April 5, 2010

SECOND DRESS, FIRST TOP...

On Saturday I worked on this dress that I had started the week before. Although the SPRING MONTH OF TOPS officially started on April 1st, I have this UNWRITTEN RULE that I must try my best to complete anything that I've already started before embarking on a new project. So I finished what started out a wearable muslin late Saturday afternoon AFTER A THIRD ATTEMPT TO HEM IT. That's right three hems! There was something really different with this knit that I couldn't get a decent hem - the stitching was just wonky. I even tried doing a zigzag hem and it was wonky too. So after talking with my friend Lisa, I took her advise and used Steam-A-Seam Lite and then got a perfect hem.

Like I said, initially, this was to be a wearable muslin just to try the pattern out before using it on some of my Vogue fabric that I picked up at the sewing expo last month. Well, that will never happen with this pattern. Although I call myself an advanced beginner, I had the hardest time deciphering the pattern instructions. The instructions for the tucks/pleats just didn't make sense. I ended up JUST DOING IT MY WAY, and making up my own directions. Although I was able to produce a wearable muslin - suitable for a run to the store, a shopping trip, or maybe even a back yard cookout, I will not be making this pattern again.

This is a picture of my first Spring Month of Tops project. It's made from McCall's 5884, a pattern I bought last year but never got around to making up. I used a piece of fabric from the scrap box that I made a top from last summer. Since that top was gifted to one of my Sisters, I thought I'd make up another style for myself.

This top went together easily, and was a nice one day project - which I need some times. I didn't have enough fabric to cut the collar/tie on the bias, but I had no problems getting it attached properly. I also liked the self fabric bias cut facing for the armholes. I really like the style, but was surprised at the amount of designer ease in the pattern. I think I would like to make this pattern up again - maybe one of the sleeved versions, but I think I'd remove just a little of the ease.

Now I'm off to choose patterns and fabric for dress #3, and top #2......

25 comments:

  1. You may not have followed the directions for the dress but it looks fantastic, so what ever you did, it was right :)

    Beautiful top too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. First of all I think you're long past being an advanced beginner (smile)---with all of the great stuff you do you definitely must upgrade yourself!!! I love both the top and blouse. Good tip on the knit hem. I sew alot of knit and you do run into those that have to be stabilized. Can't wait to see the rest of tops you sew!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Both the dress and the top look great! Did you get one of your students to photograph the top?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous4/05/2010

    Oohh, your top is lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this print on you. Last night I pulled out a BWOF pattern that is very similar that I was thinking of making in purple. I cut out three tops last night, maybe I should join this Month of Tops?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Both garments look lovely.You look so spring ready.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really like that top. The fabric is fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Both pieces look great. I love your beads and dress together! I agree -- I think of you as way past advanced beginner.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beginner?? you?? no way!!
    Great top, I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a gorgeous and sophisticated top! You did a great job :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Linda - we have to talk!!! First I love this dress! Love love love it. Can we say "chicken run" or "fabric dash". I also love the top. Very breezy!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I mean it matches the jewelry and shows some leg. I have got to see this in person as well as have you try it on! Okay enough babbling.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bummer about the dress! It looks like your way of putting it together got some great results, but it's a shame when it doesn't feel great to wear. Your top came out nicely!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Really cute top. It's looks great on you. I love the print and tie. I have the pattern, so I'll have to try it out.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous4/06/2010

    I love your top and dress. You are getting so speedy! These challenges are really working for you. I can't wait until I get good enough to start whipping stuff up this fast.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your top is gorgeous. I was very pleased to see how well it has turned out because I have got this pattern - seeing yours has made me push it much higher up on my (very long) 'to do' list.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great first top, Faye! If you do a month of tops in November, I will definitely join in!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lovely top. u look great! good luck on your upcoming projects! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful work!! Love the dress and the top....especially love the colors on the dress....

    ReplyDelete
  20. It's a shame you don't feel better about the dress. It's looks great from here ;-) as does the top.

    I thought about joining the top sewalong but that would just guarantee I wouldn't get any made ! LOL - I finally finished the pants I started waaayyy back in November - Yikes !

    ReplyDelete
  21. It's a great top - looks cool and comfortable and classy! I am sure you will get alot of good use out of it this summer. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  22. i love the top! on you! bravo!
    happy sewing,
    nancy

    ReplyDelete

THANKS FOR LOOKING IN. YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!!!

Paying Homage to Black Pattern Designers...

...for years February has been set aside as a special time to learn about and recognize accomplishments of African Americans and other peopl...