When I saw this top in the Anthropologie, I fell in love with the denim blue checks, the side tie at the hem. But when I tried it on, the neck was so big on me, it fell to my shoulders like a cold shoulder top. Not a good look! And the long sleeves covered my fingertips. But that side tie, the color…Well, this is why I sew and keep an extensive fabric stash. As luck would have it, I just happened to have the perfect fabric right at home! Stash justified!
My version of Anthro’s shirt is a hack of Butterick 6456, a pattern I made before, here.
I used view D, but modified the front bodice by elminating the pleat. Then, to get the side tie look, I added a drawstring to the hem. I folded up the hem by 5/8″ to make a casing for a skinny tie that I made from fabric. The length of the tie is 1/1/2 times the circumference of the hem. Once the tie was inserted in the casing, it added a slight gathering at the hem.
The fabric is a special piece of linen that’s languished in my stash for a couple of years (+), purchased at the Pendleton Outlet store a few years back (a bargain at $3.oo a yard). I’ve been saving it for the perfect project. It’s the sort of linen I’m mad about; crisp, but not rough, able to hold a press, but not stiff. To get the long look of the sleeves, I just added four inches to the length of the sleeve before adding the bell.
I like my new top and think it’s worthy of my long cherished linen. An added bonus is that this top was a bargain compared with the Anthro version, as I spent only $3/yd on the fabric! I think this top came in at under $20. It’s a rare but cherished moment when sewing is cost effective, am I right?
Some of my photos were taken in my newly painted living room. My sewing machine has been ignored of late because we’ve been doing the painting ourselves. Yes, we could have hired pros to do it, but I’d rather spend money on fabric (!!). Let me tell you, there was a collective sigh of relief at my house this week when this project was finished.
Next up on my fall wardrobe wish list is a denim jacket. I’ve always wanted to make one, and there’s no better time than now. I’m perusing patterns….there’s the Maisa by Named and the Stacy Jacket by Style Arc to name a few. Any suggestions? Happy fall sewing, and thanks for stopping by!
I like your version better!
Thanks! I do love how it looks on the model!
Nice top!
Burdastyle has a free jean jacket sewalong with Meg Healy and they have the burda pattern included. check it out.
Thanks! I didn’t think of Burda – – great tip, Thanks!
This is such a pretty buffalo plaid–that touch of cream is awesome, it’s such a rich blue, and the side tie is a nice detail. I’m not sure what Anthropologie’s ideal customer looks like. Maybe she’s just swimming in fabric! Ah, but they’re always such a great source of inspiration. I clearly need to make it to Portland one of these days; you seem to find really cool stuff at that store.
That fabric was a find – I feel lucky to have been in the right place at the right time. Anthro is my go-to place for inspiration. To me, their clothes have a handmade vibe with loads of unique fabric combinations and interesting details. But the clothes rarely fit me, so I doubt I’m anything close to their ideal customer! Please! Do come to Portland so I can show you around – – we have lots of cool fabric stores too!
Your fabric has to be the best fabric buy I’ve ever heard of! Linen and such a gorgeous one at that price! Gorgeous top. My favourite sewing stories are always those that take us from the RTW inspiration to the creation by the sewist – they make me SO happy 🙂 I thought your pattern was the Dove – so many came out that are so similar 🙂
Thank-you! I’m wild about RTW knock offs too, They help me to see beyond the pattern to the possibilities. It is great fabric…I got lucky!
Elle, this looks amazing…and how grand that you had the fabric in your stash :0) I need to get my makes ready for winter …
Thank-you! I’ve been trying to switch gears too, and am trying to plan my fall sewing projects rather than sewing on a whim. We’ll see if I succeed!
Beautiful! I’ve seen so many gorgeous things in Anthropology. How brilliant that you can make the same thing! It was rather handy you having that fabulous check fabric in your stash wasn’t it?
Thanks! Yes, sometimes I find the perfect thing in my huge stash. It makes me think it’s all good!
You are on a roll – another Designin’ December creation! I love all the sleeve styles that I have been seeing this year and even better is that the patterns are putting a lot of sleeve options in the one envelope. You did a fabulous job with this one – I can’t see any difference between you and RTW except your’s fits you and is better made!!!
Thanks Linda! It’s always nice when the pattern companies step up and offer multiple options with one pattern. It almost makes sewing…affordable? Designin’ December will be here before you know it! I’m looking forward to it!
It’s always great to have your participation and support! Thank you!