I have been dying to share this top since I made it in December. You might have caught an accidental sneak peek in one of my Instagram stories – but I am here to finally share about the Bellavista Top from Itch to Stitch that I tested last month!
The Pattern
The Bellavista Top from Itch to Stitch is a swing bodice top with two sleeve and neck options. It features either a cowl neck or a neckband finish on the neck and a 3/4 or full length bell sleeve.
This was the first time I tested for Itch to Stitch, but not my first time making an Itch to Stitch garment. I love how well done Kennis’ patterns are – from the breadth of information included in the pattern to the easy layers feature and sizing it checks all my boxes on pattern features I love.
The Top
This top has been one of my favorite things to wear recently. I have worn mine a ton! And, every time I wear mine, multiple people immediately request I make one for them! My mom was dying for one, so I made her one and she has since requested 3 or 4 (!) more. It is just such a beautiful top on so many people.
My favorite feature is the cowl neck. Until I made this top, I never made or had a top with a cowl neck. When I saw the cover photo of the Bellavista that Kennis put out in the tester call, I could not get a chunky sweater knit cowl version out of my head. I applied to test and ordered fabric before I knew whether or not I got into the test.
My other favorite feature is the bell sleeves. I love the look of bell sleeves on others, but generally I don’t make them for myself – this bell sleeve is so subtly beautiful that it adds some flair without being overly dramatic or too much.
You all will be so proud of me that I sewed this entire garment on my sewing machine and hemmed both the sleeves and bottom hem.
I wore my Bellavista over Christmas break and it was such a beautiful sweater top to wear in the cold weather. It was even snowing the day I took pictures of it to make it truly picturesque!
The Fabric
When I saw Kennis’ version, I knew I wanted to make one that was super similar. I went right to Style Maker Fabrics as I know they have a lot of sweater knits and found this one that I fell in love with immediately! I love how drapey it is while still being substantial.
My mom can’t wear wool, so I made her one in this sweater knit that was cotton based. It has a lot more body than the version I made, but still was a perfect match for this pattern.
I also made a version out of hacci knit, but I didn’t hem it so it’s in the to be hemmed pile because both the sleeves and hem roll a lot without being hemmed. I also am planning on making one in a really drapey sweater knit from Blackbird fabrics.
I hope you love the Bellavista as much as I do! It’s on sale this week for 8 dollars instead of 10!
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