Just discovered your review - oh how I wish I had happened upon this yesterday. I totally agree with you about the binding - i struggled- instructions sketchy and definitely not for a beginner. Your method is the way to go. Thank you. Caroline
I totally agree about the binding ...I actually never done it like that before and I don't really like the look. Next time I will do it the way you say which was what I had in my head to do anyway. Looks good on you!
Sooooo (sew) useful! First, YES!! As a beginner, I would say binding is not so beginner-ish! So just thanks for pointing out but I know it's also something I will have to tackle. I love your reviews because they are very detailed and just so trustworthy because you seem to really care. I love that you didn't want to "faff" about in the heat!! Haha!! But the other cool and amazing thing - I love that you give us beginners the confidence to stray from instructions if we can think of an easier way to get something done. That's really important!! Thanks!! Oh - wait!! The top is adorable on you! Really. I really like it - I think it totally suits. Super cute with jeans. I agree - not shapeless. Love it! Truly.
Thank you so much. I'm all about shortcuts where they won't make too much difference to the overall finish! It's always worth trying things out, the best way to learn I reckon. Someone else has suggested spray starch to stabilise the fabric for making binding - one to try for next time definitely! x
I just made the top and cut it without the seam allowance on accident. Then realized the v notch was missing, so recut the back pieces. And I really messed up the v binding it was difficult. It fit but the under arm is a tad tight. I agree if i make it again I'll bind it like you did.
I love this top and it is one of my tried and true staples. I love the fabric choice. I generally lengthen the peplum by double and extend the bodice by a couple of inches as well. I am addicted to making it in rayon challis & have a couple in cotton sateen as well. Fun top. fabric choice and the color especially. I need another in a solid now! 😋👌 Great binding tip!
Those sound like lovely fabrics. There is a tutorial online for turning it into a top with sleeves - I'm imagining a version with a nice big sleeve for cooler weather!
This is the second time I have watched your video. First to find one and now for the binding tip, which is great! I'm curious if you bothered making different widths on the bias tape? I'm going to make them the same (first time making this top) but since your so honest (lol) I thought I would ask. I love your top and the color is so pretty on you!
I meant to mention this in the review - it seems the pattern pieces for the armhole binding are a bit narrower than the neckline binding. I used the wider width to make all the binding. See below someone's comment about using spray starch to help with it too! Good luck x
Hi Ruth, I have this pattern but haven’t made it yet. I did make the ruffle sleeve top from Peppermint magazine. That is also a little too cropped for me. I did make it in white linen. I should have used a lighter weight linen and I would have preferred to do a complete lined version especially at the front. The facing cuts kinda through the bust line. It did turn out nice though and I will make it again. The peplum is also on my list to make. I never noticed the shoulder details on the pattern till you pointed it out. I like your version and would leave it the way it is. It looks like it would be nice and cool on those hot humid days. Thanks for the review and have a great day. Val ❤️🇨🇦🇬🇧
Thanks Val. I love the shoulder details, maybe a bit of colour blocking next time to highlight it. I must admit I prefer the finish of a binding but facing is usually much less fiddly. Time to get faster with a binding finish for future makes I reckon! x
Great review & lovely top, I love the colour. I'm not sure why your side seams dip but perhaps the extra length that you added has made it too heavy but as others have said it really isn't noticeable. I've made this top a couple of times out very small remnants & pieced the ruffle, as you suggested. I must admit it's not my usual style either, I kept mine quite cropped but I love it with high waisted shorts for holidays. You can use a spray starch to stabilise bias binding btw. (I had the same fear that someone was going to do the same top review as me too & I did look at the Peppermint wrap top that Josie made before settling on the Geo tank that I made - although I think it would be interesting to have lots of dressmakers make the same top & see all the different results & reviews!)
Spray starch, what a great idea! Do you use it before cutting bias strips out if the fabric is quite shifty? I am totally trying this next time! x PS really enjoyed your review, nice to see a tank top that's a bit more interesting than just the usual basic. x
@@sewdysfunctional4889 when I used it I applied it after I'd cut the fabric but it actually makes more sense to do it before 😊 The Geo is a great little pattern, thanks
I'm making this top now and the armhole binding is just not working for me. I'm going to rip it out (again!) and try it your way. Thank you for the tips!
Ah good luck! I hope it works better using the linked tutorial. I want to revisit this pattern soon as I have some fabric in mind, but need to do a few little adjustments first! Let me know how you get on with yours. ❤
What a comprehensive review! Thank you. I like the top on you very much, the colour is glorious! I suspect the way the fabric is behaving at the back and sides is because of the weight, but it's such a small issue I wouldn't let it bother you. Would you stop wearing it if you'd bought it and then the sides dropped a little?
