Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Inspired by Olivia Pope - Part 1

When I saw these pictures of Olivia Pope wearing this top on Pinterest, I knew I had to make one...




Oliva/Kerry's top is from Dolce & Gabbana and it's selling for $1,775 on Net-A-Porter...



It looks similar to the black tunic top I made earlier this year...



I already own fabric purchased from Elliott Berman that resembles the Dolce & Gabbana fabric. There is only one yard of the black/white lace print left on the site but plenty of the green/black printed lace combination.



My thought was ~ Olivia Inspiration + Top from TNT pattern + Milly Fabric = Quick and Easy top that I could wear to work on Monday.  Well not so fast. I made a few miscalculations.  I put a 9" zipper in the back of the top - WRONG!  With the long sleeves the top is hard to get on and off, and I can't zip it up without assistance. So the zipper needs to come out and a longer one put in...I'm presently ripping the back apart.

I underlined this version instead of lining it.  


Also the pattern pieces were cut on the cross grain to take advantage of the border print.



The designer version of the top has wide/bell shaped sleeves.  I used a closer fitting 3/4 sleeve that I've used previously ~ again not such a great idea because the sleeve is kinda tight around my forearms...not my biceps...my forearms!!! I'm trying to decide if I should recut the sleeves with a wider sleeve since I have more fabric...probably going to do that because the sleeves are just uncomfortable and I won't wear the top if it doesn't feel good.

So I didn't have a finished garment this weekend.  I guess it's okay since I only spent Sunday in the sewing cave but I was disappointed because it really should have been a simple sew.  There was just too much operator error. Those challenges along with the fact that the sleeves have to come out of the Vogue 8343 dress means that I haven't completed anything since February...*sigh*

I have no plans for next weekend so maybe I will be more productive...at least I hope so!

A few shots of the top on Lulu...





...as always more later!





47 comments:

  1. Wow, what a stash you have! Not just anyone would be able to pull out a fabric like that. It's going to be gorgeous - worth the extra trouble to perfect it.

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  2. Oh what a frustrating weekend. I'm not sure I've made anything since February either - I'm starting to get antsy! I know you will rock this when you finally beat it into submission - it's beautiful as it is, great interpretation of the inspiration. g

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  3. Great top. I love love love Olivia Pope and Scandal - can wait for it to start again. I will think of you wearing your OP top when it comes on.

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  4. This is going to be a stunning top and I love the lace. Sounds like you had a frustrating Sunday but I am sure next weekend will be better you have a plan and it will be so worth the effort of unpicking to get it right so that you are comfortable and happy wearing what will be a beautiful top

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  5. Very elegant Carolyn. You've inspired me once again. Things taking a bit longer than expected is frustrating at the time, but worth it in the end. But you know this! Rachel☺

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  6. To have fabric available to you when inspiration is there, how wonderful. Great top Carolyn,

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  7. Shame about the sleeves! Not to worry, you will get there eventually and will be wearing it in no time.

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  8. Despite the frustrations this is a gorgeous top and how happy are you not to have to pay D&G prices?

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  9. Oh wow, definitely worth getting it to wear how you like as it is going to a gorgeous top!

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  10. Wow, that is top and fabric is gorgeous. Hope the zipper fit goes smoothly and you get to wear it soon.

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  11. it is going to be really pretty =)

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  12. You are so brilliant! Gorgeous. And you know you'll sort out that zip brilliantly, 'cuz you always do!

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  13. wow, that's so gorgeous!! :)

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  14. um, wow, well once it get it the way you like it, it's EXACTLY the inspiration! i mean, it already looks that way, but i know what you mean about fit. i did the same thing last night, ripped out 8 darts.

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  15. I am always in awe when you use something you have seen to make for yourself. You have inspired me to keep my eyes open!! Can't wait to see the finished product... and take your time because it will be so beautiful.

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  16. Perfect top and I do hope you get it fixed and finished.

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  17. This is going to be so amazing! It looks so much like the inspiration! I hear you on the frustration of not finishing anything... I haven't finished a garment since February, either, which is mega annoying.

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  18. It's crazy how EXACT you got to the inspiration pic! Well, once you fix the sleeves of course.

    Now I'M inspired!

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  19. I saw this top on the show and was working out how to make it, but realized I have no where to wear it. I am so glad you have figured it out. I look forward to seeing you finished version. I had no idea of price on the original!

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  20. Great inspiration! I can't believe you already had the perfect fabric in your stash!

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  21. i like where you are going with it - will definitely be worth it when finished!

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  22. See. This is why you stash!

    I would live in Olivia Pope's wardrobe. Ahhhh. Cute, cute, cute. Can't wait to see it all done up and on you!

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  23. $1,775 huh? Yours is every bit as nice, for a lot less.

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  24. I'm with you about the sleeve shape -- that bell shape is so flattering, and so comfy, and so much catches on every door knob and drawer pull that you walk past. Close-fitting at the wrist is much better for office work, no? Could you put in a slit where the sleeve placket would go, in a cuffed blouse? That way you could maintain the close fit near the wrist without The blouse you end up with will be fresh and summery and beautiful, no matter the solution you choose.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing your idea. I've been going back and forth over whether to cut a new one so this is one suggestion that's triggered another idea. If I use it I will definitely let you know.

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  25. "You could maintain the close fit near the wrist without having to completely re-make the sleeve." Sentence fragment from comment above, sorry to say.

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  26. Great top! I love Kerry Washington/Olivia Pope. Half the stuff I have on Pinterist is either Kerry or Mad Men. I'm definitely pinning this and may have to steal the idea from you.

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  27. Oh, this is gorgeous! And what a timely post for me! I have a piece of scalloped edged lace that is destined to be a top! I love this idea of a longer under layer. Thank you! Great tips too!

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    1. Carolyn, a question please about your map...I've started to add my blog several times over the past many months, but get nervous that I'm *hijacking* the map, and I back out. If you could add me, that would be awesome, thanks!

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    2. Sue - I downloaded that map from a site and it automatically updates as people visit. I think if you click on the map it will take you to the website where you can add your own.

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    3. BTW, this is one piece of fabric. The lace is not layered onto a separate fabric. The lace design is printed onto the fabric. Just thought you should know. I also supplied links to the fabric I purchased from Elliott Berman in case anyone is interesting in buying a piece.

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    4. Ooooh, I totally see that now! It's gone from gorgeous to flat out spectacular! I mean, how clever is that?!!!

      Okay, I will try and add myself to the map now! Thanks!

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    5. Okay, I'm such a dork...I thought it was a map of sewing bloggers, not visitors to your site. GAH, sorry Carolyn!

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  28. Beautiful fabric and the top is coming along beautifully.

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  29. Awesome! Maybe I'll make one!

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  30. This is going to be so pretty when completed!

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  31. I know you're having trials and tribulations with this top but it is going to be beautiful when you get finished with it!! I already love what you have so far. BRAVO!

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  32. Awesome! Looks just like the inspiration top!

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  33. Sounds like your living the notion..."If you first don't succeed....try and try again!!"
    This top is soooooooo worth it!!
    I love and admire the lace your working with!!!
    It's going to be a smash when it's done!!!
    Can't wait to see it on you!!

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  34. Ooooooohhhhhh (squealing) this is looking so lovely!!!! What a great inspiration piece and your copy is going to be great if not cuter (smile). Nice work as always Carolyn!!!

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  35. Ohhhh, this fabric is absolutely divine! Your top is going to be so chic.

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  36. Fantastic, you are so talented!

    www.hungrycaramella.blogspot.com

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