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Sewing is therapy for me. I hoard fabric, patterns, notions, and spend more time shopping for fabric than I care to admit...

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Cara top, I mean dress!

Do you love sewing as much as I do in that you can make something truly your own?  That's what I did today.  I made this top into a dress, perfect for summer!

Fashionable off-the-shoulder top

Is this not just about the cutest top ever?  I was a little worried that I might be too old and look rather ridiculous in this, but DD1 and the DH assured me it was okay, despite being 53 years old!



 After seeing the photos, I agree with them that it is cute.





This top is described like this: This on-trend top gives a gorgeous look with its flattering, gathered, off the shoulder neckline with a floaty raglan sleeve.  The elastic at the back neckband keeps the shoulder line in shape.  Wear it with jeans or dress it up with a fabulous print to wear to a special occasion.



I used this j-crew fabric I purchased from FM quite some time ago and since I had enough, I decided to try this in a dress.  If I hated it, I knew I could chop it off back into a top.



Construction of this dress is pretty straight forward and moderately easy.  I really like how the neckband is constructed and attached to the bodice front and back along with the sleeves.  If you cut this out making sure you mark all your notches on the bands and top your gathering will be gorgeous!


Typically I made an FBA, sloping shoulder adjustment and swayback adjustment.  Well, given the shape of this top, I made zero alterations to the pattern tissue.  Although I did mess with the elastic back as this slid so far down my shoulders!
Just a note, I won't consider wearing this without a belt.  If feels like a mu mu!



The pattern calls for 15.5 inches and I cut it back to 14.  I also decided to add a piece of elastic to the front band as well just to help the dress feel like it would stay put and it did just that!




If you want a super fast project (unless you have to make a lot of alterations) this is it!  Have fun with your fabric choice and enjoy making this!!!

                  

Thanks for reading!
Sue









20 comments:

  1. Very very cute! You look great!

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  2. This looks gorgeous on you! Very pretty colors, and I love the off-the-shoulder look.

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  3. Adorable and looks great on you.. Such pretty fabric. Happy sewing.

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  4. I love it!!!

    You are truly my alterations twin. The second version of this I cut the back elastic at 14".

    I love that fabric too!

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    1. Thanks Nakisha! I can't wait to see what fabric you choose to make your 2nd. It is such a fun top!

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  5. Great idea to extend the length and make a dress. Love the off the shoulder look.

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  7. Only one word to describe your dress, Gorgeous!!!!

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    1. Well thank you bpatricia74! I appreciate that!

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  8. Only one word to describe your dress, Gorgeous!!!!

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  9. Just lovely- very romantic feeling. I have that fabric stashed away too!

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    1. Thanks so much Ann! This is a great fabric! I am so glad I finally broke it out and used it!

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  10. never too old! You look great in this - and I'm really tempted. Really like the neckband construction. It looks like it won't snap up over the shoulder or fall down to the elbow :-)

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    1. Thanks Coco! My daughter said the same thing--wear what you want mom! I did wear this a few hours and you are correct, the neckband keeps this in place really well.

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  11. Beautiful dress. You look gorgeous!

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