Thursday, March 31, 2016

A New Topper - The Next Stop on the Stylemaker Fabrics Tour

I'm in love with toppers! I love sewing and wearing them.  They allow me to feel "like me" in a casual business setting. So when Michelle from Stylemaker Fabrics approached me about participating in the tour, I knew that I wanted to sew a topper.

Because toppers are hot for spring showing up in quite a few designer lines, as well as, the pattern catalogs, I've saved quite a few to my inspiration folder. 

I really love this version from St. John ~


A little information about my topper.  I started with this fabric, very similar to my inspiration topper isn't it!?!


Used my TNT topper pattern, added a grayish blue bemberg rayon lining and some binding to make this new version. This topper was sewn using the same techniques as in this version.  The bias binding was added to the edges of the jacket front because the fabric is pretty busy.


However, the bias binding was probably the most time consuming part of the construction. See I thought that I had binding on-hand that would work with the fabric but nothing. I did, however, have some navy blue handkerchief linen so I made my own. 

Oh one other construction tip - instead of cutting the second piece of the pocket in the same fabric, this time I cut it out of lining fabric for a smoother look on the front. I noticed how the pocket hung on the tweedy version so I changed it for this one. I like this version much better and will use a lining/fabric combo going forward.

Now I know that my topper is almost identical to the inspiration topper...and also to my last version...but I went with what works for me! The fabric in this version is lighter than my previous two which makes this fantastic for spring wearing. It was almost 60 degrees out when I took these photos and it was perfect over my top and jeans. 

This is a very versatile piece that can be worn with jeans, leggings, dress or a short skirt...making it easy to dress up or down.  

So a few more pictures ~




There are also quite a few patterns available in the pattern catalogs now if you want to make a topper of your own ~

Butterick 6328

Kwik Sew 4104

Here is a link to the Simplicity offerings. I would really like a lace or linen version for spring/summer...yeah I know! But once again this works for me and the Chicos Chic wardrobe I'm trying to build.

Next up on the blog tour is Lauren, Lladybird. My previous post highlights all of the amazing sewists and designers who came before me.  I hope you had a chance to check out their garments!

Conclusion ~ 
I'd like to thank Michelle for thinking of and working with me because I was determined to make another topper.  She kept suggesting pieces from her awesome new spring line to use. I'm glad I settled on this one because it's perfect. So surf on over and check out her goods...

Finally, I want to thank my work mate Melanie who took these pictures of me. We work steps away from Herald Square Park, so it's a great place to take photos. I really appreciate that she helped me out and volunteered to take more in the future! I want to leave you with one more shot from Herald Square Park...and I have no idea how that apple ended up on the wall and in almost all the shots! It made us laugh so we decided to leave the apple in the pics!



...as always more later!




43 comments:

  1. I love your new topper Carolyn. I love pieces like this that you can layer; pieces that can transition well between seasons. Now come to think about it, I may have ordered a swatch of this fabric from somewhere else, and of course, now I'm kicking myself for not having ordered it,lol!

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    1. Candice there's still plenty at Stylemaker Fabrics so you should get some! I bought a little extra to match the print across the pocket opening but it was great to sew with and I love the way the fabric hangs!

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  2. I really, really love how this one turned out! It's fabulous. I noticed the apple and was going to say something about it. This is so totally your new Chico's Chic look and you are rockin' it! Will you pair your toppers with skirts as it gets warmer? g

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    1. Nope...by the time I can wear skirts and dresses I'm just going to wear cardigans with them!

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  3. The topper is so beautiful. Perfect fabric. Looks comfortable and well fitting.
    Congratulations!!!

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  4. Very nice topper and beautifully constructed. This will be a useful addition to your wardrobe. Lovely photos too.

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    1. Thanks Jean Margaret - Melanie did a good job on the photos didn't she?!

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  5. WoW! I want to copy the whole look... it's just what I've been looking for as inspiration. The topper length with pants is such a great combo. Thanks for all the effort you put into your blog posts. I know it's a lot of work.

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    1. Kathie - thanks for the compliment and for understanding about blogging. I'm glad that I really like doing it or it could be a chore. Thanks for also continuing to follow along on my sewing journey.

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  6. Great geometric print topper. Pattern and fabric work so well together and are so versatile--can be dressy or casual, as you say. A great wardrobe addition.

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  7. This is really amazing, Carolyn. The bias binding is so well done - I love it!

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  8. Great topper. What a beautiful place to take the photos!

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  9. Great topper & love the tip about the pockets - using lining for part .

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  10. Lovely topper, Carolyn. I'd like to see you wear it with slimmer pants to make the proportion a little better balanced IMO. I don't mean to be critical - just offering a suggestion. As always your fabric choice is perfect! Karen

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  11. It looks great and fits perfectly! Really makes an outfit and great for this time of year.

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  12. Awesome topper, Carolyn! You look great. The apple made me giggle.

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  13. what a great wardrobe piece, love the fabric you chose. and your photos are so good, love the spring flowers and I saw that apple and wondered about it too :)

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  14. I like your fabric better than the one used in the inspiration photo. Beautiful work as always!

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  15. I had to go back and look for the apple - ha ha!!
    Love the topper!! I have some scheduled for my spring sewing, too.

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  16. I love toppers--have a few in my sewing queue. The fabric on this one along with the trim is exceptional.

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  17. A beautiful topper. It looks great on you and the fabric is very nice

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  18. When you are on a good thing, stick to it! Toppers look great on you and suit your lifestyle so more the merrier. Love this one. And what a lovely setting for the photos!

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  19. Carolyn - your latest topper looks wonderful, and so much better than the one that inspired it!

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    1. Mickle - thanks! It's so nice to see that you're still reading my ramblings and enjoying my journey.

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  20. This is a beautiful topper. Love the fabric choice. You look great!

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  21. Your sewing skills are just awesome! Beautiful topper! Where have I been that I didn't even realize that toppers are the new thing? Great photos too, nice park to have for a fresh air break.
    Patti

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  22. Carolyn, this turned out great! You have inspired to move forward with making a topper or two for Spring/Summer.

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  23. The fabric for your topper is gorgeous! Great job- as usual.

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  24. That's a great wardrobe addition and quite a professional look.

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  25. Lovely jacket... love the print.

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  26. I luuuurveeee that topper!! The fabric is killer!

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    1. Thank you Miss Nettie! You should try making one. It would work so well with the pieces in your wardrobe!

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  27. Love this print and your work as always is impeccable! It's just amazing how something so simple can be so fabulous? Nicely done.

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    1. Thanks Michelle! High praise from someone who's work I truly admire!

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  28. I agree this is a great topper! Beautiful work Carolyn!!!

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  29. Fantastic topper and this is what I need for my life, thank you for the wonderful inspiration.

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    1. Sharon - you should definitely make one for yourself. I love each and every one I've made!

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  30. I think you must be single handedly responsible for either reinvigorating the topper, i must get going on one for me! This is a great version, very like your inspiration, the binding adds the perfect touch. Looks lovely and spring-y where you are & I'm glad you explained the apple!!

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