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!



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