Novelty Cotton Madness
I absolutely adore cotton fabric. The more whimsical it is the more I love it. It takes me back to my childhood…sigh. I digress 🙂 now that I’m an old lady – I like cotton because it feels good. Need I say more? So when Simplicity’s Project Runway line featured several tunic looks with variable lengths I jumped in feet first. I’ve already made 5….Yes 5 of these tops. I’ll probably make more…because I can! Isn’t this fabric amazing. This was on clearance and is not available right now but try these alternatives here – here and here. Just pick whatever you love and have fun with it. The pattern in Simplicity 8094. You can find it here.
The pattern is easy but I don’t care for all of the bias tape needed to stabilize the neck and arm openings. I tried making a version without it and well….it’s my stay in the house top. 🙁
Another thing to watch out for with this pattern are the arms. They are cut small so you need to account for that when sewing sleeves. I lucked out because I made the sleeveless options but I’ve read several reviews that have pointed this out as a negative. The other thing to watch out for are the sides. You need to lower them to a depth that is comfortable for you.
I modified the top by combining views E & F. The front and back hit right where I want them.
Full back coverage which I absolutely love.
Notice the placement of the sides? They are just below my natural waist which is perfect for me. The pattern has them almost at side boob level. This is the mommies version.
I wear a lot of white jeans. I love white jeans and wear them year round. I can’t get enough of them so don’t laugh when you see me wearing them in the winter. I just throw on boots and a sweater and keep it pushing.
I know you will love this pattern as much as I do and it works equally well with jersey knits. I just like cotton better because it really shows the design details in a more structured way.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you give this pattern and fabric a try. I promise you will love it. See you soon…..
SewVeStyle by Venita Elaine
Visit my blog at: http://www.sewvestyle.com
You’ve been making such chic and interesting tops!
Thanks Gillian – if you’re going to sew – you might as well have fun with it.
What a fun top! The variation in the lengths of the front and back are so unusual and work so amazingly well! BE ready for a lot of double takes!
Thanks Audrey. Along with double takes is the “can you make me one”. My response is always…no time.
I’m right with you on the novelty cottons, Calli. I’ve been scratching my head for a couple of years now, trying to work out why they ‘talk’ to me so loudly!! I agree about the nostalgia element. I’m a sucker for a specific aqua shade – makes me feel all warm & fuzzy when I find it- and I realised that I had a very favourite dress in that colour that my mother made me when I was about 7 or 8. As Mum made nearly everything her 3 children wore (and this was in the 1950s-60s, so no knits!), I have many hundreds of special memories! And cotton is still my favourite fabric for our hot weather in South Australia.
Thank you Aless!
I love this and it’s perfect on you!! And white jeans are awesome – I’m so glad you push the envelope and wear them whenever and how much you like!