Sleeveless Wrap Top

BWOF 01/2008 116 -Wrap top. Tie-bands wrap twice around the waist. This pattern calls for two-way stretch jersey knits only.


I used a cut of .99 onionskin that I purchased from Fabric Mart a few seasons ago. It was meant to be a muslin throw away fabric but it is charming. It is perfect for this pattern.

While tracing, I lengthened the tie band extension pattern piece 7'' and experimented with multi-sizing. This top is 40 in the neck and shoulders, tapering to 44 at the bust and sides. No FBA!

I lined up the extension with the bodice piece to see if I would be able to cut in one piece. Thank goodness it was possible because I really wanted to avoid a piecing seam. The bodice plus extension took up the entire width of my cutting table.

I followed Sandra Betzina's advice in Power Sewing and stabilized the neckline edge with 1/4'' wide cut selvage, then turned down and top-stitched with a double stretch needle.

I turned a corner with the double needle for the first time and was quite proud of myself! It looked terrible on the inside, of course, so I picked it out and tried again. I love trying new things.




Then this top hung out on Cassidy for a week or so while I debated turning it into a sleeveless top. My "SWAP that isn't a SWAP but actually a wardrobe now" is comprised of short sleeve and sleeveless tops so why not this one as well? Long sleeves seemed out of place in this grouping. Darn. I had already cut the sleeves so the sleeves would be wasted. But then, I wasn't sure if I would ruin my cute top.

In the end, I tired of debating myself and decided the high armsyce was going to work fine and to just do it already. I stabilized the armsyce using selvage strips, turned down and top-stitched and it looked fine. I sure can over-analyse with the best of 'em!

SWAP version 3

I am sad to find out that BWOF doesn't qualify for the wardrobe portion of the Timmel SWAP. But that's OK... here is yet another revision!

It is actually easier on me to change out the pants, shorts and skirt for McCall's wardrobe 5397. There aren't any cute details like topstitching or pockets. I kinda feel like I'm cheating!

I did leave the BWOF jacket and wrap, of course. That jacket is just the cutest.

Thank you for all the help tonight!! I hadn't even made it over to the rule list yet and had my answer within a short time of posting here. That is amazing! :)

I heart BWOF

I am finally starting on my Spring SWAP. This is my first revision and I am delighted to share it with you.

I have changed the wardrobe pieces and made a few other pattern changes. Hopefully using three pieces from the same section in January 2008 BWOF, City Styles, will satisfy the Timmel SWAP wardrobe requirement. I am thinking I'll sew the dress as well.

Speaking of, I still haven't made a purchase from Julie and that means my storyboard might change again. I would rather use dark brown denim instead of dark wash for this SWAP on the HP trousers so maybe I'll find something at Timmel. I need some of their coral knit and hope it isn't sold out.

I *love* the January edition of BWOF! I'm working on the wrap as we speak and should post my review very soon.

Hope you have a great week!

2008 Spring SWAP Storyboard