Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Blue Top Photo Shoot

Ahem: Here is the top that I stitched up with my granny's circa 1970 Kenmore "zigzag" sewing machine. Honestly, it was a dream to sew on. Now I understand the sewistas (and one very bold sewister) who thrive on these beautiful old machines. The only thing I did on my fancy modern machine was use a double needle for the hem.





This top is BurdaStyle 2/2011 -102. I'm sure this will become a staple in my work wardrobe. It's a great pattern, with a few adjustments and notes. The top is meant to be close fitting, possibly even styled with negative ease (I didn't measure, but it seemed that way). I was glad to have left 1" seam allowances on the side seams; I used them. Also, I'm fairly tall at 5'9", and normally add 1' to the top half of a pattern. I added nearly 3" to this top and still had a few photos that have been relegated to the "outtakes" file because of tummy peek.  See...

Tug, tug. Really, the skirt is riding a bit low, too.
The other thing to note is that this top is about as low cut as I would ever wear to work, and it has pretty wide set straps/sleeve-lets. I love this neckline, but will have to be more careful with the bra I choose. The racerback I was wearing in these photos is a no-go.

Tuck in those straps, Clio!
 
At the end of the day, I'm very happy with this top in particular and all the recent additions I've made to my professional wardrobe. But I think I'm done sewing for work, at least for now.  Next up is my seersucker dress. Then I have two incredibly fun summer projects which I just can't wait to tell you about and begin sewing... just as soon as I organize myself and my thoughts. More on this all in a few days! Happy sewing!

9 comments:

Reethi said...

Looks great! Is that a knit fabric, or did you use a woven? (This is on my list to sew, I'm excited to see it made up!)

Unknown said...

I love the fabric and it appears to fit you very well. Great job!

Meg said...

Cute!

Karin said...

It's a flattering top on you. It really shows off your tiny waist and delicate frame. You chose a pretty fabric too!

Faye Lewis said...

Love that top. What a great fit too.

Clio said...

Reethi - It's knit. NO WAY this would work in a woven unless you added a zipper. It's close fitting.

Thanks everyone! I think it is a really flattering neckline on most figures. Thumbs up for the pattern.

gwensews said...

That's very pretty. You have the perfect figure for it.

sewistafashionista said...

Your top is gorgeous. The perfect polished knit for work.

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Love this top! I didn't understand why it was drafted so short in the magazine. But the shape is super flattering!