Sunday, June 7, 2020

The MixIt Top with Kushukuru rayon, a Make Nine finish

Had I known how soft, flowy and wonderfully slinky wearing a rayon top would feel, I might have finished this Make Nine project last year! Here is my new MixIt Top, another Make Nine 2020 finish.
Rayon MixIt Top—a Make Nine 2020 finish.

From M9 2019 to M9 2020
The original intention was to make "something" using rayon fabric through participation in the Make Nine 2019 challenge. I made Rayon a Wild Card project. But it didn't happen.

Still wanting to try this fabric and hone my sewing skills, I moved this project from the 2019 list to my Make Nine 2020 list.

Cutting out pieces of the MixIt Top [pattern by The Sewing Workshop].
Rayon fabric from Kushukuru by Jessica Swift for Art Gallery Fabrics.

During the last two months of shelter-in-place, I have been able to complete quite a few of my Make Nine 2020 items. Taking inspiration from the participants and garments of Me Made May, the time had come to tackle a new substrate—rayon.

My MixIt Top: process and modifications
In October 2019, I chose the MixIt Top [pattern by The Sewing Workshop] for its simplicity and loose, casual fit to fulfil my Rayon Wild Card project. If I was going to try sewing with a more drapey fabric, a simple pattern with minimal garment pieces seemed a good idea. The test muslin was made last year as well. My pattern modifications were:
  • narrowed the shoulder
  • lowered the bust dart
  • added an inch to the length
  • lengthened the sleeve (personal preference)
  • I also opted to omit the top button and button loop (for a more breezy, casual look).

Adjusting the bust dart and adding length to the pattern.

The fabric is a rayon from Art Gallery Fabrics. It's called "Everlasting Imprint" from the Kushukuru collection by Jessica Swift. (This print also comes in a cotton woven.) Kushukuru means "gratitude" in Swahili.

Lengthening the cap sleeve.

Would you believe the pattern pieces for this top were also cut out last October?? It was just waiting to be sewn! On the last day of Me Made May, I jumped in.

It took one day. 
May 31. 
The last day of Me Made May 2020.

MixIt Top made during Me Made May 2020.

I still have to topstitch the side vents, but I couldn't wait to try it on! I wore it all day... unfinished side hems and all. Heavenly.

Why did I wait so long? I guess life just happened... as it often does... and takes us to alternate routes. However, a second rayon MixIt is already on the cutting mat.

Back and side vent view.

In this unsettling time... amidst the turmoil, protests, political mayhem, unkindness and injustices... I hope you can find a little comfort in the small, everyday things—like using your hands to make something... cooking, baking, gardening, sewing... or feeling the softness of a lovely textile against your skin.


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