So, I really love Halla patterns. The team is fun. Their designs are unique and delightful. Plus, they often include lots of options. Agnes is one of their freebie patterns that I downloaded forever ago. And yet…this is my first time sewing the Agnes!
Of course, the entire premise of this blog tour is that we all sew up our own versions. We could hack or change. Do whatevs. I decided to make just a few changes. First, I used the slimmer dress cutline for width, but the top length. I don’t typically love wearing swing tops, as I tend to look like a I’m wearing a tent. This width is the perfect loose fit tee, without being too loose fit. I also shortened the sleeves slightly. (I am always shortening short sleeves on patterns. They are almost always too long.)
But, I couldn’t stop there! I also wanted to add a fun, but subtle, feature. Becky, over at Big Fly Notions, made this great dress a while ago with a quilted accent at the shoulders. It stuck with me and I wanted to do my own version. I wanted kind of the faux raglan sleeve in the front, but a full yoke in the back. And I wanted it quilted!!
I eyeballed the whole thing, but angled the faux raglan about halfway down the armscye curve and drew the yoke straight across the back about 2/3 the way down the armscye. I actually connected the two yoke pieces into one at the shoulder seam. Don’t forget to add seam allowance!!!
I have been talking pretty big about adding more solid colors to my closet and this was the perfect opportunity. So, I grabbed this great Dark Raisin DBP from Sly Fox Fabrics. I cut two yokes, two sleeves, and one each of the front and back. With both yoke pieces, wrong sides together, I started pinning. First the center of the bottom edge. From there, I marked 2 inch increments all the way out to the armscye curve. Then I marked the center of the back neckline. I used a ruler to add additional pins to make my pattern for 2 inch diamonds. The fun of this is that you could use any pattern you wanted!! I used matching thread, but contrast could be fun too!
Then I constructed the top as instructed. Front to yoke. Back to yoke. Sleeves, sides, neckband, and hem. It was really fast, which I always appreciate. And the fit is spot on!! I clearly need to make more of these. And since the sister already tried to steal this one, she’d probably enjoy one or two in her closet as well.
Halla, being the awesome company they are, has given us each a pattern code to give away!! I’m going to choose a random comment on this post, Saturday 11 May as the winner here! Read all the way to the bottom for my fellow bloggers and don’t forget to enter on each blog to maximize your chances of winning!!
What do you think? Need an Agnes in your closet? What other Halla patterns have you been eyeing, that you’ll pick up if you win?
Stephanie xx
Thanks for stopping by! Once you’ve entered my draw, be sure to find the others on the tour for even more chances to win! We’re EACH giving away ONE Halla Pattern code. That means five chances to win!! All draws will be made on Saturday, May 11, 2019 so you have time each day to read, enjoy, and enter each sewist’s contest .
Monday – Kate from Sewing from Scratch adding a V-Back to the Agnes Dress (for an additional entry, visit her YouTube video, too!)
Tuesday – Gwen from Crafty Curly Couture making the Agnes Tank
Wednesday – Sequoia from SequoiaLynn Sews demonstrating an FBA, floaty sleeves and a scoop neck.
Thursday – Laura from Custom Made by Laura colour blocking the Agnes Tank
Friday – Stephanie from Sarcastic Sewist adding a quilted yoke and slim dress line to the Agnes Shirt
This is beautiful! I love the quilted accent!
I like how the quilting adds that subtle bit of interest. 🙂 I’m might have to try this!
I love the quilted yoke…so creative! I have been afraid of the Agnes making me look like a tent as well. You’ve inspired me to give it a go!
Love this! I just found your blog the other day and I am loving it!!
It’s subtle and decorative. Could you have done the quilting in a different color thread to make it stand out more? Don’t enter me in your contest – just like what you’re doing.
I love the Hallå Agnes! Its a summer favorite of mine. I
I love this! I love the Agnes. Thank you for one more way to make this amazing dress unique!
I love the idea of a yoke. I’m going to try this next time!!
So fun, Stephanie!! That color is so gorgeous on you 🥰😁
Super cute! Now mentally inventorying my fabric to see if I can do this too!
All of this is so very interesting! Super good information! Have started sewing again after many years and,of course, fabrics have changed greatly over time. It’s great to have access to all of this information about different fabrics and techniques. Also, I’m loving the availability of pdf patterns in multiple sizes. I’ve lost 133# since the beginning of 2018, but still have to grade from a 12/14 on top to 3 or 4XL hips. That’s a lot, but the multiple sizes make that much easier. And can I say, “I love my French Curve!” I still always measure, measure, measure and compare pattern size and finished size charts against my measurements. Takes longer, but helps avoid mistakes in the long run. I also love how you all work together and share your group challenges. It’s always fascinating to see how each person has different ideas for the same pattern. One of the reasons why I love sewing; it’s so personal!
Oooooh, what a great idea – I would never have thought of doing that!
Just stunning. so much creativity and inspiration here! Great job, Stephanie!
Cute! I’ve never seen halla patterns before, so will have to check them out.
Thank you four sharing your hacks
I love the color you chose for this project and thanks for the inspiration to add quilted detail to my own projects.
Beautiful!
You look great! What novel idea! I never thought to add a quilted yoke! Thank you for inspiring me.
Your hack is simply awesome n different..i kove the quilted accent..plus that purple on u is too gorgeous for words
Simply an awesome idea to add the quilted yoke. I love it..
I love what you did! I never made one of their patterns but would love to😀