A Modern Merlin?!
I started on this Lisette Portfolio top back in September when I was eager to try out my new dress-makers scissors (which are awesome by the way!)
I was using a very thin cord as I wanted a top that would be perfect for winter wear – I like my layers! – and went for contrasting pockets which, okay no-one else is going to see but me, but it’s a bit of fun!
The Lisette Portfolio pattern is quite straightforward to follow, and I loved how the pockets come together!
The main issue that I had was with fitting the yoke to the top – the central section was too big by nearly 5/8″ on each side! After doing lots of double checks of all my seams and re-reading the instructions a few times I resorted to the blogosphere. It turned out that quite a few people had experienced this issue so I chopped off the excess and carried on as normal.
I also made a minor adjustment to the instructions for the button loops – the cord was just too thick to turn inside out so I folded it up like bias binding and then top-stitched. Some small black buttons for the neck-fastening and my top was finally done. Ta-da!
I have to confess that it’s a little snugger than I thought it would be. The ease on the pattern envelope suggested that I would be swimming in it and I took quite a while deliberating which size to actually go for (I went for a size 10 in the end). I suspect this is mostly due to using a cord fabric which is a little bit ‘sticky’ and quite thick.
I did spend quite a lot of time cutting out the excess
And I do love the secret pockets. Perfect for all those tissues that I’ll be needing for the sniffle season! The gathering around the neck is such a clever detail – I’m not sure that I’d ever go for contrasting fabrics as per the pattern suggestion as it’s a bit bold for my own dress sense, but I might well be a bit more adventurous with my fabric choices next time I do this pattern. And this is how I’ll probably wear it, layered up with a scarf!
When I first modelled it for Mr f&f he did admit to thinking that it looked like I was going to be an extra for Merlin! Still I’m going to believe that Merlin is actually Modern and wear it with pride anyway!
Sx
I have been eyeballing a dress like this in the Boden catalog. It'd be so much more fun to make my own! (maybe I can scare up some of that Denyse Schmidt corduroy from last fall…) It is so flattering on you and I love the colors of the dress and the top together.
Oooh, I love a bargain! And what a conundrum – a Tova in cord would be lovely! I'll keep my eyes peeled to see what you chose! Sx
So nice! I just managed to get this pattern at a bargain price… So now I can't decide whether to use my babycord for this or the Tova I'd planned. And by the way, I think Merlin himself and the peasant extras are super stylish!!
Thanks Sandra. I still need to go and get myself very thick tights so that I can wear it on these chilly cold days x
Ah thanks Lynne 🙂 Purples always a winner for me too 🙂 Sx
Ohh, denim…I bet that's really comfy? Thanks for visiting x
It's fabulous! Love the colour and the style. It may be 'Merlin' but I'd wear it too with no hesitation! 🙂
S x
Wowzers!! It's gorgeous! I love cord and purple, so it's win win, and the contrast pockets are great. Happy wearing! 🙂
I love this in cord,I made several in denim but cord is so much nicer.
x N
Lovely dress, I love the colour. No round tables to be seen.
Suzie
http://www.nomoa.co.nz
Yep, I'll definitely have to point out the lack of round tables to Mr f&f! Thanks for your lovely comments x
Aw thanks E – I have to say the pocket construction is awesome!!! I love cord too, I don't know what it is about it, it's just lovely! Now I just need to get me some of those thick wollen tights like the ones you were wearing the other week…..!!!!! Hope you have a lovely weekend too x
Love this Sonia! And what a lovely fabric to make it in – perfect for winter days ahead either on its own or layered up if it's really cold. I adore needlecord but have only made skirts in it – must try a top like this. Those pockets are the business – just knowing that there is that cheery fabric hidden inside is happy and feel-good news for the wearer! Have a lovely weekend wearing this! E x