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!?!

Greek Jacquard Suiting

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!