ordered.

Made from soft velour and with a contrast burnt orange waistband and sleeve cuffs (and paired with a little crab decorated dress!!) you can't not feel happy in the depths of winter.

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Back 40 Life

Jodi went for classic greys when choosing her fabric combination. All three tones complement each other perfectly and show off the design lines in the cardigan so well.

Also, Jodi's is another gorgeous example of a modern take on Juniper. This is definitely one of the things that excites me most about these reviews — seeing how people can take one of my 'vintage inspired' patterns and make it modern simply with colour choice.

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My Dear Lizzie

Angelica's Juniper is going to be such a pretty garment in spring — especially when paired with a full skirted fit & flare dress like the one she's wearing in these photos.

I'm so looking forward to seeing Angelica's rainbow of Junipers, I would very much heart that <3>

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Ronkita

I've seen this Michael Miller fabric around and have been eyeing up a length for myself (I shared a beautiful Gable Dress by Emily made up in this exact fabric on Instagram a few months ago...) and I was so pleased when I saw Vanessa use it to make her cropped Juniper.

I love the contrast of the pink button bands, cuffs and waist band, and the addition of the pink snap buttons really do just top it off.

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Aude's Workshop

Even though Lise didn't end up being a fan of the fabric she chose, I love how it looks in pictures! The subtle shimmer of the threads really does catch your eye and you can see that there is something different about the shoulder line, so it draws you in to have a closer look.

I can't wait to see the grey wool jersey version Lise has in mind (when she finds the perfect fabric. If you know of any, leave a link in the comments, I'm sure Lise would be very grateful!)

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It's getting cold down here now, and after seeing all of these amazing Juniper Cardigans, I think I might need to lock myself away in my sewing room for a bit and whip up another for the chilly mornings ahead...

xx

J

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New Pattern Release - The Ostara Top

With a sweeping U-shaped or delicately pleated sweetheart neckline, The Ostara Top is the prettiest wardrobe essential you always knew you needed.

The Details

Ostara's classic and comfortable silhouette is the perfect base layer for any outfit. Flattering elbow-length or long sleeves will take you from day to night, through all of the seasons of the year.

The elegant wide set neckline is designed to keep bra straps covered, whether you choose to keep it simple with the U-shaped neckline or go a little more nostalgic with the sweetheart neckline.

Made with stretch knits, The Ostara Top is the ultimate 40s-inspired dressy t-shirt - hugging your body in all the right places for a flattering and comfortable fit.

Skill Level

Ostara is a great pattern for confident beginners. The U-neckline eases you into sewing with knits, and the sweetheart neckline lets you extend the pattern base with a few extra steps.

Note: Video tutorials on adding Tailor's Tacks specific to Ostara, as well as inserting neckline pleats for the sweetheart neckline, will be available in a few weeks.

Fabric Options

Look for lightweight knit fabrics with good recovery. Knits should have a minimum of 40% stretch as Ostara has in-built negative ease, particularly across the bust.

When using a fabric with 40% stretch, Ostara will fit bust cups A to D.

The Ostara Top was drafted using a 95% cotton 5% lycra spandex knit with a weight of 180GSM (grams per square metre).

The Layers Function

Both Print-at-home and Print Shop Ostara pattern files now include the Layers Function.

You can choose to turn on and off any number and combination of pattern sizes to suit your personal needs and preferences. Check out page 3 of your Ostara instructions for a full step-by-step tutorial on using this handy little function.

Purchase Ostara!

You can purchase your very own Ostara Top sewing pattern for just $11 USD directly from my shop using the button below.

Links to your Ostara Top pattern will be emailed directly to you. You'll be able to choose from the easy-to-assemble A4/Letter version OR the A0/Print Shop version (or both!).

I'd love to see your Ostara tops in action, tag me on Instagram or use the hashtag #OstaraTop so I can see and share your makes.

Hope you like the new pattern :)

xx
J

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