You have probably already come across the Sorbetto top from Sarai of Colette sewing patterns.
(photograph from Colette patterns blog.)
What a gorgeous little top for summer and if you follow the link you will find a free pattern to download and print off and use to make your own Sorbetto.
Over the last few weeks Sarai has been modifying this pattern to give a Sorbetto without a front pleat.
(photograph from Colette blog.)
and a sorbetto with a scalloped hem.
(photograph from Colette blog)
This is such a versatile design ... wear it skirts, wear it with jeans... it can be casual or dressy, retro or modern. Simple but brilliant and each version is accompanied with her very clear instructions and accompanying photographs.
(Fabric layout plans and making instructions.)
There aren't any facings to deal with as the neckline and the armholes are bound with bias binding. You can see this more clearly in this photograph.
It has binding around the sleeves and neckline which you can see more clearly here. (photograph from Colette blog)
So, you can really accent the colours in your chosen fabric, but only If you want to of course.
I want one! I like the version without the front pleat. So, I've printed out the pattern .... there are lots of pieces to stick together. The first challenge was getting it to print out properly. There's test page to print out with a square on it so that you can check that it's printing out with the correct sizing. I only solved this by printing it from Adobe reader rather than from within my browser.
So, with the pattern printed out I can say that I've made very good use of the floor... spreading it out all the pieces and matching all the notches and now I need to stick it together so I can use it.
Unusually for me I haven't decided which fabric to go for but this is a contender....
This is Ditsy designed by Pat Bravo of Art Gallery fabrics. Pretty don't ya think?
I hope you try a Sorbetto. I'm sure summer will be back soon even though it's been raining for hours so far today.
Hi Julia
Mary has just answered my question! I've seen lots of Sorbetto's but I like sleeves!
Thanks Mary!
Posted by: Gill | August 04, 2011 at 07:11 PM
I am currently sewing my third one. I love this patten. So many ways you can make it.
Posted by: Mela | August 04, 2011 at 02:56 PM
I've made 2 and I love them! Here is a link to 7 days of Sorbetto
http://www.sewweekly.com/2011/07/7dos-the-starter-sorbetto.html
And Claire has drawn up a sleeve pattern to go with it here: http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.com/2011/08/sleeve-pattern-for-sorbetto-top.html
I can't wait to try it with sleeves but I might have to wait until the children are back at school!
Posted by: Mary | August 04, 2011 at 01:23 PM