Itch to Stitch Sibiu Top

It's been a long time since I tested a pattern for Itch to Stitch (or any non quilt pattern) and the Sibiu Top was just the perfect pattern for me to test. The Sibiu Top is a very simple to make top that is the perfect addition  to me work from home wardrobe.

The Sibiu Top  is a batwing top. The name Sibiu is in the Translavania Region of Romania   - you know, home to Count Dracula. The Sibiu is the perfect pattern for a beginner as there is nothing to hem! Everything is finished with a band. 

This was my first Sibiu Top  that I made during testing. I made it using a cotton jersey that's been in my stash many years. The print is of tarot cards and I think they are fun to look at. I made this one a straight size 8 based off my bust measurement and thought if I shortened it - I shortened this one by 1", that it would hit at my high hip which would fit in a size 10 and it would work. Well, it fits, but it is a bit tight at my hips.  Since I made this one 3/4 length sleeves (1.5" removed in length), it works great when I wear it with leggings for days that I do yoga. 

After making my first Sibiu Top , I was eager to make another. Since this pattern works great with a variety of knits I decided to make another using a cotton jersey. Many patterns don't do well in cotton jersey as they don't have a beautiful drape, so I always love a pattern that works great with them. This cotton jersey is custom printed and is of a photograph I took of a slab of a Sequoia tree. 

For this version, I went ahead and reprinted my pattern and graded out to a size 12 for my hips. I left the length as is in the pattern, but I still removed 1.5" from the sleeve length. I did long sleeves for this one and really love the tall cuffs. I can easily fold them up in half for a 3/4 sleeve.

This one has a more relaxed fit and is so comfortable to wear. But looking at the photos, I do think I need to remember  to remove length from the body as I think the shorter length looks better on me. 

I made one final Sibiu Top  in testing. I decided to break the rules on this one while trying out the sleeve inset option in the pattern. The pattern is written for knits with 4-way stretch.  I used a 2-way stretch french terry - it's very light weight - my first broken rule. I do wish I had used some cotton jersey instead and this french terry tends to be a bit clingy and makes me feel a bit more self conscious of my belly. I can't tell you how many times I retook these photos as I did not like how you could see where my jeans stopped on my belly. 

Then I made my insets and broke the rule again. Since I have been enjoying quilting the past 18 months and quilt clothes are making a huge fashion trend, I decided to give the Sibiu the Quilt trend treatment. I made a bunch of half square triangles, sewed them together, then sewed them onto a scrap piece of cotton jersey. Then I cut my inset pieces from  this quilted piece.  

I absolutely LOVE how it turned out. It is so uniquely me and something that I can wear that shows both of my sewing passions.  The quilted part may not have as much drape as other knits would, but it didn't affect the fit or wear-ability of my Sibiu. I actually have thoughts of making another one (or more) like this using some  12" quilt blocks.

I honestly had a hard time stopping at making only three Sibiu Tops. Since I am working from home - and hope to continue to do so permanently, I am trying to be more mindful of what items I make. Working from home means that my needs are much different and I have less need for variety  in  my wardrobe. The Sibiu is a very fast sew and the fit is so comfortable that I could easily wear one every day of the week. I made my versions fairly casual as I pictured myself wearing them while I work from home and still being comfortable wearing them while I go out for a walk at lunch. While I did make a "fancier" version in the french terry with the quilted insets - it is something I've been wearing on days when I know I'm not going out for a walk - rainy cold days mostly. But that is why I did make it with a cowl. I knew it would be my warm and cozy top. I've worn all three regularly since I made them and can attest that they are very comfortable, even to wear on walks and doing yoga. The Sibiu is on sale for 20% for the initial pattern launch. Be sure to check out the Itch to Stitch Blog to see all the tester versions. 

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