Comino Cap - How I love you

I've got a scandalous confession to make today. Since the beginning of the summer I've been having a long and passionate affair with a pattern. It's identity had to remain a secret for awhile, but finally I can talk about our love. Let me introduce you to my summer pattern soul mate, the Comino Cap from Kitschy Coo.

Oh my Lord, I was already a raving Kitschy Coo fan girl, but this pattern takes me over the edge.
-Top and dress options, check.
-Two bodice variations, check.
-Super cute, comfortable, and easy to make, check, check check!

I fell for it hard and made a bunch of versions. To keep your eyes melting into your face, I'll show only the basic variations I've made.  Trust me, there's about umpteen sweet heart tops in my drawer and I've yet to make the one piece bodice dress version. But I will. Oooooh yes and maybe throw the lady skater skirt on it cause the patterns can be mixed and matched. Double your Kitschy Coo, double your fun wild hacking plans.

All garments are a straight Kitschy Coo size 4 and I've noted the specific fabric details for each with the pics.

Sweet heart top variation 

My first "real fabric" version of the Comino Cap and still a favorite. I should note that this shirt is "version 1" of the pattern and has slightly shorter cap sleeves/deeper neckline than the release version. These fabrics were gifted to me from the lovely Gillian Crafts and I believe they are rayon jerseys.   The contrast solid green is on the drapy side, while the stripes are more stable.

On the sweet heart versions I did take ease out that seam line because of my hollow chest.  I'll break out the alteration into a separate "how to" post since this one is already picture heavy.

This top is in a twice a week rotation and I'm still grumpy when it's dirty. It goes with so many things.

Sweet heart dress variation

I waited until all the major pattern changes were finished to whip out a dress version.  Mostly because I'd been hoarding this recently purchased Hilco print "Fly me to paradise" for just such a project. The contrast top is Lillestoff solid dark pink jersey.  Both knits are of the stable variety with good stretch recovery, however the Hilco base is a touch thicker than the Lillestoff base.  I think the stiffer knit works well with the A line shape of the Comino Cap skirt. The skirt has a lot less volume than the lady skater skirt, so you can squeak out the dress version in about 1.5 yards. I've lengthen the skirt by 3" because those of us with big butts need more length for bending over.

Put your hands up for birds! Tweet, tweet.

One piece bodice top *with bonus toddler photobomb*

Say you're not in the sweetheart top mood, but love a good cap sleeve tee.  Just make up the one piece view.  I've made mine in the Tomahawk print, part of the new Arizona line from Art Gallery Fabrics. I'm pleased to report that the knit base they've used is great.  It's also a stable knit with good stretch recovery, but in a lighter weight.  It washes up very soft and is easy to work with.

With no princess line seam to match up, this version can be knocked out in a couple of hours. I've got plans to make a couple solid color ones to coordinate with some print skirts.  Then maybe bring a leash along to the next photo shoot to keep "someone" from hogging the center of the frame.

I could sing the praises of the Comino Cap for a lot longer but I think you get the idea.  If knit dresses and tops are your thing, then you'll get a lot of mileage out of this baby. Head on over to Kitschy Coo's website, grab your copy, and start plotting knit fabric combinations. Use the coupon code VATFREE for a discount on the pattern and fabric orders for the next 24 hours. If you wear a size 4 I'll be over with cookies to "supervise." Mmm yeah, use that fabric.