liberty tova

There's nothing like a surge in temperature and a ray or two of sunshine to start analysing one's wardrobe. There was a time when I wore only dresses but lately I have been favouring trousers which, as luck would have it, means I have a bona fide excuse to sew some tops. Let's face it, there are only so many dresses one can really justify, I think.

I've been talking about dusting down the sewing machine for months now and finally, with the advent of Spring, not to mention a good dose of Vitamin D pouring through the windows, I cut into some prized Liberty fabric. I bought this last summer when we were back in the UK but now can't find a link to its name anywhere. I love it for the very British print with lion, griffin, roses and chariot and if anyone out there can identify it, I'd love you to say.

Isn't sewing a much faster fix than knitting? Once I set my mind to it, I had this made in two very short days. Oh, I haven't told you about the pattern yet .. it's the ubiquitous Tova by Wiksten. I made a Winter version two and a half years ago so I knew it was going to be a successful project but partnered with the tana lawn, it is even better. I must confess I had forgotten about how tricky the placket can be but, taken slowly and with great care, the pieces all work!

This one is a fair bit shorter than the pattern calls for and I also made a larger size than I would normally do. I find this pattern runs a little small across the shoulders and besides, I dislike snug fitting tops. I also dispensed with the collar this time, in favour of simple bias binding around the neckline. Despite being quick to choose the fabric and my pattern, one thing I couldn't decide on throughout the entire project was whether to add buttons to the placket or not. My Winter Tova gapes at the neckline you see. So far, this one is fine (although the weight of buttons could possibly change that) but the deciding factor was that the fuse in my voltage transformer blew before I could get the buttonhole foot out of its box .. fate, I guess. So no buttons!

Are you enjoying some sunshine in your part of the world? Let's hope so!