Pattern testing the Paulina by Itch to Stitch

So I’ve been absent for a couple of weeks… at least from this blog. I’ve been busy, busy, busy behind the scenes.  Building.

That word again.

I’ve been playing around in my studio and have a couple of tutorials planned.  One I’ll publish here and one I’ll post over at Craft Gossip.  Both are scrappy and colorful and a little bit free form.  But enough about that…

What I spent most of my time was pattern testing for a couple of talented pattern designers!

One of the patterns I had the chance to test is the new Paulina top by Itch 2 Stitch, and it just released today so I can show you my pictures.

It’s a loose fit raglan sleeve top, but with a fun twist.  The front of the top has cutout sides and a contrasting layer underneath.  The raglan sleeves and the deep cutouts feel sporty, but with a woven contrast peeking out it’s a little dressy.  It’s pulled together casual.  Perfect for running about town or heading up to my daughter’s school.

I felt the fit was pretty much spot on.  Based on my measurements, I made a size 2 at the top and blended out to an 8 at the hip.  Her sizing chart is normal, that’s just how much hip I have.  I’m all about the bass, bout the bass… lol.

The addition of the cutouts and the contrasting layer makes this a little bit more complex than a basic raglan top, but her instructions are easy to follow and her illustrations make the construction easy to understand.  I think her rating of confident beginner+ is accurate.

I used a white interlock knit (medium weight) for my main fabric and repurposed a man’s button-up shirt for the contrast layer.  I liked the idea of having a button placket peeking out of the bottom of the shirt.

One thing to keep in mind if you choose to go this route:  The button placket doesn’t like to bend, so it’s kind of difficult to get an accurate cut on the fold.  I would tracing the pattern for the front cutout so it can be cut as a single layer (no fold required).

Thank you, Kennis, for allowing me to test the Paulina!  It is such a cute top!  I enjoyed the process and can’t wait to see what pattern you dream up next!!