The Orono Top with Color Blocking

Here is my second Orono Top (pattern by the amazing Itch to Stitch). This color blocking idea has been stuck in my head since finishing my first one. I was just lacking the fabric to contrast with that leafy fleece until a few days ago. I went with a black shimmer reverse french terry from Surge Fabrics.

The Orono Top by Itch to Stitch, featuring anti-pill plush fleece from Joann’s, black shimmer reverse french terry from Surge Fabrics, and Cedar thumbhole cuffs from Sinclair Patterns

About the Reverse French Terry

It’s an interesting fabric. While I like the look of it, there isn’t much else that I like. Something about the fiber content makes it feel like it doesn’t have a good recovery. Ever stretched some really old elastic and heard that static-y snapping noise, and then the elastic stays stretched out? It’s kind of like that. It does seem to recover, but it just doesn’t feel right to me. I also don’t love the texture on the face. It being a “reverse” french terry, the loops are on the outside, which makes it vulnerable to all sorts of snagging (spotted one on my arm already 🙄.) It’s also not a soft-feeling loop texture. It’s almost like the scales of a reptile. Weird.

That fleece though, I love it. Soft and fluffy as fleece should be, and I love the leaf print.

My Thoughts on French Terry

This is only my second project using french terry. My first was a Christmas gift for my husband that I finished this past Friday and cannot reveal yet. Some of the Facebook groups I follow show a plethora of projects made using french terry. I figured I was missing out having never used it before, so I ordered some. I’m not sold on it, honestly; at least, not what I’ve used in the projects I’ve used it in so far. It’s flimsier than I expected, and the looped back feels to me like wearing a kitchen dish towel. Maybe I’ll be happier using it on a Dandelion Tee instead of a hoodie. I suppose I’ll tackle that next.