27.2.16

Curved Shoulder Darts



This top was drafted to incorporate curved shoulder darts.  Initially, I was planning on a fitted blouse, but halfway through drafting I changed my mind...and instead I have ended up with this lovely, cool linen top.


This close up shows the darts.  Each of the shoulder darts is about 1/2 inch wide (I am following imperial instructions).  In the example draft, the remaining bust dart was transferred to the waist dart.  Seeing as I was making a top rather than a bodice, I decided to distribute my darts differently.  I had already decided on a V neck, to echo the shape of the shoulder darts.  I ignored the waist darts.  Then I set about transferring the remaining bust darts to the armhole, to reflect the shoulder darts and V-neck.  This dart looked a little on the wide side, so I thought about splitting it up, but then decided to convert half the dart to flare instead.  I can't get away from those flared shapes!


I did a little bit of tone-on-tone embroidery on the CF seam.  The CF seam has no shaping.  I put it in to make binding the V neckline a little easier.

The centre back has a slit opening.  You can see that I used the same subtle embroidery from the front down the centre back seam, which has some shaping.


Other details include a back hem a little longer than the front.  The hems are squared off, with short splits at the side seams.
 
Here is a modeled shot.  The  top is a loose, boxy top, but I feel it is much more interesting than just a box.

The linen was purchased from The Fabric Store, several years ago.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

The great fit around the arms and neck prevent it looking boxy, I like it a lot and it's a great colour.

Summer Flies said...

I really love all these swing tops you are making. I LOVE the colour. It's really you. It reminds me of a linen dress I had in the same colour that I loved.

Evie Jones said...

This is just gorgeous. The colour is sublime and the fit is just perfect.

liza jane said...

I love it!! And I'm going to have to do some reading on the purpose of shoulder darts like that in the front. I've been working on my shoulder fit and I think I've determined that I need a pretty substantial forward shoulder. But still have some fit issues with front of shoulder/neckline. Love the color!

LindaC said...

I live in the southwest deserts of the U.S. where temps are often 110F and I have been following your blog to get some great ideas for summerwear. Thanks for blogging your cute clothes. I love the color of this top. It looks perfect for a hot summer.

Gail said...

Nice colour, nice fabric, nice work. My late mother would be horrified, she found use of the word nice linguistically lazy!!

Megan O said...

This is lovely. The darts and embroidery really elevate it.

Anonymous said...

Lovely green. I do love the shoulder darts and arm darts echoing the shape of the neckline. And the overall drape of the top.