I decided to split up the garments I made for this week’s Project Sewn challenge into two posts. This post will focus on the top. I’m totally pumped how this came out. I was really worried about finishing it in time for the competition. I had originally wanted to find a yarn dyed plaid, but wasn’t spotting anything locally that I liked enough to wrestle through my machine for however many hours. Of course I’m happy to have stashed away a bit of this beautiful Liberty of London lawn. It had patiently been waiting for a few years.
I originally started with a Wiksten Tova pattern as the very basic beginning. I omitted in the placket inset and went with a popover style button placket instead. I’ve made a few Tovas before so I knew a few things I wanted to add and change.
I also spliced open the back bodice piece to add a small grouping of gathers (wish I had a close up of this). I have fairly wide shoulders, so it’s nice to have that small amount of room to be able to comfortable bend over and grab things. I omitted the collar and used bias tape for the neckline. I love that it makes it so simple and how it lays so nicely on my neck.
For the button placket I had to do some research. I found this tutorial by Melanie of the Crafty Cupboard really helpful. I adjusted my measurements based on a shirt I have in my closet. It’s intimidating cutting down the middle of your favorite fabric! But it was so easy. I as able to add 5 cute little buttons and I love them. Don’t mind if I add a button placket to every shirt I sew from now on, mkay?
Lastly, I went with a shirt tail hem (which you can’t see obviously since it’s tucked into my pants) with a bias tape facing. Love that hem finish. The other addition I was excited to try was the button cuffs. Man, I love how classy they look and polished. I followed this tutorial and this tutorial over at Pattern Scissors Cloth for some help and handholding.
That’s a wrap! I’m so pleased with this top. Like I said before – I will be wearing this until it crumbles off my body. The end.
Stay tuned for the gory details of the pant making…
It is a truely gorgeous shirt!
Esther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com
Wow! I love your top. Good job.
Lovely top, lovely fabric, lovely photos!!
You do such a pro job! That is a great top.
It’s gorgeous Anna-you should definitely wear it till it crumbles 🙂
This outfit is perfect Anna! I LOVE both pieces and would wear each of them in a heartbeat!
Absolutely love your outfit for this week, well done Anna! It looks so classy and like something you will love to actually wear. I’ve just popped over to Project Sewn to vote for you!
You are so cute! Your shirt is absolutely gorgeous – love all the little details! And… and most importantly, it looks beautiful on you!
What a darling shirt. Nice work.
Totally amazing Anna. You have my vote…..!
And well you should be pleased!! Very, very cute.
I really love this shirt! The fabric, the detail, the way it fits loosly. I just adore it!
Adore this Anna,all the best details- cuffs, plackets, gathered yolk- and looks gorgeous!
Wow I love love your top
Wow!
I love it! The details make it – I would wear this again and again! (And I am trying to wrap my brain around all the changes you made to the Tova pattern as I’d love something similar.)
Just voted for you! I love how you adapted the pattern of this shirt. If only the 70s were this stylish!
I have made the Wiksten pattern and I love your changes. So well done and beautiful.
This is sooo adorable on you- love it!! And what a great choice for the fabric! Great job, Anna!:)
so pretty!
The whole outfit is fantastic! I LOVE all your fabric choices, adaptations, and details! So great! Your trims, facings and bias tapes are so fantastic!
So pretty! I love all the little details and that fabric is just gorgeous!
Gorgeous fabric, impressive workmanship and looks fabulous on you…Great Job!
Oh, I knew I loved the fabric for a reason! I just got to use a tiny piece of Liberty for a scarf, but yardage….! The shirt looks amazing and I love the cuffs, they are my favorite part – great work! Thanks for sharing where you found help making everything – saves us some research!
Love the Shirt and it fits great to you!