Thursday 7 August 2014

A Simple Top

This top was the answer to my prayers! I was in desperate need of new short-sleeved tops to go with jeans, shorts and skirts. I don't own very many, even RTW, as I predominantly live in dresses.

But buy tops? No! I can sew: I'm buggered if I am spending £20 in the shops just for a flimsy rectangle of fabric!


I needed something plain and easy to coordinate, but most importantly loose and cool for the summer.  It's so hot and sticky at the moment that tight-fitting isn't going to cut it.


This is the Boatneck dress from Simple Modern Sewing. I've cut it down to a top length, and attempted a hi-lo hem.  But after giving it a wear, I've found you can't really see this feature; I think I will chop off an inch or two and give this a simpler straight hem - so it doesn't look accidental!


The fabric design is lovely: grey/lilac with tiny white stars, very subtle, pretty and feminine. It's cotton; I couldn't wear synthetic in this heat. I have a reasonable amount left as the top was not demanding in its yardage, so I'm hoping I can squeeze a different shaped top out of it. Otherwise it'll be destined to become a dress for little Immy!


The neckline is like a baby-grow, joined on just the outside edge. This allows it to slip on easily.  I've only sewn a narrow overlap, as I really want it loose. You could adjust this overlap and it would dispense with any underarm gape.


I'm really happy with this. If I get a chance to hit the fabric shops this summer, I can see more of these on the horizon!


The photos were taken by my eldest, who is keen to contribute to this blog. He is also sewing! He's currently working on a little bag for his sister, with the ultimate aim of making her a dress. Odd, though, as I'd have thought he would want to make something for himself! 

10 comments:

  1. I need some of these too! Lovely neck detail, and the fabric is really pretty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was quick to make too, always a bonus.

      Delete
  2. Yay to being able to sew things we need instead of buying them! Looks like a good summer top. It's really sweet that your son wants to make his sister a dress!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, It is good knowing that you can make things. I do feel I have a lot to learn though.

      Delete
  3. Lovely!!! Such a cute top - and the world is now your oyster - you can make so many in different fabrics & play with wider, more flowy hems as well to mix it up ;) - and 'yay' to your young man loving both sewing and photography, so wonderful that he's a selfless sewist ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's the fun bit isn't it playing with sewing and design.

    ReplyDelete
  5. OH! SO CUTE Louise! Please don't touch that hem! I think just the tiniest bit of high/low on a top is flattering!! I love that boat neck and how it's joined at the shoulder! Well done! And bravo to your son as well! Sew on family!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thank you. Yes I must let him back on the sewing machine, I've been hogging it lately.

      Delete
  6. Fab top. And love the shoulder detail. I need to get me some tops!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is really good blog information thanks for sharing .I am really impressed with your writing abilities. Buy Instagram Followers In India

    ReplyDelete