Marfy + Mood = Love

06 Feb Marfy + Mood = Love

Have you made your Marfy yet?

Thanks to Leisa Stanton of A Challenging Sew, I had no more excuses to avoid the chic Italian patterns without instructions. Not only are three free patterns available for downloads on the Marfy website, but Leisa is providing sew-a-longs for the patterns on her blog and just completed the top sew-a-long.

How do you like it?

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 The pattern is Marfy 1913, and after two muslins I was ready to cut my Thakoon silk crepe de chine from Mood Fabrics. When the silk arrived in July, I was tempted to make my 5th sleeveless ruffled top.

No! No! No!” exclaimed the sewing angels 🙂

 I contemplated a shirt dress and the next thing I knew it was November…….

I fell hard for this pattern with its cut-in shoulders and soft drape.

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I knew the style was suitable for everyday or special occasion dressing, plus I could wear it tucked in or left out.

IMG_4045 Leisa’s sew-a-long removes the mystery from the Marfy. She allows two weeks to complete a Marfy pattern, and her virtual patience set me in to a slower than normal sewing pace. I forbade myself from rushing through any aspect of constructing the top.

The top is easy to sew, but understanding what to do took some time.

Briefly:

  • I printed the pattern on 13 sheets of paper and experienced a disaster. The pattern did not print to scale and my adjustments were incorrect. Muslin #1 resembled a child’s garment, but after regrouping and reprinting I was back on track.
  • From my second muslin I quickly made a shell to check for fit using an inexpensive polyester.
  • While some sewing details are noted on the paper pattern, others are completely missing. For instance, there was no marking to indicate where to place the back opening. Leisa suggested different options and provided a detailed tutorial for one method carefully gauging the appropriate opening size. The slash is finished with a small dart – a completely new technique for me.

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  • I secured the closure with two buttons and loop buttonholes using a chain stitch. Leisa used a small leather buckle, but a zipper can be inserted as well. I guess this is part of the beauty of sewing Marfy patterns.
  • In addition to Leisa’s excellent instructions, links to many fine tutorials are provided throughout the six part sew-a-long, and no detail is overlooked.
  • I opted out of the elastic band on the lower edge of the top,  and removed one inch of ease from the side seams allowing the blouse to easily tuck in fitted clothes.

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It’s nice to be finished and even better to have a permanent muslin and pattern for this top!

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Using such little fabric I can justify splurging next time around. I can just see it in these Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta prints, not to mention luxury silk solids or cotton voile!

Many thanks to Leisa for getting me out of my comfort zone and a huge thank you to Mood for carrying such an array of enticing fabrics!

Until soon 🙂

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
79 Comments
  • Lori
    Posted at 10:21h, 06 February Reply

    I just love this top on you. I might have to try a Marfy now, thanks to the Leisa’s site.

  • Judi
    Posted at 10:30h, 06 February Reply

    That top looks very nice on you!!! The fabric is gorgeous!

  • Art Attack
    Posted at 10:32h, 06 February Reply

    Great top…love your fabric.

  • Gail Yellen
    Posted at 10:32h, 06 February Reply

    Chic + comfy = one of my favorite combos. Beautiful!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:41h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Gail! I could have used you by my side on this one 😉

  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 10:49h, 06 February Reply

    Love this on you, Sarah! Lots of places you can wear this for sure. Can’t wait to see future versions of this!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:42h, 08 February Reply

      Future versions are planned, Cissie! I really love the two tops you made 🙂

  • Carolyn Boland
    Posted at 11:07h, 06 February Reply

    Very nice!

    Sent from my iPhone

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  • M.E. White
    Posted at 11:09h, 06 February Reply

    Absolutely gorgeous. Could you tell us a bit on the correct choices for printing? I am having trouble on that. Thanks and Thanks for a wonderful blog.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:47h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you!
      Leisa mentioned that MacBook Pros are notorious for reconfiguring when printing. I also printed two copies of two-sided paper the first time. I believe double sided printing condensed the image too. I printed from my iPad the second time and everything was printed to scale. You may want to check with Leisa since I’ve done this only once.

