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

Comments

  1. It really turned out well, it looks good on you and you'll be able to wear it with pants or a skirt. Can't wait to see your next creation.

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  2. Very pretty, both you and the top. I'm not a fan of selfies either. I do text a few to my sisters so they can have a godd chuckle.

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  3. It looks so good, Christina. That fabric is a good color for you and I think the top fits very nicely. You look lovely in it.

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  4. It's such a great top! I can see why you keep making them. I've purchased fabric to make a couple more. And I'm going to do what you suggested and make one with knit fabric.

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  5. you look lovely in it. Can't wait to see the dress x

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  6. It's so depressing when you put time and effort into sewing something and it just doesn't suit. This one looks good though and infinitely wearable.

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  7. It looks lovely on you... And yes, smile because you are beautiful!

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  8. I love that top, it looks great on you. And you have a lovely smile! :)

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  9. Thanks for the new reader welcome - waving hello back :-) That top looks lovely. I haven't sewed since I was at school so am in awe of those who can! That selfie is really lovely too. I think you got it perfectly right :-)

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  10. That is a beautiful top, you look great in it. I made a dress from Sew me something and it was never right on me either - my friend tried it on and said how much do you want for it? - I said "Its yours!" Glad to give it a home. The shoulders were too wide for me and the sizing was way too big for the measurements so that might be some comfort! My sewing is going a bit weird at the moment, nothing is quite working out right. Mmmmm! Jo x

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  11. Dear Christina
    I have got a Sew Me Something tunic dress pattern which I loved, but have had trouble with - similarly to Jo, the shoulders are too wide for me. I have altered the dresses, taking the sleeves off, so they are now loose fitting pinafore/shift-type dresses, and I will at least wear them.
    Good job on the blouse - it looks lovely.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  12. The new top looks great! Good thing you could make use of the partially finished one that didn't suit. And smiles always look better ;)
    Wendy

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  13. I think you did a fantastic job with the shirt, you salvaged the fabric and made something you will really like to wear. I am in awe of your sewing skills.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  14. Hey Christina,
    You have a lovely smile. And it goes without saying that I love the top. Exactly my kind of thing. Blue suits you very well.
    Leanne xx

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  15. Looks great Christina, and you're probably the only one who'll notice the yoke.

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  16. It looks fabulous on you and you look beautiful with your lovely smile!!! Isn't it great when you find something that really works for you. Enjoy the rest of your sewing and definitely keep smiling in your photos! xx

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  17. I think you've being a bit hard on yourself, your top looks lovely and I'm sure the yoke will soften up in the wash. I'm always in awe of your sewing skills! xx

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  18. I love all your fabrics shown in the top photograph. Well done with your top! It is lovely, I would never have noticed the yoke if you hadn't mentioned it, I think it all looks great. Isn't it good when you find a shape that really suits and is comfortable too. The blue is really nice on you. I laughed when you wondered about smiling or non smiling. You look very happy and relaxed and smiley in your photograph! X

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  19. Good on you for persevering. I think the top looks great. We women are dreadful perfectionists. It is probably only you that worries about the finish! I find it really hard to make things for myself. You look like a natural in your selfie. B xx

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  20. Hi Christina - you look lovely in your new top. I've just purchased one from Boden in a similar style at considerable expense. Wish I had your talent!

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  21. Keep smiling, always! :-) Your top is lovely, that fabric is so fab too. I've made a few of the SMS patterns too - the Kate is my favourite but I also had to alter them all a bit as their sizing tends to be a bit on the "relaxed" side. I'm currently looking around for some summer top patterns, so off to investigate the Sailor Top now - thanks for the tip-off! Happy Thursday, hugs xx

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  22. The new top looks lovely and I'm sure the sticky out yoke, which is NOT noticeable in your smiling photo, will soften and flatten after a couple of washes.

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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