Sewing

Dotted Beatrix Top

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Oh how this Beatrix top has waited! I printed and assembled the pattern quite a while ago and decided just yesterday that I’d sew it up! Part of my problem getting going was choosing fabric.

As I’ve gone through my things in my closet and home, and slowly slimmed things down to the essentials, it’s actually gotten harder for me to buy stuff. Probably a blessing, right?! So it’s become increasingly more difficult for me to decide on what to sew. I know I want to make something I’ll use and love and to hopefully not have it end up in the donate pile. It seems like such a weird problem to have. I’m the same way with decorating. Now that I’ve gotten most of the house in order, it’s harder and harder for me to commit to purchasing something. I get pretty paralyzed hoping that I won’t make a mistake in buying something only to find out that I don’t absolutely love it. Has this happened to you? It’s harder with large purchases for decorating, but it even trickles down to smaller things. Even sewing things for myself or my house. I find that I really really need something in order to spend my time and commit to making it. I do like making things just for the enjoyment of it, but after getting rid of things left and right, I have become maybe too careful in what comes into my house and what I spend time making.

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So in order for this Beatrix to come to life, I carefully sifted through my cozy and comfy garment fabric stash. I had maybe 6 pulled and ready to cut into. I can always make more I told myself! So the sensible me leapt in and chose the swiss dot chambray. I knew I’d wear it the most. That it goes with anything and plus the fact that it’s the softest fabric ever. It’ll be perfect for both spring and fall seasons, maybe even winter if I throw on a cardigan.

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It went together so smoothly. I actually want to confess that I hate setting sleeves. It can be such a pain sometimes! This time it was so awesome though! I did a french seam and wow, so good. I’m proud. The only thing I changed was using bias tape instead of facings, just a personal preference. For whatever reason I always feel like I’m on the verge of a wardrobe malfunction when I wear anything with facings. Maybe it’s just me though. Rae does do such a great job of giving instructions for securing the facings, so I’m sure I should have just gotten over myself and done it, but I just didn’t want to risk it.

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I’m super pleased with this top, and have hopes to make more!


Pattern: Beatrix Top by Made by Rae
Fabric: Chambray Swiss Dots by Robert Kaufman Fabrics


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24 thoughts on “Dotted Beatrix Top

  1. Karen says:

    Such a sweet top, Anna! 2 quick questions–are the dots printed on or are they “embroidered” with thread, and did you make buttonholes all the way down the back?–I’m impressed 🙂 Thanks for a great idea for spring now that it’s finally here.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thanks Karen! The fabric is made with the dots in it, they’re dimensional. It’s very pretty! My kids asked if I embroidered it too though! I did do buttonholes, but you wouldn’t have to since the top can be put on without using the buttons. 🙂

  2. Pamela says:

    sweet top! And you look marvelous in it!

  3. Donna Baker says:

    I think we may be kindred spirits with the possessions. I am currently reading the life changing magic of tidying up and spark joy and have visions of living in a tiny house at retirement and my attitude toward stuff is going to have to change dramatically. I just need to make the time to do it now. I love your top! It looks great on you

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Definitely Donna!:) And thank you!

  4. Emily says:

    Looks so gorgeous! I am slowly purging and hope to be where you are by the end of the year. I have been a lot pickier when bringing new things into my home though.

  5. Stacy says:

    Oh my gosh, I’m becoming the same way! It can be a little paralyzing at times. I just thought it was my age (54). Your top is lovely! : )

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Yes, I agree, it can be a little paralyzing!

  6. martha says:

    This is a classic blouse and beautiful in its simplicity. I love the look of buttons down the back. Do they bother you at all when your are seated or when your are putting it on?

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thanks Martha! The button placket is completely functional, but you actually don’t need to unbutton to get the top on – so it’s really nice. I don’t typically sit against a hard chair much, but I think the buttons are small enough that it would be too much of an issue. 🙂

  7. Whit H says:

    That’s funny, I just finished my first Beatrix yesterday. I love the pattern and the buttons down the back! I used an ikat Indian woven but I love the chambray. I’m looking for a chambray for a new Top 64.

    I completely relate with the clothes buying! When I’m at places like Target and I see a top I like, I’ll put it in my cart and then put it back a minute later. I’ll think “how badly do I really want this?” Or “is this better than something I can make?” Stuff for the home is the same way, I seem to have to make everything nowadays (or buy vintage). My girls love it, so I can’t complain!

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Sounds beautiful Whit! I’m the person at Target next to you doing the same, hahaha!

  8. Jessamy B says:

    You have just summed up the last year of my life. It’s good and bad trying to limit what we bring in to the house. Mostly I feel the “bad” aspect when I am paralyzed with indecision in the store. Nothing seems simple anymore, which is slightly ironic in my quest for simplistic living!

    I love your Beatrix, I have had this pattern pieces and ready to make for too long!

    1. Anna Graham says:

      I know! I totally didn’t expect that either. I guess it’s good in a way, but I’m already not that great at making decisions. 🙂

  9. Cindy says:

    Love your top and it looks adorable on you! I especially love the back with all the buttons- super cute!:)

  10. Charlotte Powell says:

    it really is lovely.

  11. That top is a winner!

  12. brianne says:

    nothing beats a Swiss dot chambray! such a lovely pattern, it suits you!!

  13. Susan says:

    This is beautiful! I made two Beatrix tops last summer. The first was…definitely a practice version. It fit well, but I messed up matching the plaids and didn’t do the finishing very well. The second turned out better, but I think I want to try again in a more subdued color, and I really like your idea of bias tape finishing instead of facings. I don’t like how facings flop around, even if you secure them in the shoulder seam.
    (I also think I have this fabric in my stash somewhere…I might have to shamelessly copy your version!)

    1. Anna Graham says:

      I totally hear ya Susan. Sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down and really work on getting those finishing steps as best I can get them. For me that always makes the difference if I end up wearing something or not. And yay, it’s a great fabric!

  14. Pam Hunter says:

    “I know I want to make something I’ll use and love and to hopefully not have it end up in the donate pile. It seems like such a weird problem to have. I’m the same way with decorating.”

    This is so me!!! I go back and forth on a fabric selection and then end up not making anything because I don’t want to waste the fabric. It has to be “just so”. So today I will make the top I have been eyeing … and if I don’t like it and it does get donated – someone has a nice top, right? If I keep it or donate it … a good result!

    Your top is adorable!

    Pam

    1. Anna Graham says:

      It’s crazy isn’t it?! And yes, I never feel too terrible about gifting my handmades to my neighbor or donating them – as long as they’re getting used, right?! 🙂

  15. It is beautiful! I have been eyeing the Beatrix top for a long time and I think it’s about time I get it! The chambray fabric looks like the perfect choice for it too.

  16. kristin says:

    Gorgeous, Anna! It looks great on you. I’ve been meaning to make one of these forever.

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