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Zsalya Woven Blouse by Kate & Rose – Pattern Review

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Today I’m sharing my Zsalya top! When I first started sewing more for myself, I searched on Facebook and Twitter for ‘pattern testers’ hoping to find some new designers and styles to try. I stumbled across Kate & Rose ‘s call for testers and happily signed up.This pattern has such unique details! I love how strong and unique her patterns’ aesthetic is, but the different versions I’ve seen online showcase the versatility of the design.

As a pattern tester, I received a copy of the pattern for free but all opinions are my own!

The front yoke has a wide cross-over that doesn’t gape or bunch; if you’re short torso-ed like me, it would even be nursing friendly without any adjustments. Look at the sleeve! Just a subtle detail that isn’t hard to sew, but I like what it adds to the profile.

The back is simple, and this picture clearly indicates to me again that I need to set up my full-size ironing board and/or figure out a better pressing strategy.

The sad part about this pattern is how much time I spent seam-ripping. I wanted to be all fancy and have the insides be beautiful so I tried to use bias-tape on the yoke seam… and didn’t account for the bulk added by the gathers. The front of the bodice stuck out like a hoop skirt – I wish I’d taken a picture! After painstakingly ripping out my top stitching and binding, I serged it like a lazy person.You can also see the original red & white fabric in this (bad) shot.

You can see the fabric’s subtle stripes in the close-up shots.

The sleeve cap has slight gathers, but no pouf-iness!

I’m really happy with how it turned out, but can see it getting shoved to the back of my closet due to its high iron needs. I need a maid!

Go check out the rest of Kate & Rose’s patterns!

Pattern:  Zsalya Top & Dress by Kate & Rose, size small (I was on the bubble between small & medium and opted down, I’m glad I did).

Fabric I used: Red and white striped shirting fabric from Jo-Ann Fabrics, dyed with RIT Fuchsia

Changes I made: I used a smaller hem allowance so it was slightly longer.

What I might do if I make it again: I can’t ever seem to get gathers on bodices “just right”. I might try a pleat(s) instead, or maybe even a knit bodice attached to a woven yoke.

Overall thoughts on the garment:  I love this silhouette. It totally hides a big lunch, the sleeve detail is fun, and fit is spot on. Fuchsia is one of my favorite colors!

Overall thoughts on the pattern: It is so well drafted and written, I think anyone could sew it and be happy with the result. I especially like that she included a “proper” and “fast and dirty” option for attaching the bodice and yoke. It’s nice to see how it “ought to be done” even if I choose the other option! I highly recommend it.

Other versions sewn & blogged: Magpie Makery — Schnitzel and Boo — Handmade by Carolyn — Laglov —

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Comments

  1. Sarah Helene says

    LOVE this pattern, especially the unique short sleeves & the wrap-over V-neck yoke/bodice. The bottom edge of the yoke is curved upwards to off-set the V-neck. FAB top sewn as a Tester for this Zsalya Top and Dress pattern by Kate & Rose. You mentioned you dyed red & white shirting fabric to FUCHSIA, your favorite color–turned out “spot-on” as this top is SO VERSATILE! Thanks for sharing. Sarah in Minneapolis

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  3. Kate says

    This is a beautiful top. I love the crossover front, and the curved back yoke. It looks great on you! I’m not sure it will flatter me, but I think I’ll have to try it anyway. 🙂

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  7. Barbara says

    I came via Sew Can She. Your top is adorable, and would be perfect for me as a dress! I am collecting very loose fitting dresses because I’m having reconstruction surgery on my hands beginning in October, each of which will require a full year of physical therapy for full function to return, and I am forbidden to use zippers, snaps, hooks, or buttons during that time! No elastic waists are allowed, either, and there goes my entire wardrobe! (I’m an elderly grandmother of 4 who wears Mom jeans and Chic shorts – I confess!) I only wish the pattern wasn’t so expensive or I’d order it in a heartbeat, but it’s outside my budget. I’d love that as a dress made in a knit fabric (I won’t be able to iron, either; not that I’m sad about that!). Thanks for sharing your pictures!

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