February 2014: Birthday top.

So I have a lunch date with some girl friends the day after my birthday and I want a new top. And it gives me great pleasure to be able to make it myself. I had fun with this gorgeous Melody Miller for Kokka fabric. I got the fabric from the lovely Fabric-yard. At £19 a metre it isn’t cheap, but the fabric is a lovely cotton/linen mix.

It took me ages to decide where exactly I wanted the pattern to fall. Pattern placement can really alter how a finished item looks and can make or break it. I’m really happy with how this turned out. I surprise myself every time I make something, as I learn something new  each time, and feel I improve on my finishing and therefore the overall quality of the item of clothing or bag.

The fabric

The fabric

After deciding where I want the pattern design to appear on the top, I mark out my pieces. And due to the simple nature of my tops there are only 2 pieces. Nice and easy. I then mark out the neckline, the shoulders, hem and seam allowance. Now I’ve been pretty generous with the seam allowance on this top, I’ve used a 4cm SA. It makes it nice and easy to fold the seams over on themselves to give a much better finish.

Neckline after joining the two pieces together.

Neckline after joining the two pieces together. Inside out.

Not sure how clear this is, but I've marked out the 2cm SA

Not sure how clear this is, but I’ve marked out the 4cm SA & armholes. The pieces of fabric are pinned together so i mark everything out the same on both sides.

same the other side.

same the other side.

markings for the hem.

markings for the hem.

Finished.

Finished. Been worn so its a little wrinkled!

Pattern placement worked pretty well. Not 100% perfect but matches up quite well at the seams.

Pattern placement worked pretty well. Not 100% perfect but matches up quite well at the seams.

I love this top and am so happy with it. This is the sort of thing i like and find so difficult to find in the shops, so to be able to make something like this for myself gives me a really happy feeling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Amanda Combes

    I am sooooo impressed with your tops! The one you were wearing on Monday looked shop bought!!! You are getting VERY good at this…… Go essj!!!!!!

  2. Thank you darling, I do try. Simple but well made is my motto! xX