Spring Top #1 0

In the interest of full disclosure, I actually made this top last summer but I didn't finish it until last night. It's New Look pattern 6483, a really easy straightforward top. I don't like armhole and neckline facings (or rather, last summer I didn't like them), and I wanted it fully lined. Whoa! Big mistake.

I added a little tuxedo-styled ruffles down the front out of an Amy Butler print. Just for some fanciness, plus the colors are very complimentary.

I got stalled on the whole turning-the-lining-on-a-sleeveless-top thing. I still don't understand it despite having a sewing neighbor pantomime what I need to do with the actual top in hand, and reading online tutorials on how to do it. I still don't get it. So I hand-stitched the lining together at the shoulder seams lsat night and called it done.

Voila!

P.S. I know what you're thinking. "Does she own an iron?" Yeah, I do. But at 7:45 in the morning it wasn't a top priority.

**Post-post edit: I just read the rules for the 2010 Spring Top Week entries and the tops must be made after March 1. I changed the title of this post to reflect that this is not going to be Spring Top #1. Which is cool cause it's not really entry-worthy anyway, y'know? Carry on.**

Spring Top Week

I found Made by Rae last year sometime. I can't even remember, but I know it was sometime around Spring Top Week because I watched the final roundup and voted for my favorite. I don't think she won (sorry, I tried), but it was super fun.

This year, this year I'll be participating. Hence the button on my sidebar and the sudden urge for me to go through my patterns and books to find cute tops that I'd actually like to make and will wear when they're done. That's the hardest part for me, wearing the things I make. It's much easier for me to sew for other people.

Here's a little teaser of the projects on the table, and some of the fabrics.

from the Japanese book Sweet Dress Recipe

Katie Jump Rope in orange by Denyse Schmidt - blue bias trim not shown

two vintage patterns from my stash

From Amy Butler's new Love collection, the Sandalwood and Sunspots in turquoise

Once again, my apologies for my bad artwork. You'll get used to it if you stick around.

I guess you could say I'm pushing forward with the Great Sewing Challenge of 2010 because I started a first for me today....I traced a pattern from one of my Japanese sewing books! I'll have a separate blog post about the whole experience - tracing, cutting, sewing, etc. - soon. As soon as it's done. Which could be a long ways off. So far so good. Except for the part where I couldn't find the lines of the pattern and literally had to put my face up to the gigantic paper and find it with my fingers. And I used a highlighter. Other than that, it was great!

I cut the fabric

OK, I cut into it. I am modifying the Parfait dress a little. I like the skirt design and it lends itself well to the way the linen is printed, so I'm using the waist and skirt of the parfait, and then I'm using a different bustline variation of my own design.

I already made a muslin of it so I know it will fit and the pieces should go together fairly well.

I'm not a good artist. But you kind of get the idea, right?