Top Knot Pattern Tour :: Hacked Sister Style

I’m breaking the recent silence with something great today – I’m participating in the Chalk & Notch Top Knot pattern tour!  When Gabriela set up the tour with different categories to show the pattern’s versatility, I jumped on the pattern hack option.  But then I took my hack and applied it to a dress and romper version for some sister style!

Before I go too far, be sure to get your copy of the pattern for 20% off through July 1st, 2016 with code tkt20 at checkout.

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Top Knot 1

First the hacks:

  • I added a collar!  I thought this fit well with the nod to WWII style.  I drafted a combined stand and collar, but left off the button on the stand since we all know that’s never going to be fastened.
  • To carry the contrasting fabric further, I swapped out the self placket for a contrast placket, which was really easy with all the helpful markings included in the pattern.

Top Knot 7

The other changes were pretty subtle:

  • I scooped out a sleeveless shoulder and raised the armscye from the small dolman sleeve of the pattern and then finished that seam with a bias facing.
  • I also omitted the cuff on the short and simply hemmed the bottom edge without adding the optional elastic.

Top Knot 3

The fabrics were from Imagine Gnats shop – thanks to Rachael and Miss Matatabi for offering a lovely discount for the tour participants!  The bodice is lovely nani IRO double gauze and it’s so dreamy.  The contrast is artisan cotton by Windham Fabrics.  I have a small amount of nani IRO from a friend but this is the first time I’ve sewn with it.  Along with Liberty of London, I’d say it’s definitely a must-sew experience even if just once.  The artisan cotton is really nice, but I’m already finding it wrinkles more than my favorite stretch union chambray also from Imagine Gnats.  I thoroughly pressed everything, but the wrinkling you’re seeing in the photos are from a quick trip strapped into carseat and booster to get to the alley in which we were taking photos.

Top Knot 2

Arden absolutely loved how twirly the full circle skirt was.  Aside from the world’s longest hem, I loved it from a sewing perspective as well.  the skirt fit perfectly onto the waistband and bodice and Gabriela included suggestions for making sure your skirt remains even after hemming.

Top Knot 4

Hadley got the romper version and isn’t she the cutest in it?  Hadley has a full behind that we refer to as a “coconut butt”, so she fills these out a bit more than some.  I’ll probably try these out on Arden (with her “peach pit butt”) to see if a swap may work better, but Arden also has a longer torso.  It’s a bit of good/bad that the girls are pretty much wearing the same size with slight fitting differences.

Top Knot 5

I made Arden my Victory Headscarf to coordinate with the outfit.  Gabriela included this pattern in a roundup of headscarves and wraps with the pattern kickoff.

The pattern has many options beyond the two I made:  the romper also has a pants option, the dress has a maxi option, plus a tunic and long sleeves.  It’s for sizes 18-24 months to 12 years.  The pattern includes layers and no-trim pages.  Expounding a bit now that I’ve had some sleep:  the instructions and layout of the pattern are truly professional.  Each section of instructions is separately headed with a series of notated illustrations to make the construction perfectly clear.  I strayed from the tutorial only for the changes in my hacks.

Top Knot 6

Be sure to visit the other participants on the tour:

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And here’s the giveaway with the entry widget below:

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9 Responses to Top Knot Pattern Tour :: Hacked Sister Style

  1. Bettina @Stahlarbeit June 30, 2016 at 2:05 PM #

    I love this! And that means a lot, cause I’m European. We “love” not that often 😉 Where should I begin with? I can see and feel the 1940 vibe. I just watched this US show about the Manhattan project. That’s exactly the period of time – same colors, same style. Also, your pics are just awesome. PLUS: What a fun but still subtile hack on both pieces. I would so buy or copycat your hacks 😀

    Best
    Bettina @ Stahlarbeit from Switzerland

  2. Gabriela June 30, 2016 at 2:37 PM #

    I totally agree with Bettina, these are both beautiful versions! Your beautiful fabric choice and styling is so perfect. Thank you for joining me and it has been such a pleasure! You are awesome 🙂 XOXO

  3. Becca DuVal June 30, 2016 at 2:50 PM #

    These girls are looking so grown up!! I didn’t think I needed to make a dress version…….. but you’ve totally proved me wrong. Great sews :-*

  4. Cindy June 30, 2016 at 3:34 PM #

    The collar hack is genius! I will need to figure out a way to do this for mine. These sister style hack is so adorable!

    • Jennifer June 30, 2016 at 4:09 PM #

      I’m happy to send you the .pdf for the size 6 I drafted.

  5. Karly Nelson June 30, 2016 at 3:58 PM #

    The collars make an awesome addition. This style is just sooo classic!

  6. Candice Ayala July 2, 2016 at 9:55 AM #

    The collars are everything!! Such a great hack!! one of my favorites of the tour!

  7. Jenya July 3, 2016 at 7:37 AM #

    Jenn, you have done an absolutely outstanding job with the dress and the romper. Love the addition of the collars and the plackets. I also love Top Knot sleeveless 🙂

  8. Jodi July 26, 2016 at 5:12 PM #

    What a sweet pair those girls make. The matchy outfits compliment them. 🙂

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