This week marks the sun’s Big Debut here in Portland. We’re expecting a weekend sizzler with temperatures over 100 degrees! Panic! We are wimps, so a forecast like that can cause a bit of freak out around here. We faint at the mere idea of a hot day, and if you throw humidity into the mix, trust me. The streets of our fair city will be deserted. Everyone will be holed up in their air- conditioned houses with fans humming.
I, on the other hand, will be feeling fresh as a daisy, dressed in summer’s perfect fabric – – linen!
In anticipation of the heat, I crafted a new frock for my Thursday Top – – a three-hour wonder with an a-line shape that’s sure to please. I had great fun making this easy piece. I used three fabrics (3!!); two prints and a solid, making this project a Stash Busting Gem.
Pattern: I used Simplicity 1693. It’s a top with length, sleeve and waist variations. It was simple to sew and the instructions were clear.
Style:
If there was a Best Top for Any Figure competition, I’d have to nominate this one for the title. It’s simple, to be sure, an A-line that’s fitted at the yoke and slightly flared at the bottom. What’s not to like about that? This top accentuates the good parts of our figures, while forgiving the not-so-good parts.
Modifications:
Yoke: Because I wanted to use some remnants in my stash, I cut the one-piece bodice into two pieces – a yoke and lower bodice. To do this, I made a cut across the bodice, eight inches from the neck, remembering to add 5/8 “ on both pieces for the seam allowances.
Front stripe: To make the front stripe of fabric, I cut a 4″wide piece of fabric the length of the center front. I turned under the edges and edge stitched it before sewing it to the Center Front of the garment (An easy way to mark the stripe’s placement is to press in the center fold, and use that line as your guide when applying the stripe).
Fabric: The bodice and sleeves are linen, purchased at Fabric Depot, the yoke and stripe are japanese cotton, purchased at the sewing expo. All of it breathes and is super comfortable to wear.
So, bring it on, Mr. Sun! I am ready!
What’s your favorite style of pattern to sew with linen? What’s your favorite shape for your figure?
Happy sewing and thanks for stopping by!
I agree, I like the A line top. I don’t like tight tops I noticed the colour blocking right away. I love colour blocked tops. So many options!
I know. I hope color blocking never goes out of style because I have so many cool remnants in my stash that can’t be wasted. It’s such a great way to use those lovely scraps.
Yet another lovely top! I really like the color play in this one, and a loose-fitting linen top sounds yummy for summer. (Here in OH, humid days reaching into the 80’s and 90’s are typical of our summers–yuck!) I just picked up some pretty linen for making new shorts, but we’ll see if I can get them finished before summer ends!! 🙂
Thanks! The air is a bit sticky here too, which isn’t usually the case, and I’ve been wearing this top constantly. It’s all about survival. Can’t wait to see your shorts! I’ve got a pattern I’ve been meaning to try, but haven’t worked up the nerve yet. I’m sure yours will inspire me!