Business In the Front & Party In the Back|The Gemma by Designer Stitch

Hi Guys!  So, today, I’m sharing with you my business in the front and party in the back top.  Don’t be confused, you’ll see just what I mean in a second. This is my most recent Designer Stitch pattern test, and it’s another hit in my book.

Well, now that I look at the pattern illustration, I suppose you can have your party in the front or the back!  The Gemma top is the newest Designer Stitch pattern that is totally on trend and features a twist knot in the front or the back.  I decided to go with the party in the back and make the twist back version.

Fabric

I made my Gemma twist back top using this purple and silver metallic sweater knit I had in my stash.  I got this fabric at Joann’s Fabric about 4 years ago and unfortunately, it is no longer available.  It’s a very thin sweater knit and the metallic stripes just add to the look.  I won’t lie, after I cut the fabric out, I thought what have I done?  I was so scared about matching stripes, but I think it worked out just fine.

Construction

Based on my body measurements, I cut out a straight size 6.  Although I like the fit of this top, I think I’ll make a smaller size next time to get a more fitted look.  The Gemma is super easy to make, I promise.  I made my top in one afternoon.  The Designer Stitch pattern instructions are always very detailed and this pattern did not disappoint.  While testing, the #1 instruction Ann gave was:

“PLEASE do not try to “visualize” how the twists are made ahead of time. Relinquish control and just do as I ask in the sew steps. They are quite easy but if you fill your head with possible forward “outcomes” you will confuse yourself.”

Boy, was Ann right.  I did the exact opposite and “tried” to figure it out. After I got out of my own way, I followed the instructions to the letter and SUCCESS!  I thought how the knot comes together to be amazing! I felt like I had just done magic by the time I was done. lol

For my next Gemma, I plan on making it in a solid color and adding lace trim along the seams.  I think I’m still going to make the twist knot in the back because I love how the top looks like a T-Shirt in the front and has a real cute surprise in the back.

 

The Gemma Twist top was just leased and can be found on sale here.  If you decide to make the pattern and you post it, please tag me in it because I would love to see your version.  What do you think of my Gemma?  Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time,

Johanna

*This post contains affiliate links