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?
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6 comments:

  1. mamasmercantile10 July 2014 at 20:58

    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.

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  2. Anne11 July 2014 at 08:57

    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

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  3. Anne11 July 2014 at 08:58

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

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  4. justpootling11 July 2014 at 15:27

    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

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  5. Linda Metcalf14 July 2014 at 12:36

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

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  6. Jeannie21 July 2014 at 13:13

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

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

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