Finished: Rayon Scout

Winter light is the enemy of the blogger, which is the reason that it's taken so long to bring you my first garment of 2014. Ahem. To be honest, the light wasn't great today anyway but I had the house to myself for a few hours so it was today or never.

This project uses stash fabric and a pattern I've used two times before - virtual high five to me, I think. It's the Scout Grainline tee which is the perfect casual woven top. The fit of this top is so forgiving that I have worn my 3 Scouts before, during and after pregnancy in the same size. It's so versatile, I love it. Of course the key to the top's success is using fabric with a bit of drape, otherwise it would look boxy and unflattering, as it has no darts. I've used a rayon I bought at Parons (I think) in the Garment District during my 2012 trip to NYC.

This was the first time I'd sewn with rayon, and in fact I originally purchased it because I'd never sewn with it before. It was a delight to work with - soft and light with a great drape. I am really keen to source some more for another version. I can't recall seeing any in my usual fabric haunt of Mandors but they do have a great selection so I'd be surprised if they don't have any. Or if you know of any UK online vendors who have some, please let me know.

The only alterations I made to the pattern were to make a broad upper back adjustment and add 3 inches to the length. The inside is finished with french seams though I used my serger to finish the armholes which was really handy as I've never worked out an easy way to neatly finish this area with conventional seaming techniques.

I just love the shape of this top with jeans as it looks a bit smarter than my usual favourite knit tops.
One problem I forsee is that the light fabric snags easily and with two cats in the house I know I'm on borrowed time before it sustains a claw-based injury. I also suspect that I should lower the armscye for the next version, as I've noticed that I get that 'armpit bunching', for want of a better phrase.

This was a great project with which to begin 2014 (though it was mostly sewn in 2013, technically).

K x