I bought this cotton knit stripe on impulse and agonized about what to make with it.I settled on something similar to the sleeveless top in Simplicity 2374 with the draped sides.So that was my starting point.
The weather influenced my decision to add 3/4 sleeves.(It's been so cold and it feels like warm weather is never going to arrive.) I had to redraft the shoulder area and armscye to fit the sleeves using another top pattern.I did this by laying the front and back of the top pattern over the pieces from 2374 but only at the shoulder and armhole area.
I wish I had taken photos as I went along but I didn't.
After I had the front and back sewn together, I added the neckband and tried it on . I knew it was not a good look for me.It stuck out over the bust area and looked like a maternity top. To tame that beast I played with the front and this is what I came up with.
Now ,I had a matching neck band and under bust trim and the fit was somewhat better.
I added the sleeves,
tried it on again and asked DH for his opinion. He said:
"It looks like a maternity top"
I said:
"But it's cute,right?"
He said:
"I guess!"
It was back to the drawing board. Oh, I mean the sewing room!
I fiddled with the back this time ( I was still having fun by the way) and after some time ,this is what I did.
Exposed darts!It was starting to look like a Marci Tilton T-shirt!
Now all there was left to do was to hem the thing. I realized it was shorter at both the front and back than I liked. I asked myself:
"What would Marci do?" And it hit me like a ton of bricks:
"She would add a contrasting band!!!"
And This is what I did.
I had so much fun creating this top! I had such a feeling of satisfaction that it was my own design, even if MT did inspire me during the process.It made me realize that even if it just hangs in the closet without being worn very much,it doesn't matter. It was the whole process of creating and sewing that was worth while.
I'm adding this a couple of days later. I've worn this all day and both DD and DH have said they like my top and think it's very me! Tamara took these pictures.
PS. Dear Fellow Sewing Bloggers,
Thank you for stopping by and taking a look at what I've been up to. I appreciate all of you wonderful people . It makes me so happy, knowing you're out there and that you love sewing as much as I do.God bless us all!
17 comments:
A beautiful top you have created, I can see why you enjoyed the process so much. Great job, you look fantastic in your new top.
Diana this looks fantastic. So many of those loose flowing tops look a bit maternity and those exposed darts and section of gathers(?elastic) in the front are just brilliant. I guess they could even be added to RTW. Thanks for sharing
Clever! It deserves a pattern all of its own. really!
Love this!
Very cute! I especially love those exposed darts in the back. :)
Very cute top Diana. I like the playing around you did to achieve the outcome!
Wonderful solution(s)!
I think it is a darling top. And you wear it well! Well done and so happy to hear you had so much fun with it.
I love it! Your DH has an old fashioned view of maternity wear. These days women don't cover their bump, they flaunt it like an accessory!
Great casual top! I am sure Marci would approve :-)
Very inventive. And good for you, having the self-discipline to keep going - the finished product looks great on you.
You turned this into a really lovely, unique top. Doing creative sewing can be so fun and rewarding!
Oh, this top looks sooo comfy! Great top, I love your version!
Beautifully done! Love your touches.
Love it, Love it, Love it, the contrast bottom does so much for the stripes. I always read your blog, and think everything you make is gorgeous. You added the icings on the cake, on this blouse.
Linda
fantastic - looks great on you - just as well you didn't give up after your DH's first few comments - well worth the effort.
I think this top is so beautiful and it fits you so well. Your details are all so clever :))
Post a Comment