Thursday 10 July 2014

~Gingham Shell Top~

I'm struggling with both money and time at the moment, but have managed odd half hours this week to make a top for myself. Have lost a stone and a half so I need some new work clothes but have no pennies :(

I get a free paper pattern each month with my Prima magazine subscription I got as a gift at Christmas.  This month's is this top and skirt...
 It comes as a full size paper pattern (great), but printed on 2 sides, so you have to trace some pieces off (not so great - grrr!)  I think the sizes are small too (Bust 34" Waist 26" for a 12) but I cut out a 12 as I'm usually a 10/12 now.
I used 90cm of cheap gingham (£2 a metre) so in effect it was a toile to see how it fitted.
How I wish I had a mannequin!
( If anyone's great aunt Gertie is getting rid of one please let me know.)
This is the finished top...

It fits okay but is snug on the waist/hips and is also quite short.  I'm going to add half a cm to the side seams below the bust darts on my next attempt.

 
Didn't have the requisite concealed zip so made do with a normal one, but it looks okay; although I look like a broad shouldered weightlifter in this photo.
 
 The edges at the top of the zip are a tad wonky, but isn't that what cardigans are for?


It will be fine for work.  When I am office-based I have to wear black and white as a uniform, which is at worst morbid and funereal, and best, like a Betty's waitress!
Next attempt is in this polka dot cotton...
Has anyone else been sewing clothes this week?

6 comments:

  1. Congratulations on losing the weight, I could do with a losing a little but greed usually gets the better of me. I think you've done a really good job on the top, the gingham looks quite pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well done with the weight loss Sally!the top is lovely I can't get tops to fit me properly cause of my rather large chest! Love the spotty fabric. That will look gorgeous xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. P.s. No sewing but lots of knitting. Doing a gorgeous girls hooded cardi from the book I won from your giveaway xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lovely top Sally - its a really pretty fabric and I love it in the gingham. You can never have too many checks or spots in my view !
    Have a great weekend,
    Kate x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love the pattern. Can't wait to see that polka dot made up!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's a great top - well done. I'm planning to make some new tops for work over the next month or so.

    ReplyDelete

Please feel welcome to get in touch or leave a comment - I really appreciate it. Sally x