BALLET WRAP TOP | SEAMWORK ELMIRA

Seamwork Elmira Ballet Wrap Top

Hey guys, I’ve got the post-holiday blues! You might have spotted on IG that I was in Tuscany in Italy last week. I know it’s now almost a cliche to rave about how amazing it is, but it really is. I had been dreaming of going to Florence since I was 14 and got an A+ for my essay on Lorenzo the Magnificent in History, but this was the first time. And I was truly blown away! I absolutely adored Florence, in spite of the hoards of tourists being spewed out of tour buses and the ridiculous queues for anything remotely interesting. But perhaps the best parts met us when we stepped out of the cities, in the Chianti countryside, with vineyards and rolling hills and the most beautiful light anywhere!

I’m sorry that I won’t delight you with an amazing photo shoot from Italy. I really did not have anything new with me that was worth photographing, apart from the dress that I wore at my friend’s wedding and I was not about to do a shoot there, haha!

This is actually a post that was due before the holidays, but I absolutely ran out of time to sort out the pics and do the writing, so here we are, a boring shoot in my living room. And a really short post, as I am shattered after a long crazy day back at work.


I was instantly won over by the simple yet effective practicality of this project.

So, Seamwork Elmira… As you might have noticed here and here, I love Seamwork patterns or at least some of them. This is the third one I made and I was instantly won over by the simple yet effective practicality of this project. And the bow! The fact that ballet wraps are everywhere really did not come into it, but hey, it’s a bonus!

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Seamwork Elmira Red Jersey (2017) #04

 

BUT… After finishing it late last year, I did wear it loads and I feel I like this particular version (not the pattern) a little less than when I first put it on. It somehow just doesn’t sit well on me. I think it really needs going a size down and reducing the centre back a tiny bit. I’m always tugging at the shoulders and it just doesn’t feel as snug as it should. I almost wanted to put in a centre back seam to get rid of the excess, but somehow can’t be bothered. Well, a lesson for next time.

Seamwork Elmira Red Jersey - Square (2017) #03

Also, I would like to ponder on the finishing instructions a bit. This is my beef in general with Seamwork patterns, it always feels like they cut corners in the construction to make it quick, but it lacks a certain elegance. I don’t like that the shoulder seams and side seams finish in an overlocked edge that is not covered up by anything neater. I have to think how to tweak it so it’s joined in a tidier way.

I also found the sleeves super tight when everything else was much looser. The fabric I used was not super stretchy, but still, the tightness feels a bit uncomfortable. Or maybe I just have big arms…

I know it sounds like I’m grumbling, but I really do love this pattern. I think it’s massively practical to wear over dresses or with high waist trousers and skirts. I am planning on a few more versions with the few tweaks that came out of this one.

Seamwork Elmira Red Jersey - Square (2017) #07

Seamwork Elmira Red Jersey (2017) #03

Here are the details:

Pattern: Seamwork Elmira, size M

Fabric: Interlock knit from Minerva

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Fit: Be aware that it comes really short, about 10 cm above waistline for me. Also, the sleeves are a bit snug. I would recommend measuring the back width to ensure no gapping especially if you have a narrow back like me. Also, probably not too suitable on its own, it does have a bit of a plunging neckline. I wear mine with a camisole.

Alterations: none, but next time I will cut a size S, remove 1-1,1/2 cm from centre back, add 1/2 cm to sleeves and remove a bit from the inside wrap part, to make it fit really snugly.

Construction:  I only used the overlocker and the coverstitch for the finishing. It really is a simple pattern with absolutely no head scratching at all.

Verdict: Though not too keen on this version anymore, I can’t wait to make the pattern again, and also to do some experimenting to lengthen it a bit to get more of a different look, that would be more suitable on its own, rather than a cover.

Thanks for reading and bearing with my holiday motivated silence :).

Seamwork Elmira Red Jersey (2017) #06

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8 Comments

  1. 23 May 2017 / 12:01 PM

    I’ve been pondering the idea of a wrap top for some time, and now seeing this I’m tempted to take the plunge. It’s lovely. I’m grateful for those fit tips, which will be so useful, if I use the same pattern. Thanks! You look fab in the bold red by the way 🙂

    • Alex
      Author
      4 June 2017 / 1:56 PM

      Thank very much! It’s a really nice pattern.

  2. 23 May 2017 / 12:08 PM

    Nice! The red looks lovely on you, especially styled with the black. Looking forward to seeing your next one; you may just inspire me to make one!

    • Alex
      Author
      23 May 2017 / 9:56 PM

      Thank you, Sue! You really should, it’s quite a versatile make. I have such a long queue and so little time lately, that I’m not sure when the next one might happen… 🙁

  3. Alex
    Author
    23 May 2017 / 9:57 PM

    Thank you! If you have a Seamwork subscription, it’s really worth giving it a go. It’s a very quick make and will surely come in handy over cooler summer nights.

  4. Julie
    26 May 2017 / 6:08 AM

    This looks really lovely. The sleeves were really tight on me too and I have super skinny arms!

  5. 3 June 2017 / 11:12 AM

    A beautiful wrap. You remind me of Audrey Hepburn wearing this outfit – classy!

    • Alex
      Author
      4 June 2017 / 1:55 PM

      Thank you, that’s very flattering! 🙂

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