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Frida Top


I don't typically go for the super cutesy girly patterns with frills and all kinds of fabric combinations, but the truth is, I can't really stick to one style either. And, I just had to make something with this butterfly print from Sandi Henderson's latest fabric collection, Meadow Sweet, I decided to try the Frida Modkid pattern by Patty Young for a nice summery play shirt.

The pattern instructions come in booklet style with full color pages, photos, and great illustrations. It includes sizes 2 to 7. I did View A with the capped sleeves from View C and omitted the pocket. I made up the 4-5T size for an average weight but slightly shorter than average five and a half-year old. I did add maybe 3/4" to the length of the top/dress section. I like the snug fit on the bodice and sleeves, the length turned out good too. If I make another, I might make it just a tad longer for more of a tunic effect.

The bodice and sleeves are lined, which is easy to do. However, as usual, I was in a hurry and tried to take a shortcut on the sleeves by not lining them and simply serging the elastic right onto the edge, planning on folding it over twice to conceal the seam and topstitch. That did NOT work, OK. And, as I had only purchased a fat quarter (18"x22") piece of the yellow fabric, I couldn't start over, I had to unpick (I know that's not the right term, but you know what I mean) the entire serged elastic off the edge. Very dumb. So then, I lined it, made a casing for the elastic just like the instructions said to do and it turned out fabulous plus at least an hour of wasted time.

Yet another use for the bias tape tool -straps.  I love this tool. It makes neat folds, saves your fingers from getting burned by the steam of the iron, and saves time.


Monkey Pants loved the shirt and decided to wear it for three days in a row. The only complaint was that the bodice/dress seam that is not enclosed in the bodice lining started to bug her. It may be worth the trouble to enclose this seam in the lining. I just had her wear it with a nice white cotton camisole or a long sleeve shirt since the weather has been a bit chilly anyway and this way I don't have to smother her with sunblock when she goes out to play. Long sleeves in the summer is one shortcut that does work for me.

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Comments

  1. JenniferOMay 19, 2010 at 8:45 AM

    Very cute! I have that pattern and have been meaning to sew it up for one of my nieces.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RebeccaJune 30, 2010 at 8:23 PM

    I just came across your blog via the Sew Mama Sew site and I love so many things that you have made! I have seen this shirt pattern before and it never really caught my eye, but I really like the shirt out of SH fabrics. I also love that Made by Rae backpack. I haven't made one yet, but they are so cute! I plan to make one for my 2.5 year old before we fly again.

    ReplyDelete

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