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Jaime's Checkmate Aster

As you can tell, I can't get enough of Loominous, the new yarn-dyed woven fabrics from Anna Maria Horner. This is my second make from the collection and I just love how garment friendly the pieces are. A new Colette pattern was released this Tuesday so it was serendipity!

Pattern: Aster by Colette Patterns, version 1
Fabric: Checkmate in Secret, by Anna Maria Horner
Size Made: 4
Modifications: none

The new Colette pattern Aster is a super cute, simple button down with three options for sleeves and another option with a pleated front shoulder placket. The top is meant to be slightly oversized, but with a figure-skimming silhouette. I love the lack of collar which gives it a clean finish. This pattern just came out on Tuesday, but I was able to get my hands on a top-secret advanced copy to sew this up right away for a shop sample, which is good because I had some issues to work out.

I'll be honest, I had a bit of a fail with this top to start. I chose the flutter sleeve option which looks super cute on Colette's website. I'm sure it is, but let me tell you, it needs to be in a very drapey silk or rayon for that flutter to hang. I did it out of this fabric (which has a beautiful soft drape of its own) and it looked like I had sprouted wings and was about to take off. The good news is the arm hole is the same for all sleeve options so I just took the flutter sleeves off and cut out some new short sleeves and cuffs to make Version 1. So. Much. Better. It was a good lesson in fabric choice.

Overall I think this is a great top that is super wearable as a wardrobe staple. I love the version on the Colette site that is sewn up in Robert Kaufman Chambray and could see wearing that everyday. I had some fit issues with my bust (not surprised at all). I should totally be doing SBA before ever even starting any top, but I was just so excited to sew this. Next time. The placket and neckline came together great and I love how they look. I also love the detail of the sleeve cuff cut on the bias, especially in this checkered print.

I can't say enough about these woven fabrics that make up the Loominous collection. I'm sure you will see some more garments out of these soon! Happy Sewing!

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