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I feel like my sewing has gone through a similar evolution to the typical knitter’s relationship with garter stitch. As a new knitter garter stitch doesn’t really seem like proper knitting, something to leave behind in favour of complex cabling and lace. It takes a while to cycle back around to appreciating the simple beauty of garter stitch done well. In the same way, I feel like the more I sew the more I appreciate very simple projects.
Colette’s free Sorbetto pattern is a great example of this — just two pattern pieces, edges finished with bias binding and no fastenings — it would be a great first garment. I made this for much warmer weather than today, but it adds an unexpected pattern element that I like under warmer layers.
With such a basic style the simplest details become the focus so I tired to make them as perfect as possible. It was kind of annoying to work with silk satin for the bias binding (the Clover bias tape makers help!) but I love the result.
The main fabric is a vintage Liberty print (from the sixties?) that I inherited from my grandmother’s sister. I need to show you some of the amazing clothes they made when they were young — full of the most perfect details. In the interests of simplicity I didn’t bother making any changes to the pattern. Technically the darts could be a little higher (my shoulder to bust measurement is SUPER short, makes dress forms tricky) but I don’t think it’s very noticeable and otherwise fits well.
Do you struggle with tight bind offs? Whether you’re knitting a toe-up sock, a top-down sweater, or a lacy shawl, a bind off that’s too tight can really get in the way of enjoying your finished project! Here are 3 easy methods to work a stretchy bind-off without sewing.