It's true I am so much more critical of clothes I make than those I buy in the shops. 😂 I think I actually quite like the shape it has given to the waistline at the front so I'll pretend it was how it was intended all along! X
Thank you for a great review 😊 I think your top looks really good, the colour is beautiful (and good luck with your ban...I would fail, so I'm not even trying 🤣)
Thank you! I am feeling more comfortable with it and am wondering about how I can hack it more for next time :) I love the colour too. I enjoyed your sewatop video as well, so many nice new patterns to try out! x
Thanks for the review. I think it looks fine on you, sometimes its good to try something different and if it's a free pattern it's worth taking the risk.
I think the top looks really cute on you. The angling up and down at the sides and back may be the fabric, but no one is going to look at it and think something's wrong! That said, I completely understand not being sold a a particular style even if others think it looks nice.
Thanks. I think it is growing on me. With a couple of adjustments it could be perfect. Really enjoyed your review too, it's been a really fun list of videos so far x
Really useful review. Thank you. Personally I think the top looks good on you, but I know exactly what you mean about wearing a style shape that is not your normal choice. Somehow they never feel quite right (speaking from experience 😂).
Yes exactly. But I'm in my mid 30s now so maybe it's time to branch out haha! The biggest problem is being around two mucky, sticky, rough and tumble children all day. I'm a comfort over style person mostly. But I do like to look a little smarter occasionally and I think this top is growing on me :) x
Just discovered your review - oh how I wish I had happened upon this yesterday. I totally agree with you about the binding - i struggled- instructions sketchy and definitely not for a beginner. Your method is the way to go. Thank you. Caroline
Ah yes, I am planning to make another one of these, maybe you can do my shortcut method next time! I'm all about time saving 😂
I totally agree about the binding ...I actually never done it like that before and I don't really like the look. Next time I will do it the way you say which was what I had in my head to do anyway.
Looks good on you!
Thank you! I am all about reducing the amount of faff in sewing!
Sooooo (sew) useful! First, YES!! As a beginner, I would say binding is not so beginner-ish! So just thanks for pointing out but I know it's also something I will have to tackle. I love your reviews because they are very detailed and just so trustworthy because you seem to really care. I love that you didn't want to "faff" about in the heat!! Haha!! But the other cool and amazing thing - I love that you give us beginners the confidence to stray from instructions if we can think of an easier way to get something done. That's really important!! Thanks!! Oh - wait!! The top is adorable on you! Really. I really like it - I think it totally suits. Super cute with jeans. I agree - not shapeless. Love it! Truly.
Thank you so much. I'm all about shortcuts where they won't make too much difference to the overall finish! It's always worth trying things out, the best way to learn I reckon. Someone else has suggested spray starch to stabilise the fabric for making binding - one to try for next time definitely! x
Lovely top Ruth!. I love the rust color of your fabric and I think the peplum suits you. It’s perfect for hot summer days. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! If only we had some more of those hot summer days forecast... I needed this top made up two weeks earlier haha! x
Your top is lovely and I think it looks great on you! Thanks for the comprehensive pattern review.
Thank you very much x
Thank you - what a useful review! I’ve been thinking about making this top and I really appreciate your comments and tips.
You're welcome, I'm glad it has been helpful. Good luck if you give it a go! x
I just made the top and cut it without the seam allowance on accident. Then realized the v notch was missing, so recut the back pieces. And I really messed up the v binding it was difficult. It fit but the under arm is a tad tight. I agree if i make it again I'll bind it like you did.
Thanks for the neck binding tip! Looks much easier done your way! I also altered the arm holes as I felt they were too big. Subbed!!
Glad it was helpful. Yes I am going to be raising that armhole for my next version! Wonder if there is an easy way to add sleeves too.... :)
I love this top and it is one of my tried and true staples. I love the fabric choice. I generally lengthen the peplum by double and extend the bodice by a couple of inches as well. I am addicted to making it in rayon challis & have a couple in cotton sateen as well. Fun top. fabric choice and the color especially. I need another in a solid now! 😋👌 Great binding tip!
Those sound like lovely fabrics. There is a tutorial online for turning it into a top with sleeves - I'm imagining a version with a nice big sleeve for cooler weather!
This is the second time I have watched your video. First to find one and now for the binding tip, which is great! I'm curious if you bothered making different widths on the bias tape? I'm going to make them the same (first time making this top) but since your so honest (lol) I thought I would ask. I love your top and the color is so pretty on you!
