Have you seen this pattern?
It was suggested to me by Beatrice who frequently comments on my makes. I so appreciate comments on my work! Honestly, I never expect anyone other than my mother to read my blog. :)
So here is the story on this top. I purchased a lacey dress at a super cool antique shop in Minneapolis called Hunt and Gather. I had no idea what to do with it but I knew it would spark some creativity.
I asked readers for some suggestions and Bernice suggested the New Look pattern. It's cute, right? I love the simple lines and feminine shape.
Upon close inspection of the dress, I noticed the lace and pintucks were in pretty rough shape so I salvaged what I could and that was enough to create the sleeves. The rest of the top is made from Kona Cotton.
While I am okay with the shape of the top, I wish I had made a muslin. Either that, or used a very, very lightweight cotton or even batist (sp?) so it flowed better and didn't pool in areas.
I also played with a hemstitch needle to create the hemline and neckline. I love the little extra touch it gives.
I practiced on scraps and read online about what stitches to use with a hemstitch needle. You must use a stitch that will leave holes in your fabric.
I love my top and the hubby does too but I am not crazy about how this fit. I may have to redo the bodice section and reattach the sleeves.
What say you? Does it fit well enough? I thought about adding fish-eye darts in the back to make it more fitted there. Will that help?
Thanks again for reading and Bernice, if you will please send me your email address to parrott@sio.midco.net, I'd like to contact you regarding sending a little something from my stash to yours!
Sue
The hole punching needle effect is lovely. I didn't know that was how it was done! The effect is perfect for this cute top.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you're having the same problem I'm having right now with fabric pooling in the small of the back. In fact, today I spent too much time researching sway back adjustments. I'm hopeful adjusting my back pattern piece will correct this annoying issue. Wish me luck? Will try it out later next week on my Onyx Top pattern.
Sway back? Me? WHAT? LOL!
Meanwhile I will keep lurking your blog with your mom. :*)
Deb, No California
The hole punching needle effect is lovely. I didn't know that was how it was done! The effect is perfect for this cute top.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you're having the same problem I'm having right now with fabric pooling in the small of the back. In fact, today I spent too much time researching sway back adjustments. I'm hopeful adjusting my back pattern piece will correct this annoying issue. Wish me luck? Will try it out later next week on my Onyx Top pattern.
Sway back? Me? WHAT? LOL!
Meanwhile I will keep lurking your blog with your mom. :*)
Deb, No California
Lovely top, shame about the pooling but think the darts would work well. The hem and neckline are lovely, the effect that's made is gorgeous, I've never tried it but but really want to now.
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! I love the vintage sleeve idea and the detail on the hem and neckline are such a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteI'm no expert on fitting issues. I think it looks lovely as is and would be happy to wear it.
I think if the bottom was a little looser, you would not have so much pooling. Worked for me on a blouse I made recently. Love your idea of using a hemstitch detail on the neck and bottom of the blouse.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue. What a lovely top. I had forgotten about my suggestion (and didn't check back in the comments on your original post), but I'm so glad it inspired you. I have not tried that pattern myself, but it caught my eye. I like the contrast sleeves, and especially the hem stitch detail around the neck and hem. That really coordinates well with the sleeves. I didn't even know that a hem stitch needle existed. I will keep that in mind as something to try sometime.
ReplyDeleteIf I were you, I might try basting in some fisheye darts in the back to see if that helps. If not, so be it. I think the previous comment about the bottom being looser is a good point to consider in future.
Sue, I will email you as you suggested. Thanks so much!!
ReplyDelete