This is my 3rd time pattern testing for Straight Stitch Designs, I also tested the Ballard Top/Tunic and the Capitol Hill Dress/Tunic (see previous posts). I fell in love with Straight Stitch Design patterns from moment one, but the Bellevue Top has easily become my favorite. I absolutely love both the Ballard & the Capitol Hill and plan to make more, but the Bellevue has my heart! I am constantly looking for a base pattern that is a staple for my wardrobe. It has to be easy, well fast is more the goal but something I can sew up in a few hours (I am an instant gratification kind of girl when it comes to sewing for my wardrobe).
My favorite thing about this pattern is the ruffle/scooped bottom. It allows for such creativity with fabric choices/combos and it feels so girly and flirty! I have an extra pep in my step when I am wearing these tops!
Not only is this an easy and quick sew with amazing instructions, but it is extremely versatile, which for me is a huge plus. One of the girls in our test group made an alternate version, which was quickly incorporated into the pattern as an alternate option (seen in image 2 below).
One of the things I love most about testing for Kimberly is that she really goes above and beyond to make sure that the pattern is something that is not only fashionable, but functional too. She really listens to her testers when we have ideas and/or alternate versions!
The Bellevue Top is described as comfort meets elegance, and that is exactly right!
Bellevue #1:
My original Bellevue was made from one of the first versions but it was perfect for me. I was so impressed on how well the first draft came together and fit so good, and it is so comfy, yet elegant (hence the perfect description). Again with the whole sewing my stash thing I have going, I had been saving the black/gold polka dot chiffon for the perfect project, I mean it is not everyday a pattern calls for chiffon. I knew I did not have somewhere to wear an entire dress or top made out of it to, but when I saw the pattern design, I knew pairing it with a solid black jersey knit would be perfect, and I am so happy with it! It is perfect to wear with leggings and boots for work, and then dress up with heels for date night or going out (it will be going with me for sure on our next Vegas trip).
Bellevue #2:
After whipping up the first top, I knew I was hooked, er addicted! I was planning on making a second one almost identical with a few pattern edits, but then I saw an alternative version posted by a girl in our test group and while the original version with the bottom pieces is my favorite, the alternate version is an easy edit for a completely different look/feel that definitely has its place in the wardrobe too! I used a scallop edge lace from my shop and paired it with a ponte floral knit that we are now sold out of. This one challenged me creatively as I had to actually fussy cut the scallop off the original lace, and re-sew it back on to form the curves with the scallops! I will eventually get around to a blog post on that technique! :)
Bellevue #3:
Over the weekend the hubs and I decided to make it a stay at home weekend since I had sewing to do and he had house projects he wanted to finish up, so I had all the time in the world in my studio and found myself cutting yet a 3rd Bellevue, I am seriously addicted. However, this one has a whoops moment that was totally unrelated to the pattern and all my fault, but I made it happen anyway! I had been hoarding way some OOP polar bear Kokka Voile and had a white sweater knit that matched perfectly for the look I was going for... problem was I did not have enough to make the long sleeve version, which I knew I wanted for this top/fabric. I had a genius idea to cut the sleeves on the diagonal/bias even though the rest had been cut normal.... I liked the diagonal stripe look it gave the sleeves and it seemed like a good idea at the time.... well lesson learned that doesn't work so well when trying to make the sleeves work with the neckline and the neckline was inches larger than where the sleeves ended. I took it one step further and cut, yes CUT, off the extra neckline and yea...... I went to try it on and it wouldn't even go halfway up my arms. Sick to my stomach thinking it was done for, I made a call to my mom aka Superwoman when it comes to sewing (the owner of our fabric shop & alterations lady for 30+ years), she knows everything. She came over and helped rescue me, and in the end we made some edits and decided to add a ribbing neck back and it working amazingly, I was so relieved because I love this top! For this top I also used the alternative waistband option where you sew a piece onto the bodice to break it and the bottom piece up, it is included in the pattern as an option.
Bellevue #4:
I think it officially safe to say I am obsessed with this pattern... I really have no idea how the 4th one came about, but it seemed to have just happened late Sunday night before the work week started. Again sewing from my stash, I paired a mint rayon we just got into our shop (we got in black, white, mint and peach... they are amazing), with a tribal jersey knit I have had in the stash for awhile now. I made the most updated version, but made it more like my first top, except with the longer sleeve option, did I mention this pattern has 4 amazing sleeve lengths?! This being my 4th top in a matter of days, it kind of just went together, I really didn't even think about it and I didn't have the instructions anywhere nearby.
I really felt like this pattern/week has helped me get out of my sewing funk. I have so, so, so much fabric and so many ideas/patterns I love and much prefer handmade clothes over store bought, I am excited once again to make my closest and I know this pattern will forever be a staple of my wardrobe.
Did I mention I have 3 more cut out?!?! I can't wait!
Thanks Kimberly for such an amazing pattern. <3
Disclaimer: I received the Bellevue pattern as part of the pattern testing, but all opinions are my own!
Oh my gosh! Polar bears for the win!!! That said, I really think the last one, with the very gorgeous tribal knit, is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I know, I was dying over finally being able to get to use the polar bears for a garment I know I would love! The tribal one is my favorite too!
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