When I was done sewing this top, I fist bumped my sewing machine.
Let me explain: I had been having a sense of deja vu. The last time I had sewn a Vogue Donna Karan pattern that only had one seam - like this pattern does - I also chose a shiny fabric for it. It didn't end well (thighs of despair skirt).
The thing I love about Donna Karan patterns is that they have so few pieces and are entirely made by twisting and draping and a few strategic tacks. Cool, right? The thing I hate about Donna Karan patterns is that there are usually so few pieces that they are nearly impossible to alter. Or at least not in any kind of intuitive way. It's a conundrum.
This top (Vogue 1282) has just one pattern piece plus binding for the armscyes. So, the one yard remnant of fabric that I had from the Fashion Star tunic that I made for PR Weekend was exactly the right size for this pattern, provided that I didn't cut the top on the bias, as the pattern instructed.
Actually, this is something that I'm rather curious about. The pattern is for knit fabrics. Does anyone out there know why you would cut a knit on the bias? Is there any benefit? I can't imagine that it would significantly help the drape. Am I missing something?
I made this top without any alterations. But next time I would take it in some at the back of the neck and add some wiggle room at the hip. Somehow. Fortunately in a drapey top made of a very stretchy knit, I don't think my fitting concerns are too apparent. One thing I liked is that they have you put a small weight at the center front drape point. I used a dime.
Anyway, I was totally psyched with how this top turned out. It's shiny, slinky, dramatically low cut, and ridiculously drapey. All things I love. And I felt confident enough in it to wear it out with this very well heeled crowd.
So, I think the theme of the week is redemption. DK, you are back "in" with me. In fact, I may have to turn the fabric from the skirt of despair into another of these tops. I also might try to figure out if I can make this out of a silk charmeuse. Wouldn't that be gorgeous?
Have a great weekend everyone!
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| Vogue 1282 Donna Karan top |
The thing I love about Donna Karan patterns is that they have so few pieces and are entirely made by twisting and draping and a few strategic tacks. Cool, right? The thing I hate about Donna Karan patterns is that there are usually so few pieces that they are nearly impossible to alter. Or at least not in any kind of intuitive way. It's a conundrum.
 |
| This is my take-the-damn-picture-before-I freeze-to-death face. |
This top (Vogue 1282) has just one pattern piece plus binding for the armscyes. So, the one yard remnant of fabric that I had from the Fashion Star tunic that I made for PR Weekend was exactly the right size for this pattern, provided that I didn't cut the top on the bias, as the pattern instructed.
Actually, this is something that I'm rather curious about. The pattern is for knit fabrics. Does anyone out there know why you would cut a knit on the bias? Is there any benefit? I can't imagine that it would significantly help the drape. Am I missing something?
I made this top without any alterations. But next time I would take it in some at the back of the neck and add some wiggle room at the hip. Somehow. Fortunately in a drapey top made of a very stretchy knit, I don't think my fitting concerns are too apparent. One thing I liked is that they have you put a small weight at the center front drape point. I used a dime.
 |
| My pose-like-the-pattern-model pose. I promptly fell over. |
Anyway, I was totally psyched with how this top turned out. It's shiny, slinky, dramatically low cut, and ridiculously drapey. All things I love. And I felt confident enough in it to wear it out with this very well heeled crowd.
 |
| Smiling thru the pain of being so cold. |
So, I think the theme of the week is redemption. DK, you are back "in" with me. In fact, I may have to turn the fabric from the skirt of despair into another of these tops. I also might try to figure out if I can make this out of a silk charmeuse. Wouldn't that be gorgeous?
Have a great weekend everyone!
