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?
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.
I knew the style was suitable for everyday or special occasion dressing, plus I could wear it tucked in or left out.
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.
- 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.
It’s nice to be finished and even better to have a permanent muslin and pattern for this top!
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 🙂
Lori
Posted at 10:21h, 06 FebruaryI just love this top on you. I might have to try a Marfy now, thanks to the Leisa’s site.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:40h, 08 FebruaryYou will do wonders with a Marfy, Lori!
Judi
Posted at 10:30h, 06 FebruaryThat top looks very nice on you!!! The fabric is gorgeous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:41h, 08 FebruaryThank you so much, Judi!
Art Attack
Posted at 10:32h, 06 FebruaryGreat top…love your fabric.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:41h, 08 FebruaryMany thanks, Dorcas 🙂
Gail Yellen
Posted at 10:32h, 06 FebruaryChic + comfy = one of my favorite combos. Beautiful!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:41h, 08 FebruaryThank you, Gail! I could have used you by my side on this one 😉
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 10:49h, 06 FebruaryLove 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 FebruaryFuture versions are planned, Cissie! I really love the two tops you made 🙂
Carolyn Boland
Posted at 11:07h, 06 FebruaryVery nice!
Sent from my iPhone
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goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:42h, 08 FebruaryThanks, Carolyn!
M.E. White
Posted at 11:09h, 06 FebruaryAbsolutely 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 FebruaryThank 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 FebruaryHowever, one must have nice Shoulders and toned arms to Wear successfully. You are a Great model!
Sent from my iPhone
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goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:47h, 08 February🙂 You are very kind, Carolyn
Jenny
Posted at 11:18h, 06 FebruaryThat looks super – congrats on tackling Marfy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:48h, 08 FebruaryThank you, Jenny! It was an easy and introductory Marfy for sure 🙂
carolee1945
Posted at 11:38h, 06 FebruaryI love the fabric, I love the design, and I love the model. Is that you? Yes, wow!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:48h, 08 FebruaryIt is I 🙂 Many thanks for your nice comment 🙂
Angelique
Posted at 11:58h, 06 FebruaryThat’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 FebruaryThank you, Angelique! You must finish yours and send the photo to Leisa!
Myra
Posted at 12:32h, 06 FebruaryWhat 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 FebruaryMany thanks, Myra! I’ll definitely show and tell when the next one is completed 🙂
Sarah. Jo
Posted at 12:41h, 06 FebruaryLovely 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 FebruaryThank 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 FebruaryThe 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 FebruarySince 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 Februarygorgeous top! oh i love that fabric, it looks so dreamy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:51h, 08 FebruaryThank you, Lisa! The fabric handles beautifully 🙂
marnie
Posted at 14:59h, 06 FebruaryHow much time do you devote to sewing per day/week?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:53h, 08 FebruaryHi 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 Februaryvery pretty
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:53h, 08 FebruaryThank you, Pauline! It’s so nice to hear from you 🙂 🙂 🙂
Alexandra
Posted at 15:09h, 06 FebruaryBeautiful top! Such a pretty fabric and I just love those cut-in shoulders.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:54h, 08 FebruaryMany thanks, Alexandra! The shoulder sold me immediately 🙂
Dilliander
Posted at 16:04h, 06 FebruarySo pretty, this style looks lovely on you and the Mood silk is perfect.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:54h, 08 FebruaryThank you, Dilliander !
Hanh
Posted at 17:16h, 06 FebruaryGood job as always, and you look very lovely
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:54h, 08 FebruaryMany thanks, Hanh 🙂
Sandra (Sewist-Stitch)
Posted at 17:19h, 06 FebruarySarah I love this on you. Your fabric is real pretty and falls beautifully.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:55h, 08 FebruaryThank you, Sandra! The drape is just right IMHO 🙂
Sharon
Posted at 18:03h, 06 FebruaryGorgeous 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 FebruaryOh good, Sharon! I know your Marfy will be perfect 🙂
Julie Starr
Posted at 18:11h, 06 FebruaryLove, 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 FebruaryThank you, Julie! The voile will be perfect for sure 🙂
Judie
Posted at 20:16h, 06 FebruarySimply stunning!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:57h, 08 FebruaryThank you, Judie!
Crystal Elston (@CrystalElston)
Posted at 21:38h, 06 FebruaryLooks great on you.Love the fabric/patterns/colors! Nice job as always!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:57h, 08 FebruaryMany thanks, Crystal 🙂 It was worth learning to sew this line of patterns 🙂
Cindy C.
Posted at 21:46h, 06 FebruaryUtterly 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 FebruaryThank 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 FebruaryLove it! Well done for attempting a Marfy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:59h, 08 FebruaryThanks, Roberta! I will attempt again 🙂
Liss
Posted at 05:45h, 07 FebruaryThakoon 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 FebruaryThank 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 FebruaryYOU did it again! Love your top!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:00h, 08 FebruaryMany thanks, Becky!!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:05h, 09 February🙂 Many thanks, Becky! Can’t wait to see your dress.
Urbanite
Posted at 08:25h, 07 FebruaryLovely. 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.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:04h, 09 FebruaryHmm…. Try this! http://www.marfy.it/cartamodello-gratis-0757-en.html Did you create an account?
Shannon
Posted at 19:05h, 07 FebruaryYou 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 FebruaryAh….. what a sweet comment 🙂 Many thanks, Shannon!
justineabbitt
Posted at 20:07h, 07 FebruarySuch a shoulder flattering top! I love the fabric too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:09h, 09 FebruaryThanks, Justine – anything to make the arms look longer 🙂 !
Laura
Posted at 20:21h, 07 FebruaryBeautiful! You keep opening new worlds of sewing – thank you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:10h, 09 FebruaryMany thanks, Laura! There’s lots left to discover 🙂
Jean
Posted at 03:07h, 09 FebruaryLove the shape of this top and it suits you so well.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:10h, 09 FebruaryMany thanks, Jean 🙂 !
CherryPix
Posted at 21:57h, 09 FebruaryA 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 FebruaryAh…… I do have a Valentine outfit after all! Thanks, Anne – you’ve made my day 🙂 !
Calico Stretch
Posted at 00:42h, 10 FebruaryOh 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?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:48h, 12 FebruarySooner than you think!
poppykettle
Posted at 05:32h, 11 FebruaryOh 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 FebruaryThanks, Mel! How’s the WD coming?
poppykettle
Posted at 06:02h, 16 FebruaryAll the muslins are done and acceptable – I start work on the real thing this weekend! 🙂
maryfunt
Posted at 23:50h, 11 FebruaryLoved 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 FebruaryHi 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 FebruaryI 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.