Wardrobe essentials 2016 - Sailor Top

I showed you this photo before, when I was suffering a creative low moment. Since then, I have made leaps of progress. I have actually finished the quilt top with the squares shown at the top and I have cut the Appleton Dress pieces using the large flower fabric. I have finished my first garment of 2016 using the small flower fabric.

Initially, I wanted to make the Imogen Top by Sew me Something. I measured myself carefully, no changes for the worse, phew. I traced the pattern and I cut the fabric. I took it to the February Sunday sewing afternoon at the stitchery. I was exited. Unfortunately it just didn't come together. I got as far as finishing the placket when I decided this was not a pattern for me. It felt wrong. This is the second pattern from Sew me  Something that didn't work for me. I can't say why, it is probably just me. Frustrated, I stuffed all in a bag and started piecing my quilt top instead. 

But I continued to think about the partially finished top (lucky me, very few other worries just now) and I was annoyed that I hadn't made a toile. If I had a little girl, I would have reworked the unfinished top into a cute dress. But I really really wanted it for myself. I ordered a little more fabric and went in search of my go-to top pattern, the Sailor Top by Fancy Tiger Crafts. I have made several last year and still wear these regularly. 

It didn't take much time at all and I am overall pleased with the top. It doesn't sit quite as well as the other three Sailor tops I made for myself. The yoke band sticks out when I move, probably because it is too stiff. I used light weight fusible interfacing for the yoke bands because the fabric is really slippery and thin and the bands have to hold together a whole lot of gathered fabric.

Never sure if I should attempt a smile for selfies, or just grimly stare into the camera. 

You can see the unruly front yoke in this photo. 

I am sure the top will get plenty of wear, with a cardigan now and on its own later in the year. It looks nice with jeans and trainers I think. I am pleased that I could salvage most of the fabric from the failed Imogen top. The remnants can go in my scrap bag or I might send them to school with Annie. There is a lunch time school sewing club she goes to every week. Lucky thing, she gets to craft 'at work'.

I am going to start sewing my Appleton dress next. I practised using my overlocker and I am ready to go. I think I'll call this first version a wearable toile. If it fits perfectly, great. From all the reviews, it seems a well designed pattern and the many different sizing options should go a long way towards making a garment that fits without too many alterations. 

Before I go: welcome new readers, it is lovely to see you. I hope you like it here. I hope I have time soon to come and say hello to you on your own blogs, if you have one. 

Have a lovely week. x