Itch to Stitch Bainbridge Pullover

 Hello everyone!

I am over the moon excited to be sharing a new pattern release with you today!  I have been a fan of the Itch to Stitch pattern company since I sewed the Uvita top a year or so ago.  I thought it was a great pattern to gauge the way the pattern fit on me, and as a free download, who could ask for more?  Well, just recently I saw a public testing call for the Itch to Stitch Bainbridge pullover.  As you may know, I have been in a relaxed and easygoing mode here lately.  When I sewed the Sew News Palmer Pullover I fell in love with the comfort and style of the garment, and appreciated that I didn't have anything else like it in my wardrobe.  The Bainbridge pullover looked like an opportunity to add more items in this category; so, I applied to test the ITS pattern, and was pleased when I found out I was accepted!

This pattern is fabulous!

The line drawing alone drew me in...

It has a half front placket with snaps, stand-up collar, bias-bound hem and sleeve hem.  I am always intrigued when you do not have to do a traditional hem.  That is one of the reasons I like the Sewaholic Renfrew, and sew it every year.  Other positive notes to this pattern include cup sizes, bust darts for shaping, and POCKETS! 

Now that you know the description, let me tell you how I did with this pattern.

Can I tell you I am now in love with cup sizes??  This was my first time using them, and my measurements put me in the A cup category.  So I made a size 4A with no grading.  I figured the ease in the pattern would cover my waist measurement sufficiently, and it did.  My only other adjustments were my normal 1" lengthening of bodice/placket, 1/4" forward shoulder adjustment, and 1/2" lowered bust point.

The instructions were wonderful!  There were two techniques I especially loved.  For the binding, you start with the RIGHT side of the tape pinned to the WRONG side of the fabric.  Then, when you stitch it and fold the tape over to the RIGHT side, you simply edgestitch it and you are done.  It is great because you don't have to blindly catch the underside, and the seen portion comes out beautifully due to the stitching.  This is going to be my preferred method!

My second favorite method was the pocket construction for the front.  Kennis Wong (ITS creator) has you use the seam allowance to attach the pockets, and they are then stitched down and closed off with the bias bound hem.  So nice!!!!

The fabric I used is a Microfleece in a burgundy color from Joann Fabrics.  For the contrast I used cotton plaid because I wanted to make my own bias binding.  You can certainly purchase your binding if you like.  Microfleece is quickly becoming an absolute favorite of mine! It sews beautifully, has some structure, but also enough minimal stretch in it to comfortably fall on your body.  Other recommended fabrics include Sherpa, sweatshirting, and any medium weight stretch woven.  There were so many lovely versions made by other testers, and you can check them out by visiting the Itch to Stitch blog.

I styled the top with my beloved Ginger jeans--the second pair I ever made. They are now very loved and worn in. 

For the snaps I used Snapsource size 16 in Antique Brass.  I already had the adapter to install the snaps since I have sewn baby clothes for friends in the past, and I was looking forward to using the tool for an "adult" project, lol!  I forgot how EASY they are to install, and now I want more reasons to put snaps on all the things!

Overall, I can't say enough good things about this top! It feels really good on, and I am grateful for the opportunity to test for Itch to Stitch.  I can say that there will be more testing involved with them in the future (woo hoo), and I have now fully converted to team Itch to Stitch by purchasing the Castillo cardigan to sew for Spring. 

Stay sew filled!