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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Your top is gorgeous and I wanted one of my own so badly that I’ve gone and bought the pattern immediately.
Once it is hemmed I’d be really keen to see your hacci knit version as I think I have some hacci fabric in my stash (I also want your sweater knit fabric from your photos)
Lara this is one of my favourite makes of yours honestly! It’s beautiful – love the lines and the fabric is gorgeous! I’m a huge fan of Kenni’s work as well. Her patterns are always so lovely and now that there is a print service in the UK that I can order the print versions from I’m all in!
This is sooooooooooo beautiful! You guys and all your cold weather cuteness! And it looks so cosy too.
Love this one! It’s very flattering. ?
I am making this pattern and have a quick question for you. How did you determine your size (by your bust measurement as the pattern suggests)? And did you make an modifications for fit or otherwise? I am concerned about the volume in the hip area. I love your make of the sweater! It looks great on you! Thanks, L
Hi! I made the size 6 which is almost my exact bust measurement (I’m a 36 and the measurement on the size chart is a 36 1/2). I also fall almost exactly into the rest of the size chart for the 6 as well (+/- a 1/4 or 1/2 inch). Hope that helps! I’ve seen so many beautiful versions of the Bellavista that I think you’re going to love it!