It was H.O.T here in Oregon yesterday, 102! Ugh! I couldn't do anything but sew...even that was difficult with the iron going. Same top as before, just lengthened a little with a 2 inch band added to the hem...Denyse Schmidt fabric.
Why I ever decided to join a sew a long in June I'll never know! But, I did join, yes I did and I shall not fail! I will complete the top on time! Witness...I have cut out the pattern! I have this weekend at home to sew then we are going camping. I'll have 3 days to complete the top when we get back if I somehow procrastinate enough over the next 5 days. Believe me that is not a total impossibility!!
It is taken with flash, but that's ok because the beautiful golden print comes out fine on the fabric. You see, it is past 10pm here and it is bedtime soon... I guess I can finally sleep now that is done and I don't have to go to my friends's wedding naked ;). The pattern is still the Burda 8103, changes I made is the clasp in the front and it is 5cm shorter than it is supposed to be... The pattern is a bit challenging, but I found the instruction adequate. I don't have any formal education in sewing, but I Finland the public school program includes some basic sewing and knitting skills.
Simplicity #4589, view C using vintage fabric...which I should've known that it was a poly-blend before I scorched my ironing board cover! Oops! Does any one else have the "bowing" problem around the neck and back? Mine seems to bow out even though I've ironed the heck out of it!
More photos can be found at my Flickr "Sew? I Knit!" page here.
Fabric: An unlabelled, mixed-fibre, blue and white striped shirting from my grannie. The warp (or is that the weft?) is a synthetic and the weft (warp?) is a natural fibre.
Pattern: From an old issue of "Essentials" magazine. Pattern number E177
Modifications: Well - I modified the front pieces to accomadate my "boobage", turned the 1 piece sleeve into a 2-piece so I could add width at the upper arm without altering the sleeve cap, I ended up using the attatched facing strip as extra frontage becuase it was still too tight on me without it! I cut a new facing crosswise on the fabric. I did the same at the back of the collar and collar stand.
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And here's a back view:
Details:
Pattern - sort of self-designed; I based the shape of the top on a princess-seamed dress pattern that I'd used before, and just sort of winged the rest.
Fabric - 1 yd. of "Kitschy Kitchen" printed cotton by Robert Kaufman and 1 yd. turquoise cotton for the lining.
Trim - turquoise grosgrain ribbon by the spool (from Jo-Ann Fabrics).
I'm quite happy with how this turned out. I love the fabric and this is pretty much exactly what I'd envisioned when I bought it. The sash/bow is removable, in case I happen to be in a less girly mood when I'm wearing it.
My nephew just turned one, these are a late birthday gift for him along with a floor quilt to match. He was born with a teeny, tiny aorta so he had to have open heart surgery; I had made shirts like these to help with the clothing/dressing changes...now they're requested because they make great jammies! They close with twill tape on the inside and velcro for the outer flap. Pattern is Simplicity 9782.
I haven't decided yet. She is almost done and I am leaning to the modified tank version. I think I would wear it more (the girls feel more contained) than a halter. The halter part tends to pull too much on my neck. The perils of a big bust. I was able to omit the zipper in back due to the stretch in the fabric. I can just slip it on over my head. It is just basted for now - I am "living with it" for the weekend before I decide. p.s. it is cold and rainy where I live - not much tank top wearing going on this summer :-( eek! look at that pale skin.
Well, I kinda washed out in the bag-making category for this sew-along. I got the multitude of pieces cut out and the straps pinned for the Amy Butler Ultimate arts & craft tote. I am still contemplating how to change the pockets to suit my knitting style. But I wanted to show you the bag I made last week to carry a sock knitting project. It was based on Trek's sock bag and My Leetle Bag. Next time I will try to actually read the directions. What the heck, it looks cute and serves its purpose. This is the only Bernina in the world that won't do automatic buttonholes, I believe. I use my Brother for embroidery and buttonholes. When I am really in sewing mode, I have the serger out too. The casing, though done incorrectly, still has two layers, and was not folded over. Must be the heavy cord, from stash, that makes it look that way? That's where I messed up, and had to open the seam to turn the bag right side out.
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My intention was to make myself something for this group...I've gotten a bit side tracked. You see, my friend's daughter just had a birthday and I hadn't sent anything. I had picked up a vintage pattern on one of my thrifting adventures that was perfect!
Here is my summer top -- Butterick 3383 in blue cotton gauze. I think I must have chosen too large a size, because the neckline ended up having a Flashdance off-the-shoulder effect. I solved this by pleating across the front at 2 cm intervals, roughly collarbone to collarbone. The effect is like a peasant blouse, and a little shapelier than the original. I think this will be a cool and pleasant top for summer, and good under jackets in the fall.
The pattern was very easy, and very fast, too. I will make it again -- using a smaller size.
While shopping my closet recently, I came across this dress. It was a looooong drink of orange...purchased from a thrift store for $3, I realized I had only worn it once. Time for a re - vamp! And just in time for..... Top Month!
Now my little smock top looks juicy with jeans or a little straight black skirt and my gold hippie sandals. What was old is new again! The best fashion bargains can be right in your own closet!