I meant to mention this in the review - it seems the pattern pieces for the armhole binding are a bit narrower than the neckline binding. I used the wider width to make all the binding. See below someone's comment about using spray starch to help with it too! Good luck x
Hi Ruth, I have this pattern but haven’t made it yet. I did make the ruffle sleeve top from Peppermint magazine. That is also a little too cropped for me. I did make it in white linen. I should have used a lighter weight linen and I would have preferred to do a complete lined version especially at the front. The facing cuts kinda through the bust line. It did turn out nice though and I will make it again. The peplum is also on my list to make. I never noticed the shoulder details on the pattern till you pointed it out. I like your version and would leave it the way it is. It looks like it would be nice and cool on those hot humid days. Thanks for the review and have a great day. Val ❤️🇨🇦🇬🇧
Thanks Val. I love the shoulder details, maybe a bit of colour blocking next time to highlight it. I must admit I prefer the finish of a binding but facing is usually much less fiddly. Time to get faster with a binding finish for future makes I reckon! x
I have made the peplum top numerous times and I definitely agree doing the neck binding is easier before sewing up the back.
Great review & lovely top, I love the colour. I'm not sure why your side seams dip but perhaps the extra length that you added has made it too heavy but as others have said it really isn't noticeable. I've made this top a couple of times out very small remnants & pieced the ruffle, as you suggested. I must admit it's not my usual style either, I kept mine quite cropped but I love it with high waisted shorts for holidays. You can use a spray starch to stabilise bias binding btw.
(I had the same fear that someone was going to do the same top review as me too & I did look at the Peppermint wrap top that Josie made before settling on the Geo tank that I made - although I think it would be interesting to have lots of dressmakers make the same top & see all the different results & reviews!)
Spray starch, what a great idea! Do you use it before cutting bias strips out if the fabric is quite shifty? I am totally trying this next time! x PS really enjoyed your review, nice to see a tank top that's a bit more interesting than just the usual basic. x
@@sewdysfunctional4889 when I used it I applied it after I'd cut the fabric but it actually makes more sense to do it before 😊
The Geo is a great little pattern, thanks
I like your top and choice of fabric. It looks good on you :)
I'm making this top now and the armhole binding is just not working for me. I'm going to rip it out (again!) and try it your way. Thank you for the tips!
Ah good luck! I hope it works better using the linked tutorial. I want to revisit this pattern soon as I have some fabric in mind, but need to do a few little adjustments first! Let me know how you get on with yours. ❤
What a comprehensive review! Thank you. I like the top on you very much, the colour is glorious! I suspect the way the fabric is behaving at the back and sides is because of the weight, but it's such a small issue I wouldn't let it bother you. Would you stop wearing it if you'd bought it and then the sides dropped a little?
It's true I am so much more critical of clothes I make than those I buy in the shops. 😂 I think I actually quite like the shape it has given to the waistline at the front so I'll pretend it was how it was intended all along! X
Found this thru "AND Sew On". Like the explanation given about the top. Thank you.
Excellent review! Xx
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it :)
Thank you for a great review 😊 I think your top looks really good, the colour is beautiful (and good luck with your ban...I would fail, so I'm not even trying 🤣)
Thank you! I am feeling more comfortable with it and am wondering about how I can hack it more for next time :) I love the colour too. I enjoyed your sewatop video as well, so many nice new patterns to try out! x
I love tops with peplums and your choice of colour
Thank you! I enjoyed your review, I love that pattern, it's on my list for future purchase! x
Thanks for the review. I think it looks fine on you, sometimes its good to try something different and if it's a free pattern it's worth taking the risk.
Yes I agree. It's growing on me.. I'm not much of a girly girl usually but I think I can see myself making more of these x
Excellent review and video! I subscribed!
I would have thought the dip down was intentional. I think that top looks lovely on you!!
Thank you! I have worn it a bit and felt very comfy in it :)
I think the top looks really cute on you. The angling up and down at the sides and back may be the fabric, but no one is going to look at it and think something's wrong! That said, I completely understand not being sold a a particular style even if others think it looks nice.
Thanks. I think it is growing on me. With a couple of adjustments it could be perfect. Really enjoyed your review too, it's been a really fun list of videos so far x
Really useful review. Thank you. Personally I think the top looks good on you, but I know exactly what you mean about wearing a style shape that is not your normal choice. Somehow they never feel quite right (speaking from experience 😂).
Yes exactly. But I'm in my mid 30s now so maybe it's time to branch out haha! The biggest problem is being around two mucky, sticky, rough and tumble children all day. I'm a comfort over style person mostly. But I do like to look a little smarter occasionally and I think this top is growing on me :) x
Good information.