It’s been a hot minute since I made a thing and I’ve been craving another Be Genuine Top (Ellie & Mac). So here it is.
The Annoying Preface
There isn’t much to share when you assign yourself 20 pairs of underwear to sew, which was the project I was working on before this one. And in between, my dogs had some teeth yanked followed by a week-long battle with digestive issues. Let’s just say I’m relieved they’re back on their regular food and making regular deposits outside again.
Back to our regularly scheduled programming: I am a fan of my first Be Genuine Top. The casual vibe with the cut-outs is right up my alley. As I noted on version one, I could probably get away with sizing up since it’s a little snug around the pits. When I saw this fabric on sale, it screamed “Be Genuine, version 2!” So I listened.
About the Fabric
MAIN: Arrows on Salmon triblend jersey from Made of Love Fabrics
- Fiber Content: 50% Cotton 25% Rayon 25% Polyester
- Weight and Thickness: 115 GSM, 0.3mm
- Stretch: 75% horizontal, 0% vertical
- Softness: 4.5/5*
- Sheerness: 2/5*
The jersey is very lightweight and breathable with a brushed texture. It has a relaxed drape and good recovery. It was great to work with. At $4.75/yard, the material cost of this shirt easily comes in under $10.
ACCENTS: Two-tone charcoal 12 oz. cotton lycra from Made of Love Fabrics
- 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex
- 12 oz.
- 100% Horizontal / 100% Vertical Stretch
The cotton lycra rolled at the edges—as cotton lycra is wont to do and fuels my loathing for it. Hard to argue with the end result for bands, though; it does work great.
About This Make
- Size S
- Low hip
- Hem band
- Long sleeves, +2 inches
- Cuffs
Sewing machine: constructing all bands, attaching neckband and armhole bands, constructing and attaching cuffs, shoulder seams, topstitching
Serger: constructing sleeves, bodice side seams, attaching waistband
What I Did Differently
The only change I made from my first version (other than sizing up) was using wooly nylon thread in my sewing machine bobbin and my serger looper. I think I’m officially addicted to wooly nylon; it makes a wonderfully stretchy seam.
Project Settings
Sewing Machine
Presser Foot |
Stitch# |
Width |
Length |
Needle |
Top Thread Tension |
Application |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
standard zig-zag (A) |
5 |
1.0 |
4 |
blue tip |
4 |
shoulders, bands |
overedge (C) |
6 |
5.5 |
3.5 |
blue tip |
4 |
band finish |
adjustable edge (SE)#5 |
5 |
1 |
4 |
blue tip |
4 |
topstitch |
Serger
Stitch |
Needles |
Finger |
Threads |
Tension LN |
Tension RN |
Tension UL |
Tension LL |
Cut Width |
Stitch Width |
Differential |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
super stretch |
R, L |
B |
3 |
3 |
2.5 |
— |
0.5 |
6 |
2.5 |
1.5 |
Leave a Reply