Hello, today I am writing about the new pattern by Lovenotions called Saltwhistle. This pattern is a super cute square neckline top or dress pattern with a scalloped hem. The dress comes with three layers that are all attached at the waist (not to be mistaken with tiers which attach to the previous tier above it). This layer feature is super cool for colour blocking and eliminates the need for connector pieces as witha tiered dress.
In my version I only made the top and attached one layer to the bodice. See it in action over on my Instagram account
The neckline is squared in front and round in the back and finished with a facing. Each layer of the hem scallops are also finished with a facing.
Square Neckline
One of the best ways I learned to get the perfect square corners is to draw a line on your fabric at the corner or pivot point. You will sew up to that line , allow the needle to rest on the line you drew. Lift your presser foot, pivot and continue sewing. That way you maintain the seam allowance around the sharp corner and will have a clean finished scallop or neckline to show off.
If I were to rate this pattern I would say an adventerous beginner can accomplish sewing this pattern as long as you follow the steps as written. For a beautiful finish, do not skip pressing, trimming or understitching ! Sometimes these steps appear cumbersome but you will the end result!
The pattern calls for bias tape to finish the sleeveless version of the garment as well as to create the waist elastic casing. I made my own bias tape by cutting my fabric 1 1/2″ wide to achieve the same width as store bought bias tape.
All Love Notions patterns are drafted for the standard bust and a sepearate pattern for Full Bust options. For this pattern, darts are included in the Full Bust option to provided shape and structure if required.
The pattern comes with three sleeve options – sleeveless, puffed sleeves and bishop sleeves. I choose the puff sleeve options because it gives me more flexibility to wear it to work but also keeps me cool.
I used a challis rayon to make my top. Actually, this make was meant to be a muslin. For anyone who is new to sewing , a muslin is a sample garment that you will sew using inexpensive fabric just to see if the garment fits you well. Muslins are very important to identify fitting issues , and really should not be skipped. Thankfully for me, it turned out so beautiful, I did not need to sew another.
If you are interested in purchasing and sewing up this pattern. You can find it here XX and also get it for 10% off of the current price if you use the code DEBBIE10 at checkout.
Happy sewing and please let me know what you think about this super cute pattern .
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