Panini Pleated Shirt by SewLike AKA Romy-Crystal AKA SewLikeShop.

I was so excited when Romy AKA @sewlike, AKA pattern designer extraordinaire released the Panini Pleated top, I salivated over the little sneak peeks that her pattern testers were releasing, and when it was ready, I jumped on board that ship.

This was my first pleated top, and it is such an amazing fit. Now since this pattern has been released, Romy did catch some shade from some Reddit trolls.

Seriously, it's like the internet gives people permission to just say whatever they want and damn the consequences. If I don’t like it, ok, I don’t like it, but I am not going to harp on about it. If I like something however, I am like that person who has just found Jesus. Forever annoying you to join my cult.  If you don’t like the ‘found Jesus’ analogy, you can insert exercise or cross fit or the gym into said space. (They resonate the same with me)

Ok, back to the make.

As I wrote in my previous post, I have been lax in my writing. 7 months lax to be exact. So, over the next couple weeks, imma going to catch up on the wonderful, exciting clothes I’ve sewn.

Let’s talk Toddler Core fashion, it’s an interesting concept, clothing that is comfortable, cute-sie, whimsical and reminiscent of childhood.

It is also what the reddit trolls accused Romy of having created with her pattern designs. Like it’s a bad thing????

Hmm, I don’t think it’s as much of an insult as they may have realised.

I adore Romy’s designs. I love the fit. In so much that I reckon I wear one of her designs at least once a fortnight. And for me that’s a pretty big brag, my wardrobe is mostly hand-made, and I have been sewing for a few years now. I have also sewn up all her patterns, many times, so I kinda think I know what I’m talking about. At the end of the day, 'you' like what you like, and 'I’ll' like what I like. I also must give much kudos to Romy- she has such grace when addressing these comments, much more then I would ever have.

Sip on that Reddit B****s.

So, let's talk Panini, this is a boxy, collared button up shirt with these amazing pleats. Romy’s instructions are as always, fabulous and guides you through choosing the fabric and each step of the sewing process. She has YouTube tutorials for each of her patterns, which can come in handy if any of the written instructions are not computing- which happens to me often, it's not till after I finish sewing and re-read the instructions that they ultimately make sense.

The Panini is a precisely pleated, meaty sew. It took me about 13 hrs to sew and was worth every hour. The fabric I chose, was not the recommended- in terms of directional print- meaning I had to create a bridging piece for the back- I just incorporated it as a feature of my make.

I used cat fabric from Alie-Jane located on Hunter Street Newcastle, and a double gauze grid from Sew B located on King Street, Newcastle. The only mod I made to the top was to shorten the sleeve a titch and add a ruffle.

And Tadah!!

I chose to wear this shirt to my youngest's first day of school. It's a shirt that I spent time and energy making and I chose to wear it to a very special memorable day. We don't have to all like the same things, and inspiration comes from all around us, and yes that can include other makers and creatives!