Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Sundays are for sewing

After church on Sundays, I like to sew. Two Sundays ago, I spent all afternoon on a dress that did not work out. It was a bummer, even though it was just a muslin because although I wasn't upset about using nice fabric, I was bummed out to have wasted the time.

This past Sunday was much different! I had spent the evening before drafting a top pattern out by combining some existing patterns, tracing and retracing onto wrapping paper until it was exactly what I was wanting! I've been looking for a racerback tank pattern made for wovens and could only find patterns for knits, even though loose woven, sleeveless tops are all over in ready-to-wear this season!

The time spent was well worth it because on Sunday I was able to whip one out. Then I wanted out of the house for a bit, went to Old Navy, decided I could make better stuff than they're selling and came home and made another one :)

I am very happy with this pattern, it's fast to sew, flattering, loose and comfortable. Perfect for Summer!


I used Burda 7509 for the most part:

I liked the hemline and the shape, but I added two inches in length. The darts come from the armholes instead of the side seams, which I think is unusual, but made for a great fit.

But, I used the neckline and armholes of McCall's 6559 because I really love a racerback cut, I think it flatters shoulders and feels feminine and pretty.
I have used this pattern a ton. I've made the dress and two versions of the cardigan. I have an awesome knit with huge stripes sitting in my stash right now begging to be made into this pattern!

When I took these photos yesterday, it was in the 60's. I don't even want to show you what it looks like out my windows right now. Some winters just really hold on, don't they?

10 comments:

  1. Great mixing of patterns to make these tops - they look super on you! Guessing they are being worn under a layer of jumpers today!

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  2. Oh they turned out gorgeous! I have fabric set aside for several woven tops, this is the push I needed to get on 'em! I hadn't considered racer back, but I am now. :o) The top one is my favorite...I'm a colorful gal. :o)

    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

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  3. A simple top looking fabulous! You have me wanting some, too.

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  4. Great top! You did a nice job of putting this pattern together, looks wonderful on you!

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  5. Sorry the first one didn't work out. Maybe I'm confused about muslins (still learning), but many bloggers I've read use actual muslin material (for lack of a better word) so that way, they don't waste material on something that doesn't work. I picked up some muslin material a couple years back from the garment district (haven't used it yet b/c hadn't done much sewing until recent months). :-)

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  6. I'm like you and feel bad about time wasted when something doesn't work out but I guess it's always a learning experience, right? Love these tops. You did a great job!

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  7. Cute tops! Pretty fabric! Now I'm inspired to make some summer tops too...although if this 'winter' storm (did you send it from Colorado?) keeps up I might need to make snow pants!

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  8. Cute tops! Pretty fabric! Now I'm inspired to make some summer tops too...although if this 'winter' storm (did you send it from Colorado?) keeps up I might need to make snow pants!

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  9. lovely! I just bought something very like this, and was hoping to make some similar. they look great!

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