Jumping on the Lace Trend Bandwagon

I've had a vision in my head since the fall of 2011 of a simple black lace top, a shell basically, that could be worn under jackets or cardigan, or even alone with the right underpinnings. When I found this fabric on clearance at Hancock's, I quickly snatched  up two yards, but still hadn't married my vision of this top with this fabric.

This spring, after seeing all the great lace projects on the Mood Sewing Network, I was inspired to pull out this fabric, and make my vision a reality.

I choose Simplicity 8523, which is a terrific pattern for a woven top, with many neckline variations. I choose to make view D, which has a scooped neck.

What I love about it? I love the pattern, it fits great and is a nice addition to my pattern collection. What do I not like so much? Well, my fabric shrank up quite a bit when I pre-washed it, and instead of being open and lacy, it is more bunched up and lumpy. I am guessing the fabric is a cotton, which is why is shrank so much. I may try ironing it well before wearing it to see if it will "flatten out" some.

Overall, I like my top, and will be playing around with the styling of it to decide how to wear it. I am considering a narrow belt at the waist, in a bright color. I am also planning to try it with a bright blue pair of cropped pants that are in my project queue.

Here is a close up of the lace:

In the background you can see my Snowball Shrub (which I have trimmed into a tree shape). In these pictures, it is at the end of it's bloom, but it was so pretty this year, just loaded with blooms. I guess it didn't mind to cold, wet spring we had. In this picture you can see that it was already dropping it's petals. They ground looks like it is covered in snow. While these blooms only last a short while, they are such a pretty start to the flowers that bloom in my gardens all summer.

Up next, I finished a small wallhanging, and I am finishing up a pair of short that are a muslin for a new pants pattern I am trying. I am happy to report, the fit is perfect, right out of the envelope! Stay tuned...

Blessings-
Lisa