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

Butterick 5354

I am currently trying to beef up my spring/summer wardrobe in anticipation of an upcoming trip to San Antonio. This top is another piece to take on the trip. It is a pattern I have used before, and is a great fitting t-shirt, and the pleat detail gives it some added interest.

Sorry for the not so great picture. Why is navy blue so hard to photograph? The color isn't represented very well here. It is actually a true navy blue.

Don't have my receipt, but I think I paid $5.00 for this fabric? And I already had the pattern and thread. So total cost is $5.00.

Pattern Sizing: 6-8-10-12. I cut a size 10.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are easy to follow. The pleats are a little time consuming, but not difficult.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the pleats, and that it dresses up what would be just a plain t-shirt.

Fabric Used: A cotton interlock found in the remnant bin at JoAnn Fabrics. There was a little less than a yard.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added a couple inches to the length. I also tacked the pleats to the facing on the inside so the facing would stay tucked in and not flip to the outside.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is the second time I have sewn this. The first time I made it sleeveless. I have received many compliments on that top. It is a nice t-shirt with added interest with the pleats.

Conclusion: A great wardrobe basic for spring or summer.

Up next, I made a baby gift for my bosses new baby, and will post about it soon.

Blessing-
Lisa

New Look 6940

Ever go though your fabric stash and "find" things you forgot you even had? Yep- happened to me a couple weeks ago. I was digging around in the shelf where I keep my fabric, and out rolled two remnant pieces I forgot I even had. Both knits, both about 1 yard. When ever I am in JoAnn's or Hancocks, I always check out the remnant bin. You never know what kind of goodies you can find in there. While one yard of fabric isn't much, it is usually enough for a knit top (short sleeved or sleevless) or for a skirt. I also find pieces of by-the-yard batting in there, which are big enough for a quilted table runner. And with Hancock's new remnant price structuring, most pieces are $2.00. Bargain!

This piece was a knit from Joann's. I love the berry color, and I only paid $4.58 for it. I didn't have a project in mind, so into the stash it went.

I have a tentative weekend trip to San Antonio in April, so decided to make a coupe knit tops for the trip. For this one, I used New Look 6940. This is a pattern I have used before, so knew there would be no fitting issues. I made view B, but without the slit up the front. (not sure who that slit would look good on, but it defiantely wouldn't look good on this 40+ year old body that's had three kids!)



 

I love how this top turned out. I would like to try view C next. 

Here is my review:

Pattern Sizing:Size A (4-16). I made a size 10.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes they were.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the variations of this pattern. And that it is an easy top to make, but is a notch dressier than a plain t-shirt.

Fabric Used: I picked this fabric out the remnant bin at JoAnn, so I am not sure of the content. I think it is a polyester interlock, with two-way stretch.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I sewed clear elastic all the way around the neckline and then turned it under and top stitched. This holds the front close to the body, so no gaping. I have made this top one other time, and use a self-fabric binding, stretching it as I went. That worked well too.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is the second time I have made this pattern, and both tops look very different. If you are looking for a "dressier t-shirt", this is a great pattern.

Conclusion: Cute, easy top. I could see making a few of these to fill out my summer wardrobe.

Blessings-

Lisa