Tested: Itch to Stitch Orono Top

Friends, I have a problem. I have a gazillion pairs of leggings (can’t stop. won’t stop.), more in the works, and not nearly enough winter tops to wear them with!

As much as I’d love to go around sporting hoodies all day long, they aren’t very nursing friendly (unless they have a zipper, and I’ve been too lazy to sew any zip front ones #lazyseamstressproblems) so I don’t find myself reaching for them as often as I would like, leaving me with precious few choices each morning, and more distressingly, more laundry to do during the week to keep up with my needs. Trust me, I’m not as happy about this as I might look in the photo below.

Since we all know laundry is a thing to be avoided at all costs, I decided to sew myself up a solution….the new Orono top from Itch to Stitch. This top features a crossover front (read: nursing friendly), raglan sleeves (my fave!), and a nice slouchy turtleneck to keep the ‘ol voicebox warm (for yelling across the playground).

Plus, it has these nifty little faux welt pockets that are nice and deep for stashing keys/fishy crackers/frogs. (what? you don’t carry frogs around? YOU NEVER KNOW when you might need to transport a frog to safety!)

I chose a deliciously soft lightweight brushed french terry from So Sew English in a deep plum color (I can’t remember if this is the exact listing, but it’s similar and the same color!). I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m not much of a “purple person”, but this color spans the gap between wine and amethyst so perfectly, that I couldn’t resist. Plus, its as soft as a flock of sheep after a bubble bath. It needed to get sewn up ASAP, and this pattern was the perfect match, because of the moderate stretch content.

The Orono calls for fabric with 10-25% stretch, and while this has 35%, it was the closest I could come. For some reason, all sweatshirt fabric I’ve encountered either has NO STRETCH (Joanns, I’m looking at you), or crazy stretch (ie Polartec). Since the stretch was slightly over, I went with a straight size 0 (no need to grade out for my hips), and would even consider a 00 next time, for a closer fit in the arms/bust if I was using a similar fabric, which is likely, because I feel most comfortable in fabrics with some give to them.

A couple tips for those of you about to sew your own Orono: make sure to stabilize your arm scythe seams with knit stay tape to prevent stretching- even with an appropriate amount of differential feed on my serger, I still ended up with slightly wavy raglan seams. The lighter weight your fabric is, the more necessary this step.

Also, I tried constructing the sides of my top with both my serger and my sewing machine, and I highly recommend just using your sewing machine for better accuracy and control when stitching the side seams and the pockets.

If you like a nice RTW finish, which I do, simply finish the edges before sewing the side seams (as the pattern instructs) and then topstitch them down. I ended up using my coverstitch to sew the curved pocket topstitching, as well as the hem, so all three machines really got a workout here.

The top comes together really fast, and after I had it made up, I decided that yes, I could make just one more (who are we kidding here? I can’t help myself) pair of leggings to match. This performance fabric from So Sew English (available in bundles only) has the most amazing jewel tones, and was easily transformed into yet another favorite pair of Greenstyle Inspire Tights.

I’m pretty thrilled with my new outfit and look forward to making more Orono tops!

You can grab the pattern on sale HERE, for a limited time.

Find the Inspire Tights pattern (also on sale!) HERE, and the SewAlong HERE.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. All opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for your support!

 

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5 Comments

  1. Kirsten Larsen on February 18, 2019 at 7:39 am

    That is super cute! I have been looking at Itch to Stitch patterns for a while, but your version got me to take the plunge….downloaded! It will look cute paired with all the new Strides I’m making for my Fit Capsule 😛 Hopefully, I can find a great fabric in the stash or at the upcoming Sewing Expo.

    • Sarah on February 18, 2019 at 6:07 pm

      Yay! I think it will be the perfect match for all those strides! Can’t wait to see you at the Expo!

  2. Emily on February 18, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    This is so pretty!! Would I be able to leave off the turtleneck part?

    • Sarah on February 18, 2019 at 6:06 pm

      Yes, as its just a rectangle of fabric. You might need to cut down the neck opening slightly, depending on if you chose binding or a band finish instead. You could even use a hood!

      • Emily on February 18, 2019 at 9:40 pm

        Ooh a hood! Thanks for the info/help!!!

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