Entry number three for the
Spring Top Sewalong! I had a gauzy top from H&M that had seen better days (
I don't even want to photograph it, it's so dingy! See below for the side-by-side comparison!), but I love the shape and feel of it, so I decided to use it as my template for a new version. Not that I'm ever going to wear it again (in public), but I didn't disassemble the shirt; instead just traced parts of it on Swedish tracing paper. Unfortunately, parts like the button placket, banded neckline, and even the sleeves were not really "traceable", so those bits I recreated on my own (and the neckline and sleeves more than once!). I eye-balled the tiny pintucks (there are some on the back, too), but I wish I had put in a few more.
Since I had never sewn one like this before (let alone create the pattern), the button placket was the most challenging part. I used
this tutorial to draft and sew the one piece placket. And it only took one try!
I wrangled a rounded hem, adjusted the sleeve openings at the shoulder and, as usual, took in the sides to make it less boxy. In the end I love this top. LOVE IT. I can picture it getting as "well loved" as the original.
Fabric is crinkled gauze, purchased at Fabric. com for an absolute steal (like $4 a yard, if I remember correctly). This gauze was fun to work with and extremely forgiving.
Okay, by request, I have added a photo of the side-by-side comparison!
I love it! Those pin tucks take it to a new level. I don't think it needs more. Looks great as it is!
ReplyDeleteEllen
Thank you! The original had more, but I wasn't sure I could manage them all!
DeleteThis top looks fantastic. It's my favorite so far. I especially love the pin tucks and had to come over from flickr to see how you made the placket. That looks hard!! But I love this so much I am going to use it for inspiration. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! The placket was definitely difficult for me to visualize--I had to just jump right in. The tutorial I linked to is really clear, though, so hopefully that helps you out too!
DeleteI love this! It really caught my eye in the spring top pool but I'm not at all jealous of you now owning it. Nuh-uh. Ok, I totally am :D xx
ReplyDeleteI love this top, I had to pop over to get the story. Would have been cool to see the original inspiration top too, but I understand. I'm a big fan of dying clothes that are looking tired or faded, but the fabric is still in decent shape. I usually go with black or navy or other dark colors and it can make the item appear surprisingly new again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the message! At your urging, I added the photo of the original top. Gosh, it's so grungy looking! But I will definitely consider dying the fabric--thanks for the suggestion!
DeleteBeautiful! I LOVE the shape, the pintucks and the the button placket.
ReplyDeleteWow. It's stunning. Really stands out. I want one!
ReplyDeleteI just voted for your top at Made By Rae. That is 2 tops in the finals - way to go!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sabrina! I am going to try as hard as I can to scan the pattern--it might just take a little while!
DeleteI voted for your top too! Love the design. Great job!
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI voted for you :)
I voted for you because it's such an achievement that you did this all without a pattern!! Well done, I love it. Fancy selling the pattern now?!?!
ReplyDeleteI voted for you because it's such an achievement that you did this all without a pattern!! Well done, I love it. Fancy selling the pattern now?!?!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about selling it, but I am going to try to scan the pattern and post it! (It's about a size 2 petite)
DeleteThis is absolutely my favorite shirt this week! I think I may need to emulate those pintucks on a shirt for myself!
ReplyDeleteThe pintucks along the neckline are actually pretty simple...my best suggestion is to make sure they are exactly perpendicular to the neckline (at the point you are starting the tuck). Also, since the seam is on the right side of the fabric, tie a tiny knot with the threads instead of backsewing (as they suggest you do for a dart). Best of luck!
DeleteI love this top!
ReplyDeleteI just voted for you!
OMG, that is fantastic!!!! So envious of your sewing talent.
ReplyDeleteThis is insanely cute. Looks so RTW!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! It makes me feel all summery just looking at it...
ReplyDelete