  • Carolyn Boland
    Posted at 11:11h, 06 February Reply

    However, one must have nice Shoulders and toned arms to Wear successfully. You are a Great model!

    Sent from my iPhone

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  • Jenny
    Posted at 11:18h, 06 February Reply

    That looks super – congrats on tackling Marfy!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:48h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Jenny! It was an easy and introductory Marfy for sure 🙂

  • carolee1945
    Posted at 11:38h, 06 February Reply

    I love the fabric, I love the design, and I love the model. Is that you? Yes, wow!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:48h, 08 February Reply

      It is I 🙂 Many thanks for your nice comment 🙂

  • Angelique
    Posted at 11:58h, 06 February Reply

    That’s gorgeous! I have mine cut out and gathered, but then I stalled for a few weeks. Seeing your lovely finished blouse makes me want to get mine done 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:49h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Angelique! You must finish yours and send the photo to Leisa!

  • Myra
    Posted at 12:32h, 06 February Reply

    What a beatiful top! I could see this in a very luscious fabric and hope you show and tell when you make another! It’s worth a trip over to the Marfy site!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:50h, 08 February Reply

      Many thanks, Myra! I’ll definitely show and tell when the next one is completed 🙂

  • Sarah. Jo
    Posted at 12:41h, 06 February Reply

    Lovely top! I contemplated purchasing a couple yards of that lovely fabric but knew my skills were not up to snuff to tackle it.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:50h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Sarah Jo! When you’re ready to tackle the silk I think you will be pleased as it is very easy to handle 🙂

  • Deborah R Penner
    Posted at 13:06h, 06 February Reply

    The Marfy patterns are lovely. It does seem that they have a limited size range. They might fit me but there are many other sewists who might appreciate a wider size range.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:51h, 08 February Reply

      Since I had never sewn a Marfy I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. I found the Marfy pattern runs true to size 😉

  • lisa g
    Posted at 14:47h, 06 February Reply

    gorgeous top! oh i love that fabric, it looks so dreamy!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:51h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Lisa! The fabric handles beautifully 🙂

  • marnie
    Posted at 14:59h, 06 February Reply

    How much time do you devote to sewing per day/week?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:53h, 08 February Reply

      Hi Marnie! It truly depends from day to day. I’m more of a project person however. Once I start on a project I simply cannot stop until it’s completed 🙂

  • Pauline (pdiddly)
    Posted at 15:01h, 06 February Reply

    very pretty

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:53h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Pauline! It’s so nice to hear from you 🙂 🙂 🙂

  • Alexandra
    Posted at 15:09h, 06 February Reply

    Beautiful top! Such a pretty fabric and I just love those cut-in shoulders.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:54h, 08 February Reply

      Many thanks, Alexandra! The shoulder sold me immediately 🙂

  • Dilliander
    Posted at 16:04h, 06 February Reply

    So pretty, this style looks lovely on you and the Mood silk is perfect.

  • Hanh
    Posted at 17:16h, 06 February Reply

    Good job as always, and you look very lovely

  • Sandra (Sewist-Stitch)
    Posted at 17:19h, 06 February Reply

    Sarah I love this on you. Your fabric is real pretty and falls beautifully.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:55h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Sandra! The drape is just right IMHO 🙂

  • Sharon
    Posted at 18:03h, 06 February Reply

    Gorgeous top and love the silk! Love Leisa’s sew along, got my button last night so plan to finish my top this weekend.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:56h, 08 February Reply

      Oh good, Sharon! I know your Marfy will be perfect 🙂

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 18:11h, 06 February Reply

    Love, it Sarah! The cut in shoulders look so great on you. I have so much patterned voile and will try this over the summer.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:56h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Julie! The voile will be perfect for sure 🙂

  • Judie
    Posted at 20:16h, 06 February Reply

    Simply stunning!

