Firsts

As parents of little ones, there are many milestones; first tooth, sitting, walking crawling, riding a bike swimming etc. etc.  We carefully counted  these milestones and documented them in film. After a few years though the milestones seem to be few and far between and just when we thought we have seen the last of them our children, or at least two of them, turned into teenagers and fresh milestones were met; starting high school,  and learning to drive   spring to mind.  This past week though, there has been a large shift in my parenting.  Courteney turned 18 and is now officially an adult.  Yes, she is still at high school for another 5 months so this will somewhat limit her independence but wow how did this happen!  In honour of the occasion we had not one but two celebrations.  The first was a family meal out and the second a party with her friends.  I wasn't sure what I was going to wear for either night so to cover all bases I made two new items.  The first being a variation on the new Sewaholic Belcarra top.

I always look forward to the release of Sewaholic's new patterns.

The Gabriola skirt didn't float my boat but the impending release of the Belcarra top just about had me shaking with excitement.  I love my Grainline Tiny Pocket Tank and Scout tees but actually wished for a woven too with some shaping.  It is rather ironic then that my very first version is made in a knit.  The knit in question is a cotton knit with a velour print.  I bought it as a short end on Trademe and was influenced by this Blackstone top.

Using my newly acquired Sewaholic Belcarra pattern, I cut my top to size 6 as per my usual Sewaholic sizing.  I did need to run it in at the hips but this was the only alteration required.  To trim the sleeves of the top and for the neck facing, I used black stretch satin. I also added a band of the satin at the bottom to both lengthen the top and add visual interest.

  

I am really happy with the way this turned out and not only did I wear it to Courteney's birthday celebration, I have worn it out on another couple of occasions as well.  It is set to become a firm favourite.