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Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Victory Patterns - Satsuki Top and Dress

You can tell I am starting to think about summer with all these loose, drapy patterns.  I've liked this one for ages and finally got around to downloading the pdf version.  While I find it a complete drag to print and tape pdf patterns it is fantastic to buy it and receive it moments rather than weeks later.

Satsuki (autocorrect keeps changing to satsuma, one is bound to sneak in this post) can be made as a top or dress and there are is also an unbelted version with a ruffle.  The shoulder cut outs are optional too so there are a few different variations you can make with this pattern.

I started with the belted top with no shoulder cutouts using a blue printed cotton and although it has a kind of stripe effect I didn't have enough fabric to match so I just ignored it, I figured it wouldn't matter too much in this style.  I raised the neckline a bit, but probably didn't need to, I think it would look better lower.  I really liked the print when I bought it (obviously!), but made up in this style it is in danger of veering into sort of tacky loud shirt territory.  Maybe with shorts and in a resort setting I will feel a bit more enthusiastic about it.







Against all commonly accepted rules, I find the best fabric for me to wear in our hot, humid summers is jersey which is why I boringly make lots of repeats in easy knit dresses, this is what I live in for half the year.  If the fabric has a print that isn't going to show up any sweat marks (sorry for TMI!) then even better.  So I was keen to try the dress version out in a printed ITY jersey.








I love how this dress feels to wear, but again it does feel a bit like a kaftan / pool cover up and I think it will take a bit of getting used to wearing in the city.  The pattern is really simple to sew and there are some great versions out there, I just don't love it yet as much as I wanted or expected to.

11 comments:

  1. I like each version very much, including the fabric choices. We have hot humid summers too, here in Tennessee, USA, but I've never thought about jersey as a good fabric for this climate. I will have to give it a try.

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  2. Two great versions and interesting that you find the jersey best for heat and humidity.

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  3. interesting pattern! Both look great.

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  4. Love both the top and the dress. Great pattern.

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  5. I prefer this pattern as a dress. I love this design and made a version years ago but sadly I used very poor quality silk and it didn't live very long. The fabric for both garments is pretty stunning.

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  6. I really like both pieces, and the fabrics. Very nice photos as well!

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  7. Gorgeous! I get the beach coverup feel a bit from the dress form pictures where they have less shape but not in the pictures of you. On you they look fresh and elegant!

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  8. Looks like the perfect breezy dress/top for summer. You look lovely.

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  9. I love your fabric choices! The top looks so airy and cool and comfortable. And the dress fabric is gorgeous. It may be a bit kaftany or beachy, but it looks great!

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  10. I think the dress version looks wonderful on you, as the length balances the sleeves. Perhaps the very drapey quality of the ITY knit also keeps the proportion closer to the body. The top does pair nicely with your cropped jeans.

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  11. I agree with you. A great print helps me get through humid weather better than plain coloured fabrics. Both of these versions are RTW worthy.

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