Make A Statement with Itch to Stitch Busan Top!

I've had to keep this fabulous top a secret for a month now! 

It was so hard, cause look at how pretty it is!

Even though statement sleeves are all the rage these days, I haven't made anything that follows the trend. I kind of hate sleeves most of the time. They are in my way when I'm sewing, they get wet when I do the dishes, they get tangled when I take my coat on and off... But then Busan Top hit my radar and I had to have one!

Thoughtful Pattern Details

Busan Top from Itch to Stitch is as easy to wear as a knit tee, but looks like you tried so much harder. As sewers, we can easily turn out a top in every color of the rainbow, but listen, they don't have to be boring. The design of Busan Top includes some thoughtful elements which provide a flattering look on so many people. 

Design Features

1. Narrowed Shoulders, plus a sleeve cap with just the right amount of volume can disguise both wide and narrow shoulders, bringing balance to your frame.

2. Pleated Sleeve Cap is visually interesting, creating a wide billowy upper sleeve that is dramatic without being in the way. It can conceal both scrawny or larger than average arms without the need for special fitting. 

3. Elongated Sleeve Cuff prevents the sleeve volume from overwhelming the rest of you. It also holds up the extra length of the sleeve giving it the drama a statement sleeve must have to be successful.

4. Crew Neckline is a modest and important detail. Anything deeper would draw attention away from the lovely sleeves. It also creates a perfect canvas for displaying pretty necklaces.

Muslin Work

AKA How Crystal Botches A Straightforward Top

Busan Top is recommended for medium weight knits such as sweater, jersey, ponte and double knit, provided they have the right 25-50% stretch.

Great draping knit? CHECK

50% stretch? CHECK

Medium weight? CHECK

Appropriate stretch recovery? UM. ERR. WHAT WAS THE QUESTION AGAIN?

There IS such a thing as too much slouchiness. Despite the droopy shoulders and the gaping neck, I couldn't concede that I'd chosen my fabric poorly and went so far as to put a cuff on.

What a disaster! The whole point of making this muslin is so Kennis can see if her 2D paper pattern turns into the 3D fabric vision she has. This muslin was utterly unusable.

Busan Top: Take #2

I went back to my stash and came out with a black glitter French Terry from Simply By Ti. It's got a great blend of poly, rayon and spandex to create a light fabric which is soft, warm, drapes well, and has good stability/recovery. 

And the bells rang and the angles sang and fairy dust poured down like a torrential rainstorm. 

My top was perfect!

While The Designer's Away....The Sewer Will Play!

As I mentioned earlier, this pattern was ready some time ago and as I eagerly anticipated the release of this fun pattern, I decided to play with it just a little. 

I hacked on a super wide hip band and paired it with leggings, snakeskin booties and a bold necklace. Fashion trends are cyclical, people. I call this look: Modern Dynasty, and I'm enjoying every stitch!

This fabric is a poly/rayon/spandex Ponte d'Roma I purchased at Joanns. I prefer the drape and feel of my black glitter French terry version, but there's no denying how this rich cranberry is a good color for me.

I did eventually return to finish my failed muslin. 

I like the style too much to just let it go. 

It took some work to end up with this final wearable version. Work as in, a ridiculous amount of shortening the neck band and narrowing the cuffs, plus extra pleats at the wrist.

I found it very frustrating to ease all the parts together. Do the right thing. Choose a fabric that has great stretch and nice drape, but still holds a good shape. 

Busan Top from Itch to Stitch is currently on sale for 20% off through December 20, 2018. Get a copy for yourself, check out all the other great tester makes, then share your version in the Itch to Stitch Facebook Group. 

I can't wait to see your Busan Top!

If you are interested in nabbing some of this FT for yourself there is still some available HERE!