2 years ago
Pattern Description: Jennifer Lauren Handmade Bronte Top:
A vintage take on the modern, comfortable and versatile fitted knit top, Bronte will appeal to both vintage lovers and modern gals alike.
What sets her apart from other knit top patterns is her delicate and flattering lapped shoulder and neckline detail. The back pattern piece sweeps over the shoulders creating a 40s style shrug sleeve that can then be left plain or decorated with buttons, ribbon, beads or other notions. Use a contrasting knit fabric for the binding or use the same fabric as the body, there are many options for customising your Bronte to suit your individual taste.
Dress her up for the evening or spend a day with her in the garden. She comes together quickly, is a super stash buster and is suitable for both the warmer months in short sleeves and the cooler months in long sleeves.
Pattern Sizing: 6-24. I made a size 10.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, but the instructions for sewing on the buttons could've been more detailed in my opinion. I ended up putting the finished top on my dress form so it would be stretched out on a body, then i hand basted the overlap together, then sewed on the buttons. it's really important to get the button placement correct or you'll get weird bunching on the shoulders.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes: Very easy to sew. I sewed on the buttons which red thread, which I thought was a nice unique touch.
Dislikes: Now that I've made it I'm not sure I love the neckline style on me.
Issues with the sizing: my measurements put me in a size 8. I had made the JLH Gable top before so I compared the pattern pieces of the Gable to the Bronte and I found that a size 8 would've been way too tight. I sized up to a 10, which fit me everywhere except for the shoulders, which are too wide.
Fabric Used: Minerva Core Range Baby Soft Yarn Dyed Cotton Jersey Stretch Knit Fabric Brown, 1.5m. The fabric is a nice thick jersey with great stretch and recovery. The stripes were narrow enough that I did not feel the need to pattern match.
Changes/alterations: I graded up to a size 12 at the upper back (broad back adjustment), shortened the sleeves 5.5", and the body 2".
The instructions call for a double fold hem which i found weird on a t-shirt so I cut extra length off and did a coverstitched single fold hem.
Would you sew it again? Probably not. I like this tee and will wear it but I'm not in love with it enough to sew another version.
Conclusion: A like, but not a love.
#minervamakes #minervamakers #minervabrandambassador #minervacorerange #indiepattern #indiepatterncompany #sewingknits #sewnshownseated #jenniferlaurenthandmade #brontetop
A vintage take on the modern, comfortable and versatile fitted knit top, Bronte will appeal to both vintage lovers and modern gals alike.
What sets her apart from other knit top patterns is her delicate and flattering lapped shoulder and neckline detail. The back pattern piece sweeps over the shoulders creating a 40s style shrug sleeve that can then be left plain or decorated with buttons, ribbon, beads or other notions. Use a contrasting knit fabric for the binding or use the same fabric as the body, there are many options for customising your Bronte to suit your individual taste.
Dress her up for the evening or spend a day with her in the garden. She comes together quickly, is a super stash buster and is suitable for both the warmer months in short sleeves and the cooler months in long sleeves.
Pattern Sizing: 6-24. I made a size 10.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, but the instructions for sewing on the buttons could've been more detailed in my opinion. I ended up putting the finished top on my dress form so it would be stretched out on a body, then i hand basted the overlap together, then sewed on the buttons. it's really important to get the button placement correct or you'll get weird bunching on the shoulders.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes: Very easy to sew. I sewed on the buttons which red thread, which I thought was a nice unique touch.
Dislikes: Now that I've made it I'm not sure I love the neckline style on me.
Issues with the sizing: my measurements put me in a size 8. I had made the JLH Gable top before so I compared the pattern pieces of the Gable to the Bronte and I found that a size 8 would've been way too tight. I sized up to a 10, which fit me everywhere except for the shoulders, which are too wide.
Fabric Used: Minerva Core Range Baby Soft Yarn Dyed Cotton Jersey Stretch Knit Fabric Brown, 1.5m. The fabric is a nice thick jersey with great stretch and recovery. The stripes were narrow enough that I did not feel the need to pattern match.
Changes/alterations: I graded up to a size 12 at the upper back (broad back adjustment), shortened the sleeves 5.5", and the body 2".
The instructions call for a double fold hem which i found weird on a t-shirt so I cut extra length off and did a coverstitched single fold hem.
Would you sew it again? Probably not. I like this tee and will wear it but I'm not in love with it enough to sew another version.
Conclusion: A like, but not a love.
#minervamakes #minervamakers #minervabrandambassador #minervacorerange #indiepattern #indiepatterncompany #sewingknits #sewnshownseated #jenniferlaurenthandmade #brontetop