23.2.12

Out of season sewing

I made up this Vogue 1261 alice + olivia top a couple of weeks ago.  I was surrounded by all my unpacked boxes when a parcel of fabric arrived.  A sewing break was just what I needed and I could actually find my sewing machines, so I got to it. 
 


I did alter the pattern slightly to exaggerate the triangular hem peaks a little...in some of the reviews it looked more like an uneven hem than a feature, and I wanted to make mine a feature.

This pattern calls for exposed seam allowances, top-stitched from the outside.  The instructions advise you to trim the seam allowances before top-stitching.  I used my coverstitch machine, which I am not proficient at using, so I trimmed afterwards.  Only it turns out that I am not very neat at trimming (and my new scissors seem to have rusted in the humidity over Christmas...not happy).  So it is all a little messy, but maybe it will sort itself out in the wash??

I also didn't pre-wash the fabric, so it is possible that those racing stripes down the back will buckle if the fabric shrinks...I may have some unpicking ahead of me.  The stripes are made from a pink and white fancy ric-rac, which was the only ribbon that I could find in my rummaging that even vaguely matched.  I thought about leaving it off, but I really like the effect of the stripes...makes the top a little more interesting.  Next time, I might use some sort of adhesive tape to keep the ribbon in place before I stitch it.



If there is a next time.  I'm not sure that this is a particularly flattering design for pear shapes.  The style certainly accommodates a pear shape, but perhaps doesn't flatter.  I tried it with skinny pants and flares and neither takes my fancy.  Perhaps I need a straight leg, but I still haven't unpacked my cooler weather clothing.

In the top photos, I was trying to reduce the shadows, which really made a feature of the red top.  I have also put in a couple of more natural photos below, in case you prefer more realistic shots.




18 comments:

Bernice said...

Nice photos Katherine! I really like the look of the top and think it looks quite groovy paired with the flares. I think adding the height of the heels keeps the look lean rather than pear-shaped. The colour is really nice and the back feature is such a fun and interesting twist. I think you're looking very casually hip! I can only imagine you're suffering in all those clothes though. It's soooooo hot and humid. Ohhh, how we suffer for fashion...and blogging.

thornberry said...

I really like it too! I just made a StyleARC Tilda top and it has the curved hemline as well. I'll wear mine with skinny pants, but I think yours looks great with the flares. A definite winnerr

liza jane said...

I love the stripe on the back. It makes the top unique. I like it with your flares, too. I tried to make a pointed hem top like that a while back and absolutely hated it on myself. I didn't try it with my flares-- only skinny pants. Maybe I'll have to revisit...

Uta said...

Very cute top! I love the color; can't imagine that it's warm anywhere right now! (A bit above zero Celsius here, and rainy, too.) It has a bit of 70s flair to it, and it looks great with this shape pants imo.

Amanda S. said...

I made this top and wasn't sold on it either. I did mine in tie-dye and it is way too 70's looking, though. The red is a much better choice and the ribbon down the back makes the rear view narrower somehow.

Gail said...

Love the top. I bought this pattern with a particular piece of fabric in mind only to find that I didn't have enough. Definitely on the list for boho me.

meli88a said...

This looks so comfortable. I wonder how it would look with leggings?

MareeAlison said...

I really like your top too. I saw a link on Girls in the Garden's blog and had to read about it. I think it is flattering to a pear shape because you actually can't tell if it's just the shape of the top or not. I have this pattern on order at the moment - I took advantage of the latest Vogue $3.99 sale - so I'm looking forward to getting it to try. Well done.

Evelyne said...

I like the top especially the back stripes. Looks great from here.

Evelyne said...

Hi Katherine, just to let you know that I've nominated you for a Leibster Blog award :) Love your work!

Carolyn said...

Stunning! Fabulous hemline, and that colour is luscious with jeans! A fantastic outfit!

Audrey said...

This is a pretty, comfortable looking, casual top. I think the style looks good on you. I notice the linear draping and the interesting asym bottom, not the shape underneath. I also like the trim on the back. So often backs are plain and boring.

gwensews said...

Cute top! I think it looks great on your slim body. Perfect for a casual outing.

Mary Nanna said...

I would love to be able to pull off the loose unstructured look that suits you so well. Great top - and I bet, super comfy too.

Mon Café Couture said...

I like unstructured looks, that helps me hide some unwanted kilos ;) looks like a perfect casual outfit you've made.

Catherine said...

I love this top, especially the back view. Fabulous!

Rachelle said...

Hi Katherine, love your top and the last dress you made was just so amazing. I have been very sick for the last few months and have not sewn anything. On the plus side I have had lots of blog reading time, yay! Reading your through your blog has been inspiring to see how much better your fitting skills are now than when you started out. I hope you take this the right way :) your earliest garments were lovely but your garments now are spectacular.

Sew Brunswick said...

Hi Katherine, love your top. I was just popping over to let you know I nominated you for a Liebster award. But I see Evelyne has beat me to it!!

Check it out at www.sewbrunswick.blogspot.com