Materials ~
Maroon printed velvet from Fabric Mart
White velvet
White burn out velvet
Background & Construction Info. ~
All of the materials are from deep within the collection. I actually had to hunt through several bins to find the velvet stash to coordinate the white velvet with the maroon velvet.
There are no new construction techniques in this top. However, I did cut 2" off each side for a total of 8" deleted from the side seams. My first two versions are a little fuller and it was okay because they were made from rayon challis. For the velvet one, I just wanted to omit that extra fullness.
As I said before, this was the last top of the sewing vacay. I needed to finish the week with a tried and true top and not another involved fitting session. While it's interesting/challenging/necessary to sew new patterns, the fitting requirements for each one can be taxing if you do four of them in one week. I miss tried and true patterns...*sigh*
Anyway, the velvet did require special handling. The pieces had to be cut all in the same direction to insure the nap would run the same on all of the pieces. The seams were pressed open using my needle board which I ended up wrapping around my sleeve board to get a good press.
For this version I went with the bell sleeves again. To me the bell sleeves really give the top a boho feel. I used the same lace used on the yoke pieces to lengthen the sleeves...and while the yokes are lined, the sleeve bands are not. It really was the perfect top to end my sewing vacay with...
A few photos ~
This is my third version of this top and not my last. I love the coverage of this top and how comfortable it is to wear. Also it works well with leggings and my ponte jean leggings so perfect for my new lifestyle. And who doesn't love a velvet top?! So luxurious feeling, right?!
...as always more later!
Hi Carolyn, I think this is my first comment but I've been reading for years. Love your new adventures in sewing (re yesterday's post) and love your velvet top! I think it would be really amazing with matching red - or close to matching - red slim pants. Not a fan of leggings so much, but your slim pant pattern/results are to die for. Keep up the wonderful work, and the blog, too. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
ReplyDeletePS: So glad you now have a job you love. It's such a great thing, isn't it? Although those dresses were durn pretty :-)
Joyce - thanks for leaving a comment and thanks for following along on my sewing adventures! And I miss those pretty dresses too!
DeleteCute cute cute...couldn't we all use a top like this? I'm with Joyce on the red pants addition to this outfit.I'm just imaging the feel and drape of that fabric and the freedom of the bell sleeves...ooo too nice! With such a nice Santa vibe, I wish you the best Christmas season ever!
ReplyDeleteThanks mrsmole but I don't think I could wear all red...as much as I love wearing the color! Thanks for the Christmas wishes and I wish the same to you and your family!
DeleteHi Carolyn. I've been so busy stressing over my youngest son's marriage break-up and Christmas prep., that I missed your last few posts. Your Tamarack jacket is TDF and looks perfect on you. And as for all your fun vacay makes, well, I love all but especially your velvet one. I see me wearing that one with slim pants on Christmas Eve.I wanted to comment on your last post and say that no wonder I feel such a kinship to you because just about everything you said applies to me as well. I especially appreciated your attitude about perfection. I have three sewing students and they hear that from me all the time." Enjoy sewing and stop worrying about perfection." Now I'm heading to my sewing room for more Christmas gift sewing. Have a great weekend from your Canadian friend !
ReplyDeleteDiana - I understand about worrying about your children, it's the hardest thing about them being grown, your inability to do anything. Thanks for your compliments on the latest tops! And hurry back to your sewing room so that I can copy something else you make ;)! Merry Christmas to you and yours too!
DeleteThis is a perfect top for cool weather and the holidays. I say, "don't apologize about sewing another top"! Since I purchase most of my pants and rarely wear dresses nearly all I sew are blouses, tunics and jackets. When new patterns come out all I look at are tops and jackets and feel that I'm not limiting myself. I sew for my lifestyle which is relaxed yet chic and stylish. I think you're realizing that this is possible to achieve. Thanks for all your blogging! Karen
ReplyDeleteKaren - it's just a change y'know. Right now it's only tops because I need to be clothed to go to work, eventually I will work on pants - just not looking forward to it because I have to come up with an all new pants pattern.
DeleteYou've been on a good role! :-)
ReplyDeleteSheseams - yes I have. I think I've finally found a path so I'm heading straight ahead for now. We will see what the future brings!
DeleteI am so in love with this new evolution of your style! You look so much more lively and happy in these clothes!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah C - but some of that happiness is definitely due to life changes. Though I am finally starting to find my sewing way and I'm sure that's also reflected in my pics too.
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