Top 3 – Classic Polka Dots

As you know, I spent the last two weeks of April making tops, specifically using woven (not knit) fabric. The last one that I made during that time period was using Simplicity 8602.

I made View A. Because the shirt is a little bit cropped in length, I added about 2″ to the length of the top. I also made this using a FBA (full bust adjustment). I have started doing these more often and I find that I’m getting a better fit. I had been just going up a pattern size but I was never very happy with the overall fit of the garment. So now, I’m back to using a smaller size, but including the FBA.

Simplicity 8602

I like this with the longer length and I LOVE the look of the polka dots, especially for summer. The jeans I’m wearing in the pictures are a previous make. These are the Closet Case Patterns “Morgan” boyfriend jeans ( that post is here).

The material used is rayon challis, which is perfect for something like this. It is lightweight but with enough body for the garment to flow. This particular one I bought from fabric.com. This is a quick and easy make with different sleeve options.

I’m very happy with this and would definitely say that this is a great summer top pattern with options that will give you a lot of use.

That’s all for now. I have one more top that I’m currently working on and then I’ll be on to other projects.

Here is the fabric I used: *affiliate links

red & white challis

But there are many other options (solids, prints, floral, etc.) fabric.com

Top 2 – Spring Floral

While I didn’t complete as many tops in April as I wanted, I’m happy with what I’ve done so far. The latest one is New Look 6598. I’ve made this one before here about 4 years ago. This is View D which is the collarless option. I also made this one using a FBA (full bust adjustment). I like how it turned out. It gives me the room I need so I’m not constrained when I’m trying to move.

The material is from JoAnn’s and I’ve had that for 2 or 3 years. As I go through this process of building my wardrobe, I’m also trying to use any fabric I have that is appropriate for the project. This is a light cotton (washes well) that I think was from the Gertie fabric collection.

I like the tie in the back of the blouse that helps to give it some shape and is a small detail that you don’t see coming at first.

New Look 6598

I’ve still got at least one more top to make in this “wardrobe staple tops edition” series. It’s fun to create those things that you like and that you’ll wear – whatever your style is! I encourage you to do a little wardrobe planning and sewing of your own.

That’s all for now…

Wardrobe Staple Tops Edition

While I like to sew whatever I feel like sewing, I also try to work on those that things that I’m really most in need of. I usually realize that I need something at the time when I want to wear it. So, knowing that I am seriously lacking in shirts that aren’t made of knit material, I decided to spend some time making myself some this month. For this particular shirt, I used McCall’s 6613 which can be used for men or women.

M6613

This is a cotton (blend) gingham check I bought from Hobby Lobby. The only problem is it’s very thin. Since I really am more comfortable covered and don’t want my clothes to be see-through, I lined the front and back pieces in white. For the lining I used a white sheet I had previously purchased at the thrift store. *Tip: using queen or king size sheets from the thrift store can make great muslins and save you a lot of money. I think lining the body of the shirt in white actually makes the pink and white check stand out more than if I hadn’t done this.

M6613_Back

The only other changes I made to the construction of the shirt was just to shorten the length. This is the third time I’ve used this pattern (see others here ) so I knew I wanted to do that. And normally this time of year I wouldn’t even consider making a long-sleeve shirt, but the weather’s been so strange, I figure that I ‘ll still be able to get some wear out of it this spring before it gets really hot!

Here’s a video that shows the inside that I had posted on Instagram. The sound may not be great, but you’ll get to see the inside of the shirt….

IG_VideoShirtLining

I have a few more shirts/tops that I want to make in this round of sewing. I’ll keep you posted on how things go.

That’s all for now…