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Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Seconds

I liked both of these patterns enough to make them again.

McCalls 7095 ~
For this version I pulled a crepey green floral print from the collection and a coordinating green ponte.

  
I made two changes to this version:

  • The first one was to lengthen the sleeves by adding a coordinating band of the green ponte.  The band was 3.5" wide and the length of the sleeve at the hemline. I also used the casing at the sleeve hem to gather the sleeve that the pattern suggests.
  • The second thing is that I cut a Large for the body of the tunic especially since the brown one is very loose. I also cut the hem 3" shorter than the pattern.
  • Those are the only changes.

So a few pictures of it in action ~




I really think I want to make this one more time but as a dress, to be worn with some tights and boots.  We'll see...I have an idea in mind just gotta fabric dive into the collection to see what I can find!


Butterick 6183 ~
This is the second top but it's actually the 4th time I've made it. This will not be the last because this top is very comfortable to wear. It also adds a sophistication that I like in my casual wear. 


It's made from scraps of black ponte used in various projects and the houndstooth ponte used in the #wineandcheesewithkashi dress. There was a black 'n white Calvin Klein version in the fall fashion mags and that inspired my version.

There are a couple of differences between this version and the other three, 

1. I added two inches to the length
2. It's unlined 
3. Instead of using the band to finish the neckline, placed it on the outside of the neckline. 

Otherwise since all of the fitting issues have been worked out it was straight sewing after I determined how I wanted to place the houndstooth and black pieces. Okay, not exactly. I never tried the top on until it was time to take pictures...I mean this is the 4th time I'm making it. I tried it on and it was quite large with flared wings at the side seams.  I took it off, ran downstairs to the cave and eliminated the wings by removing 1.5" on each side at the hemline easing to nothing at the waistline.

I photographed it with my black jean leggings but I'm not sure I will actually wear it this way. It's longer but not long enough to cover those thick thighs...I'm thinking it will look better with my black denim jeans.

Photos of the top ~



I've been on a real tops kick and see a lot more of them in my future since separates seem to work for my lifestyle now. Also, a couple of pieces that I made last year have been repurposed and worn with my ponte jeans leggings or slim legged pants and will probably show up here again in new stylings. 

I'm working on fitting and sewing a new slim pants pattern to go with the tops and a couple of skirt patterns too using several new patterns. I'm really enjoying this new lifestyle change and sewing challenge.

Thanks for taking this journey with me and for ALL of the encouraging words!

...as always more later!





22 comments:

  1. So fun to see you mix and match fabrics from your stash. I love that you are such a confident sewist!

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  2. Regarding the green shirt, I have a strong dislike for the green cuffs. I think a solid floral sleeve would look much better. Otherwise, the fit and look are wonderful. I agree the black and white top is very sophisticated.

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  3. Productive! I particularly like the second one, nice proportions, and extra nice to use up a couple of leftovers!
    I've been on a tops roll lately too - maybe its a trans-seasonal thing, or maybe it is just being influenced by the time in fashion. Whatever it is, I'm grateful because I never seem to be able to find the right top when I'm getting dressed in the morning!

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  4. That Butterick top is gorgeous! I may have to try it myself!

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  5. Nice tops! I especially like the Butterick one.

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  6. You look very attractive in your lovely tops!

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  7. I really like the Butterick top. I love the black and houndstooth combo.

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  8. I really enjoy reading your blog, this is my first time commenting. The tops are very nice and that jacket is gorgeous!

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  9. Both of these tops look lovely on you.

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  10. You look like you're enjoying sewing for your new lifestyle. You're having fun in your sewing cave!

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  11. I am loving your more casual wardrobe.

    I love the second top and I think it looks great with the Jeggings, but you have to be comfortable.

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  12. So cute! I really love how the houndstooth color-blocked top came out!!!

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  13. Looks pretty! I don't like to wear prints too close to my face on high necks, but the solid colour yoke is perfect. I tried 1940s Simplicity 3688 and it just felt 'star trek' on me, would be nicer with a floral print to soften the look

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  14. Love all of these! You look like you're just loving life! You're filled with so much fun! I want to come and hang out!

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  15. Love these looks on you! It looks like you've found your style for work.
    The nice thing about these separates is that they work for weekends too.

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  16. They look so nice on you. My favorite is the first one.

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  17. The black & houndstooth is fabulous!Perfect proportions on the color blocking and so flattering!

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  18. I love these more casual, fashionable looks Carolyn, especially the black and white. Very youthful and exciting.

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  19. Love all your new tops and you look great in them.

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  20. Great looks on you. I agree with the others - you are REALLY rocking that hounds tooth version. Such a stylish look while staying casual.

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  21. That black and white houndstooth top is so chic!

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  22. I love your new casual wardrobe!

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