Monday, March 23, 2009

Orvokki = Pansy


Finally! Pictures of Emily wearing her new top! From the 1/2009 issue of Ottobre, this pattern is called the "Orvokki" jersey blouse. After searching online I found that "orvokki" is Finnish for pansy or violet. :)

The pattern in the magazine calls for double sleeves--long sleeves under the short sleeves--but I chose to leave off the long sleeves. After all, warmer weather is right around the corner, right?

As I mentioned in my previous post, this was the first time I used elastic thread for shirring. This will definitely not be the last time; I love the finished effect of the shirring.

Fabric: The shirt is made of cotton knit jersey from Hobby Lobby. I've had the striped fabric for about 6 months (remnant clearance), but I just recently bought the polka-dot fabric, not realizing when I bought it that the two fabrics would coordinate so well.

Size: I made a size 104 with the length cut to size 116. The longer length is great, but the tunic is too big through the shoulders. Emily will not stop growing, so it's fine that the top is too big.

The instructions were typical Ottobre, a bit short. I did not have any problems constructing the garment, but I'll point out a few ommissions in the instructions for any beginners.

**The instructions called for shirring the front panel, but no instructions were given for the back panel other than to "stitch yokes to front and back panels." The instructions did not specify whether to shirr the back panel or not, and I chose to just gather the back before attaching it to the yoke.

EDIT: The instructions did not specify, but just now I read the pattern description which states that "there is elasticized shirring on the front and back panels." Guess I should have read better the first time around. :)

**The bottom edges of the short puff sleeves need to be gathered before attaching the binding. The instructions do not specify this.


Conclusions: Even without in-depth instructions, Ottobre patterns are the best in my opinion. They are well-drafted and go together easily. I will be making more summer shirts for my children in the next few months, and Ottobre will be my #1 choice for the patterns.

Ruth



orvokki


14 comments:

  1. esxtremely cute! wonderful that it's a little too big, maybe in the winter you can add the double sleeve and she will get even more wear out of it ;)

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  2. What a cute top, the fabrics are incredible.

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  3. Cute and perfect for spring!

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  4. I love it! I;m also an Ottobrre fan, and I've thought making this pattern, now I know I will!
    michal

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  5. Sweet little shirt...and even sweeter little girl!!! I can't believe how big she is getting!!! Cute!!!

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  6. That is great! Your little one is such a cutie :)

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  7. Cute combination. I saw the polka dot and a couple other new knit prints last time I was in Hobby Lobby. They had some cute combinations for this top.

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  8. The top is so nice and you have such a darling model too!

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  9. Ruth,

    What an adorable shirt! My she has grown! ;o)

    Love, Heather

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  10. So cute Ruth! And I CONTINUE to be envious of the Ottobre patterns!!! One day, I swear, I will have a little free $ to get the subscription and I know I will love it! Keep up the sewing, I love seeing all they have to offer.

    Captain Momma

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  11. soooooo cute. love the fabric combo. The color soo yummy!

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  12. Very cute, the top and young girl respectively. :):):):)

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  13. Oh, that is so cute! I loved that top when I saw it in my issue of Ottobre. I liked it with the long sleeves, but think I like it better with just the short sleeves!

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