Playing with strips (and polka-dots!) Deer and Doe, Datura

Stripes and polka dots!  Love them both and knew I wanted to combine both in this top.  

               

I fell in love with this stripe.  I purchased it at a quilt shop about an hour from my home.  I had no intention of using it for a quilt, I knew I wanted a top from it.  I also thought I had purchased enough to make what I intended but I came up short so I found a pattern that would work and had a Tim Gunn moment!  

This polka-dot is from my stash and I knew I wanted to have some fun and play with these fabrics together.  

This pattern is from Deer and Doe and is called the Datura Top.  I made this last summer in a denim that I just love!  This version is the other view of the top.  

 As you can see, I added piping to the collar and at the center back, I added a wedge of the same fabric.  The pink collar is from the same quilt store I purchased the stripe from.  

I almost forgot to add that I included an exposed zip--just for fun!

This pattern is very well drafted.  I just made sure the bust dart hit me where it needed to and that this fit well before stitching up.  

Really, that's it!  I now have a very colorful top for the rest of the summer!

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Datura top by Deer & Doe

Hi all!  Today I am modeling for you my Datura top by Deer and Doe.  I was so intrigued by the neckline on this and knew I needed to make it.  Also, Lori from Girls in the Garden created 2 gorgeous denim tops and I knew I had a remnant in my stash of a dress I made a while back.  If I could only find a pattern that would work with my limited yardage....

And, here is the pattern!  

Cool, huh?  

This is my second muslin.  My first isn't shown and I learned a lot from it.  First big lesson was to use a natural fiber to make this garment.  Poly just didn't hold it's shape well enough after pressing to make this a success, at least for me!

If you don't get the neckline area perfect, everyone will know as this is the main draw of the garment.

You can see this is a bit small on my through the lower body.  There is some pulling and the non-functional button back is also gaping.  

I did a better job of pulling it down for this photo but you shouldn't have to yank at your clothing.  If it fits, it hangs properly.  

I do like the back yoke on this.  It fits well on me, meaning that it lies smooth and there isn't any gaping at the armscyes.

Let's talk about the neckline for a bit more.  I highly recommend careful cutting, stitching, clipping, and pressing here.  I do not recommend this pattern for a beginner.  

I measured each line of each triangle numerous times to ensure it was all properly spaced and the equidistant between the sides of all the angles.

Another thing I learned on the first muslin was that it was unnecessary to sew the upper portion of the bodice front and back (the areas that will be covered with the bias trim).  You can see the instructions have you stitch those pieces and turn to the right side.  Then you put on the bias trim.  Those seems are covered by the trim.  No need to make yourself work harder.  Also, since there isn't an additional seamline on the neck area the bias going on my smoother and lays nicer.

You create enough bias trim to use on the hemline and this creates a very nice finish.  I decided to hand hem mine as it was beautiful outside and I am all about sewing outdoors when I can.  

I enjoyed sewing this top.  I see more in my future, especially view B with that cute little peter-pan type collar.  

Thanks for reading!

Sue