I FINALLY GOT TO SEW UP A PENELOPE PEPLUM TOP!
I was so excited when my friend Kate of See Kate Sew mentioned she was releasing the Penelope Peplum Top Pattern! I had been looking to get one for eons but whenever I try one on in a store they never hit me in the right spot and instead of hiding my tummy they made me look more pregnant. I thought sewing one for myself instead would give me the flexibility to adjust it to my body and waist.
The Penelope Peplum also has an extension pattern that includes a circle skirt dress option, circle skirt peplum option and a gathered dress option so you can really make a whole bunch of versions! It's also available in child's sizes as the Pippa Peplum Pattern! I totally need to make one for both girls so we can all be matchy matchy. And yes, I would do that. And no, I don't care if it makes me look like a dork...cause it's fun and that's how I roll.
I found Kate's pattern (and always do find them) clear, easy to follow, well laid out and accompanied by awesome diagrams and instructions.
She does a fabulous job for fit as well. My favorite part about the Penelope Peplum Top is the facing on the neckline. Looooove that clean and neat finish. I have a soft spot for that. The only modifications I made to the pattern was to add about 2" to the length of the skirt. I like my tops a tad longer to cover my tummy and I found the original length too short for me to hide it. This pattern gives you options for short sleeves (shown on me) or a cool half sleeve (which I wanted to make but didn't have enough fabric for). The pattern also comes with a cute bow that you can make to add to the top as well.
Kate also gives you an option to sew the top with either elastic thread or to gather the skirt pieces. I gathered and if I was to do it again I would use the elastic thread or sew elastic to the gathering portion (like how Delia did hers here). I think I would have preferred that for when I'm putting it on. Every time I slip it over my head I cross my fingers my boobs aren't going to rip my sewing...lmao. Seriously...big booby girl problems..lol. The elastic thread would have made me feel a bit less uneasy for wear and tear. So far though the stitching has held strong (thanks to my awesome mock coverstitch on my Pfaff Ambition 1.0).
Check out the Penelope Peplum Pattern by See Kate Sew Patterns and also the circle skirt/dress add on for it. She also has a little girl version called the Pippa Peplum (seriously so cute!). And you can see the rest of the fabulous ladies on the tour here on See Kate Sew! Thanks for having me Kate!
Have you made a Penelope or Pippa Peplum yet? I'd love to hear about it and if you haven't, which fabric would you use?
Top: Penelope Peplum Pattern by See Kate Sew
Top Fabric: Heather Ross - Briar Rose, Strawberry in Orange
Top Fabric: Heather Ross - Briar Rose, Strawberry in Orange
Pants: American Eagle
Bracelet: c/o C. Johannesen Studio (custom)