Denim Kalle Shirt: Extended Cop Top
Really now, where has the month of February gone? It flew by and I didn't get everything done that I planned on! I've mentioned a few times about house hunting and finally moving out of Hoboken, and I don't want to jinx anything but we think we found the one! I'll definitely have more details about this soon enough, but for now you can see where my brain is at based on my pinterest boards. I have a whole lot of home ideas going on- with a ton of focus on my future sewing studio!
Because of all the excitement with the house, my personal sewing has not been getting as much attention. But this super cute Kalle top would not stop haunting me, so here she is!
I have a slight obsession with Closet Case Patterns because Heather's patterns are so fitting for my lifestyle. She designs practical patterns that are meant to be wardrobe staples, and the ones I've made so far (Bombshell Bathing Suit, Kelly Anorak, Ginger Jeans) have proven their versatility in my closet. I loved Kalle when she came out. She is a super cute pattern that comes with three options: Crop Top, Tunic and Dress. I really wanted to see others versions of Kalle before diving in, because all three of those options were not common pieces in my wardrobe. I would want a regular top version, but didn't know the best way to design it so I thought eventually I would get inspiration from the sewing community.
Fast forward a few months and everyone is making Kalle. Every time I open Instagram- there's another version! So I finally caved and bought the pattern. To make it fit my lifestyle, I either had to shorten the tunic or lengthen the crop top. I really love the hem of the crop top, so I decided to go that route.
This is technically a wearable muslin. I've had this lightweight denim hanging around for years from another project, and thought a denim version would be good to have. I didn't have any blue thread, so I went with white and quite like the contrast. I say this is a win in my book. This top is easy to wear, has a cute fit for being 'oversized', and after a few washes, will get that worn in feeling of a great piece.
The older I get, the fewer patterns I tend to buy. I've become very conscious about what's in my stash and even though Joann's has those great 5 for $5 pattern days, I realize that just because you have a million patterns to make doesn't mean you will ever get around to actually making them. (I also have a few patterns from my own stash available on etsy because there is no way I'll get around to making them!) I'm always on the lookout for basic patterns with options- and Kalle one is loaded with them!
Kalle has three lengths, two front button options, two collar options, and two back options - leaving lots of room to build your perfect style. My version is comprised of View A (full length placket) with a full collar, and back pleat. I cut a size 2 and to extend the crop top into a longer shirt, I added 4" to each bodice piece at the lengthen line.
I'm excited to make more versions, and to finally add mine to the amazing Kalle Shirt Dress posts online! Have you made Kalle? Do you have the sleeve expansion? That may be the next version I have to make..