Once upon a time, I thought I really didn’t like raglan tops. Even though when I made the Lane Raglan I loved it, it took the Coram Top and the Claire Coat to make me re-think that maybe I do really like raglan tops. When I saw the Rockland Raglan from Love Notions, I knew that I had to give it a try too!
The Pattern
The Rockland Raglan is a new pattern from Love Notions. It is a loose fitting raglan tee with a couple of different views. There are two views – View A and B – that are fitted at the bust and then flowy through the waist and hips with the only difference being the length (shirt or tunic length). View C is a straight fitting raglan with a really fun asymmetrical overlay. View D is a straight fit with a banded hem. All views feature a scoop neck and multiple sleeve lengths.
Similar to the Lane Raglan and the new Union Street Tee it features a full bust adjusted bodice which is a huge bonus for a lot of sewists.
I talked a lot about all the features of the Love Notions patterns in my review of the Forte Top, but it’s worth repeating here. Anytime there are multiple views in a pattern I get a little nervous about how the pattern instructions will be laid out. I’ve been trying to not print out pattern instructions and read them from my computer and Love Notions makes that super easy with their PDFs that have clickable links and bookmarks in the PDF. It also has separate instructions for each view and includes a print guide for the view/sleeve style you choose which allows you to only print the pages you need. Similar to Patterns for Pirates, they also have no trim pages which makes putting together the pattern a breeze!
The Tee
I really love the Lane Raglan and felt that I didn’t need another raglan in my life, but after seeing some of my favorite sewing buddies versions, I wanted to give the Rockland Raglan a try. Tami made a bunch of different versions and it made me want to try View B (which I made) and View D. I then saw this View C and now that’s on my list too! So after a few sewing fails this weekend and some gift sewing I jumped into the Rockford Raglan.
I chose to sew up View B first because it’s the most “me.” Since embarking on the Search for the Perfect T-Shirt I can sew up a t-shirt really quickly these days. I think I made the whole thing including cutting out the pattern in less than 45 minutes and I even hemmed it! So it’s definitely a fulfilling quick project.
Let’s talk about hemming knits for a second. Gosh, I hate it – but I did it. I tried to use fusible knit tape and that definitely didn’t work – I must have done something wrong. So I just turned it under and my double needle was doing some seriously tunneling. Got any knit hemming tips?? Let me know – I am all ears.
I was so pleasantly surprised with how it really is nicely fitted through the bust and really swingy through the bottom. Mine does have a bit more of a wavy hem than probably anticipated due to my hemming knits fail noted above.
I think what is becoming my favorite part about raglans it the neckline. I now will be reaching for more and more raglan patterns.
The Fabric
I used a sparkle sweater knit from Style Maker Fabrics and it was a match made in heaven. I wanted something a little bit more dressy than a t-shirt and this can be dressed up or dressed down. When I bought this fabric I didn’t really have a plan in mind but knew it would be a really nice garment for the holiday season. When I was searching for fabric from my stash to make the Rockford, it jumped right out at me.
The only tough part about this fabric is that because it’s a sweater knit and a looser sweater knit it does stretch a lot. I stretched the neck out just a smidge while sewing the neckband and it definitely shows. But, I am hoping when I wash it it shrinks up a bit, but I’m not too worried about it.
I love how this top turned out – I made it Sunday morning and then wore it all the way till it was time to go to bed. Do you have other favorite raglan patterns?
Rockford Raglan SUMMARY
Size Made: Small
View: View B with long hemmed sleeves
Fabric Used: Sparkly Sweater Knit from Style Maker Fabrics
Notions Used: Dritz EZ Hem
Ease of Construction: Really great beginner knit project!
Fit: Perfect!
Repeatable? Yes yes yes! In all the different views!
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