Eloise Gathered Top PDF pattern now available

I'm very happy to announce that my latest pattern, the Eloise Gathered Top, is now available in my Etsy store.

After lots of requests for this pattern, I pushed it to the top of the list of patterns to digitise.  

This has been a favourite of Adelaide's too, as it is easy to slip on and off and is comfortable to wear.  She particularly loves it in Amy's pretty voile fabric, pictured below.

I think you will love sewing this pattern.  It's quick to whip up and suits seamstresses of all abilities.  You can also add pretty details like trim to the sleeves, trim to the bodice or pin tucks.

I particularly love a fuller style top like this with the Chloe and Cooper Cuffed Pants on younger girls.  You can buy the two patterns together and save 10%.

Adelaide wore this top style a lot in her first few years.  And she's still wearing it now in the larger sizes. (That's her in both photos above.)

Understitching - a quick tutorial

I put the request out on the Townmouse Patterns Facebook Group for some proof-reading help on the just released Eloise Gathered Top pattern. Some gorgeous girls came to my rescue and I have now incorporated their valuable feedback to make the pattern the best it can be.

Candice, one of my most trusted, regular pattern testers mentioned understitching. This wasn't a term I was familiar with, even though I regularly use the technique.  I just don't call it by its right name.

So I thought I'd show you a little step-by-step of the understitching technique, that you can refer to when whipping up the Eloise Gathered Top.

Understitching is used when facing a neckline or opening of a garment and you want to keep the facing in place and stop it rolling to the outside of the garment and being seen.  The under stitching holds it neatly in place inside the garment.

1. With right sides together, stitch the facing to the front garment piece.

2. Trim back the seam and, where your seam is curved, clip into it at intervals.

3. Press the seam allowance towards the facing.

4. Working from the right side and very closely to the seam line, stitch the seam allowance to the facing.

5.Now press the pattern pieces into place.

6. From the wrong side you should be able to see the garment's main fabric, as the seam line is rolled slightly to the inside.

7. From the outside you will not be able to see any facing.

This little Eloise top is going to the newborn sister of one of Adelaide's school friends.  It's size 0 (6 to 12 months) so I hope it will be the perfect fit for her next summer.