Monday 23 June 2014

The Bronte Top


For someone who claims they don't get much time to sew these days, I've been busting out quite a few new projects lately! Here's one that I completed during May but wasn't allowed to wear during MMMay'14 or blog about until now.... 


It's the new pattern by Jennifer Lauren Vintage (creator of the Afternoon Blouse): the Bronte top. I was asked by Jen to be a pattern tester and as soon as I saw pictures of her samples I knew it was going to be a hit, both for me personally and for the sewing community in general. It's a genius design: vintage inspired but comfy, the holy grail for many of us sewers, non?! 


The Bronte top is basically a jersey/knit top with a cleverly drafted neckline that is no more difficult to construct than a t-shirt with a standard bound neckline, and with only one more pattern piece. The Bronte's neckline has kind of a flattering 40's vibe but also reminds me slightly of the envelope necklines on babies' onesies (in a good way). I love that you can make it really stand out with contrast binding (as I have done here) and buttons, or make a more subtle effect with self-binding (see Jen's blog post for some great options). I really look forward to seeing how other sewers interpret this pattern. 


I made mine in some thick, stable navy jersey that was lurking in my stash with cream organic jersey (left over from my Coco breast feeding top) for the binding. I chose to make the long sleeved option because I felt the thicker fabric suited a colder-weather appropriate version. I'd definitely like to make another, possibly in medium weight black jersey with 3/4 sleeves, self-binding and buttons either side of the neckline. 

25 comments:

the craftytraveller said...

Great top Zoe! This is definitely going on my list - thank you for sharing it with us! Rachel ☺

Nane said...

Waw. I already liked the pattern since I saw it a little ago. Your version is perfect. And it suits you admirably ! Inspiring :-)

justsewtherapeutic said...

Lovely top and the contrast binding really shows off the design! Just added it to my pattern wish list!

tialys said...

This looks great on you. I'm trying to decide whether the neck is scooped enough for me but I really like the pattern.

Jane said...

Love it - especially the contrast binding. Gorgeous! x

unlabelled clothes said...

Very classic. It's going on my pattern wish list :)

Sewing by Shirley said...

This looks beautiful! I love your fabric color too.

Anonymous said...

Love the black and white colour way on this. Looks fab on you :-)

JustSewJenna said...

This looks great, I love your contrast binding! This pattern is definitely going on my list to sew.

Scruffybadger said...

Such a winner. Totally you too Zoe. Nice one! And yes, the neckline reminds me sooo much of baby vests too ! You and baby D can go matchees ?!

Meg the Grand said...

Love the contrast and that fabulous neckline! Well done!

Lovenicky said...

This top is super flattering on you, especially with the white trim. Excellent job!

niddetissus said...

Love, love, love! You are right, a big hit!

Mother of Reinvention said...

This is a lovely pattern. Your top looks fantastic, the contrast binding is really chic. I think I need this pattern in my life too. :)xx

Anonymous said...

This looks great on you, Zoe, really lovely. I might try that one too :)
<3 Jasz

Minnado said...

Love it! Especially the contrast neck. I often think the neck of baby vests is a great invention! X

Anonymous said...

Love it! That neckline is pretty awesome!

Sharon said...

Great looking top and love the contrast.

Jen said...

Love your version Zoe!! I've made a short sleeve one pretty much exactly like this because I loved yours so much!!!

Essi P said...

Love the top Zoe! It makes me think of sailors which is never a bad thing :)

Catherine said...

ooh lovely work! i do love that neckline - imagine it with some cute buttons perhaps?

Catherine said...

ooh lovely work! i do love that neckline - imagine it with some cute buttons perhaps?

Fiona Parker said...

Excellent top Zoe! In that combo of colours it has a slight nautical feel which of course suits you perfectly! I may have to make my own!

frk.bustad said...

Such a cute top, and perfectly nautical! Really like the contrast binding. I think I need to try this pattern for myself. Do you think it is easy to alter the neckline to get it slightly lower/scooped?

Unknown said...

Pretty top. It looks great on you.

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