4.08.2010

My "Spring Top Week" Top Numero Uno

Yay! Another contest that I'm actually participating in rather than thinking about participating in. Before you know it I won't be able to hang onto that Queen of Procrastination title.


 Last year I didn't make a top for Rae's Spring Top Week because I'm a dork. No, really I was pregnant and didn't really feel like making a maternity top. This year I have no excuse and I have had a couple of top patterns ready to try. The first I've been wanting to make is the Schoolhouse Tunic by Sew Liberated. I wanted to make it out of a similar fabric as the one pictured on the cover, but the fabric I have is not enough yardage. It takes kind of a lot of fabric and I usually have smaller yardage because all I sew is kids clothes, so I had to get creative. I had some white rayon with a super nice drape that I was originally going to use for a curtain (I think). The photos don't show it, but there is a small stripe woven into the fabric which gives it some nice depth. 
The pattern was really easy to work with. It's a simple design and I pretty much followed all the instructions. Since the fabric I chose is really drapey I added a button to the top because the opening was flopping down. I made an elastic thread loop. I also lengthened the sleeve and widened the bottom a bit to have a flare (next time I'll do more). The pintuck detail was a pain in the ass, but is my favorite part of the top. I wish the photo showed better detail but I made all the tucks different widths and also sewed them unevenly to create wavy lines. The pattern calls for a center box pleat in the back which I changed to a slight gather. I forgot to photograph it, but it's pretty unexciting. When I make this again I'll probably make it with the box pleat because I plan on making this out of a cotton which will be more bulky. Two things I wish I had done differently was to make the seam allowance smaller for less bulk and I should have faced the entire front bodice because the fabric is so sheer. Luckily I sewed this garment with a little patience so it kind of looks o.k. to see the facing through on the front. This top definitely needs a camisole underneath (I'm freaky about wearing one everyday anyway. More on that another time). No one was home to take a picture of me wearing it (the baby doesn't count) so I had to throw it on the dress form. Phew! That's about it.

9 comments:

Erin said...

this looks beautiful! I love a nice simple white shirt, and the pin tucks add a little something special.

Anonymous said...

The sleeves are amazing! Great job sticking to it! The draping of the fabric is lovely.

elise said...

this is really lovely!
don't leave me in the land of procrastination by myself!;o)

Lia said...

beautiful!!!!!!! makes me want to sew one for me :)

Millie said...

Very Beautiful!

Sandra said...

it's quite lovely! I absolutely love the sleeve detail. I hope to make a spring top but so far that's all I've managed to do--merely hope! You are getting so much done these days...very inspiring :).

Jordan said...

this is beautiful! thanks for stopping by my blog :)

sim said...

I love it - and I have this pattern but have not used it yet. You have inspired me hugely and I love how it looks in rayon

Kat said...

This is gorgeous! I have this pattern and some fabric ready to make it in but for some reason have not gotten around to starting it. Your top has inspired me to get started.

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