I was so excited to sew up some new summer tops for the challenge and then life got turned upside down.
The previous post was tops all made before June. This was to be my first top for the challenge. I'd eyed it for awhile, Erica Bunker made it and it was just SO cute.
I mean, isn't it SO CUTE?!?! LOL!!
I do wish I had something slightly lighter like a voile. This cotton (weave unknown - picked it up at SR Harris) is about the weight of a lightweight sateen. You definitely want something stable because there's a gazillion yards of narrow hemming. It needs to be able to take a press too. Bonus if the wrong side isn't super discernible from the right side as the wrong side will possibly show in back on the tie, and on the sleeve.
I've tried it without a bra and it's fine. I happened to be wearing a bralette today that has a very narrow band and straps set kind of far apart. Good to know that this works with the top!
I cut a size 14 with a 16 back yoke and 16 armholes (could have cut a 14 all over). It is loose fitting and I'm glad I didn't size up the body at all. The front/back pattern piece is huge and oddly shaped. Then there is an overlay on top of that. But the way the top is made/styled if it's a little too big, it's still going to be okay. I personally did not have any issues with it staying up on my shoulders when worn and as someone else mentioned, you can tie it and then pull it on over your head quite easily.
I used 3 yards of fabric because I somewhat fussy cut. It took a lot for me to decide on a front band!
This is the same as above but flipped upside down!
too much "large blue flower next to each other"
I ended up choosing the very first one I cut out because OF COURSE I did!
I did not follow the instructions to stitch at 1/2", press up, trim and turn and stitch again. That's just too much for my hands. I removed my left needle from the serger, lengthened the stitch a bit so it wasn't so condensed, and serged the ends, then turned twice. It's a little wider than intended and a little bulkier in this fabric (so my hems stand away more), but it doesn't take away IMO.
The instructions are otherwise excellent and all pattern markings were there. OH! The only other adjustment I'd make is adding the front band on the overlay. It is wide enough to 'burrito' so that's how I sewed it. Especially if your fabric is lighter weight.
I started this on a Monday (June 1 actually!) And finished it on a Saturday. And I worked on it a little bit every day. It was labor intensive but it produces a really beautifully finished top.
beautiful interior finishing
this is so pleasing to look at!
The CF band is fully enclosed, the underlay is sewn with a french seam, the back yoke is finished with french binding (yum), the yoke-to-top seam and armhole is finished with double fold binding. I used Hug Snug.
WHY. DID. NO ONE. TELL. ME. ABOUT. HUG. SNUG?!?!
It is tedious to sew it but it's so beautiful!! I almost went online and bought a bunch more colors til I realized I have a 100yd roll here and it would take me forever to use that. This soft grey is a nice neutral and will work for many things since I'm probably going to be using this all.the.time!
I have a pair of teal pants (a bit more green than these) that looked perfect. Then I scored these during a LOFT clearance sale and they are perfect!. I think it'll look good with white, gray, or dark blue bottoms.
I absolutely LOVE IT! I love the construction, I love the look, I love everything about it!
32 comments:
I love this top and your fabric - nice work
Your top is really, really beautiful and it looks great with your pants. Thanks for blogging about Hug Snug. I've never heard of it before, and now I'm interested to look it up to learn more about it. Thanks again.
The top looks amazing, and so many pretty finishing details!!!!
The top looks amazing, and so many pretty finishing details!!!!
Don’t you just love to wear a really well-made garment? Especially when you made it yourself? Very nicely done.
It is spectacular! I am almost finished with my first summer garment. Just could not focus or make decisions until now. Let’s hope we both are able to enjoy more time in our sewing spaces.
What a lovely top! And YOU look so "put together" in the outfit you created!
This is super cute...learned something new😀
As always, beautiful job. Love the fabric colors and pattern. You did a lovely job with all details and yes as mentioned, thanks for sharing the Hug Snug, I have never heard of it. I will definitely give it a try.
Looks gorgeous on you. Don't you love it when you know all the little details were worth the effort when you see the final result!
You should love it as it looks absolutely stunning. Perfect pairing of pattern and fabric.
so pretty. And note: this is designer Rachel Comey for Vogue patterns, she didn't have a huge number of patterns but the ones that exist are so fantastic, for example the "greatest skirt pattern" V1247. hmmmm now I'm off to see what others I have overlooked :) because I need more patterns hahahahaha
So pretty on you!
Yes, it's beautiful and very flattering but I am truly impressed with your finishing. Nobody but you and those of us reading this will see it but I know that wearing a garment that has been so beautifully finished just makes you feel so good. Thank you for the inspiration.
I love your fabric choice. I think that this is the prettiest version of this pattern that I have seen. I like the pairing with the grey pants.
I have 4 rolls of Hug Snug that I bought years ago when our exchange rate was better....I always thought I would buy more colours, but like you said, a 100 yard roll will last a long time and out exchange rate is not so good now, not to mention shipping :(
Thank you!
Yes, I’m sure it will last for a LONG time. I am considering buying a cream/off white.
Thank you and I agree! It’s just sooo nice to wear even though it’ll never been seen! *I* appreciate it!
Thank you!
I do have quite a few of her patterns ;-)
Thank you!!
YES!! Thank you!
Thank you! I hope you get your hands on some!
Thanks! That’s my favorite part, learning new things!!
Thank you!
I’m glad you’re able to start sewing again. It has been a trying time.
Yessssss! Thank you!
Thank you!
Thanks! Definitely seek some out if you’ve ever considered binding your allowances or have done Hong Kong binding.
Thank you!!
This is gorgeous - goes so well with those pants too 👌
Your top looks great! I think the inside finishing details are just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing about Hug Snug.
The top is gorgeous, inside and out. You totally rock this outfit.
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