  • Crystal Elston (@CrystalElston)
    Posted at 21:38h, 06 February Reply

    Looks great on you.Love the fabric/patterns/colors! Nice job as always!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:57h, 08 February Reply

      Many thanks, Crystal 🙂 It was worth learning to sew this line of patterns 🙂

  • Cindy C.
    Posted at 21:46h, 06 February Reply

    Utterly lovely and j’adore the fabric! To me, red is the universal “happy fabric,” and this print just made me smile.

    Just out of curiosity, did you have to do a “modesty adjustment” to the armhole, or was it high enough already?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:59h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Cindy! Would you believe it was perfect as is? That’s a rarity for sure. My only adjustment was removing an inch of ease from the front and back and adding 1″ to the length.

  • Roberta
    Posted at 22:49h, 06 February Reply

    Love it! Well done for attempting a Marfy!

  • Liss
    Posted at 05:45h, 07 February Reply

    Thakoon is amazing. No wonder Anna Wintour picked him from the bunch. And yes, please post again with the Carolina Herrera or Oscar DLR fabric!

    That top really looks wonderful on you, I am really in awe of your talent Sarah x

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:00h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you for your kind comment Liss 😉 I agree with you about Thakoon and am so pleased Mood carries his fabric!

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 07:31h, 07 February Reply

    YOU did it again! Love your top!

  • Urbanite
    Posted at 08:25h, 07 February Reply

    Lovely. I wanted to sew along with Leisa, but I must be the only person in the sewing universe who could not find the link for the pattern. Arrgh.

  • Shannon
    Posted at 19:05h, 07 February Reply

    You inspire me sooo much. I wish I was half as talented as you! I’m going to keep trying though! Keep up the great work.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:06h, 09 February Reply

      Ah….. what a sweet comment 🙂 Many thanks, Shannon!

  • justineabbitt
    Posted at 20:07h, 07 February Reply

    Such a shoulder flattering top! I love the fabric too.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:09h, 09 February Reply

      Thanks, Justine – anything to make the arms look longer 🙂 !

  • Laura
    Posted at 20:21h, 07 February Reply

    Beautiful! You keep opening new worlds of sewing – thank you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:10h, 09 February Reply

      Many thanks, Laura! There’s lots left to discover 🙂

  • Jean
    Posted at 03:07h, 09 February Reply

    Love the shape of this top and it suits you so well.

  • CherryPix
    Posted at 21:57h, 09 February Reply

    A perfect sweetheart of a top for Valentines Day (with the heating on high!?) Beautifully made…and another winning style on you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:49h, 12 February Reply

      Ah…… I do have a Valentine outfit after all! Thanks, Anne – you’ve made my day 🙂 !

  • Calico Stretch
    Posted at 00:42h, 10 February Reply

    Oh lovely and the top is just so versatile. You make such lovely things and have a great eye for fabric. Thank you for the link to Leisa’s site…. One day right?

  • poppykettle
    Posted at 05:32h, 11 February Reply

    Oh Sarah it’s gorgeous on you! Loving how you mix up the styling on it too. Definitely a winner and a versatile little top!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:48h, 12 February Reply

      Thanks, Mel! How’s the WD coming?

      • poppykettle
        Posted at 06:02h, 16 February Reply

        All the muslins are done and acceptable – I start work on the real thing this weekend! 🙂

  • maryfunt
    Posted at 23:50h, 11 February Reply

    Loved seeing your creations. I just finished my first version and posted the result on cloningcouture.com. Loving the ready-to-wear fast.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:46h, 12 February Reply

      Hi Mary! I subscribed to your blog and saw your beautiful blouse this morning 🙂 Love it and I’m sure Marfy does too !

  • Gjeometry
    Posted at 14:35h, 16 February Reply

    I have not made my Marfy yet and I don’t know why as I think this blouse is gorgeous! I love your version. Sleeveless never looked so classy! I also like it tucked in AND tucked out which you can’t say about most tops.

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