I had seen this top around the blogoshpere and thought it was adorable. My first (unblogged) version was a nightmare to me. The armholes were way too low, the peplum hit at the wrong spot on my torso and was way to peplum-y if you get my drift. I had an idea that I could make adjustments and make it work. While this top still has some issues, I think it works pretty well. Weather it does or not, it holds a cherished place in my wardrobe because I am absolutely smitten with this fabric! It is a rayon crepe that I purchased from LAFinch fabrics. I had never used Rayon crepe but it is delightfully squishy and soft. Between the soft hand, the colors (the colors!) and the pattern of this fabric, I am simply in love.
As you can see I lengthened this top, lowered the peplum placement and made the front an a-line, sans peplum. I also shortened the shoulder pieces in order to raise the armholes, which helped a lot.
Overall I am very happy with this top. I love the v detail in the back and will get a lot of wear out of this piece. The peplum in the back makes it a tad hard to layer, so this is mostly a warmer weather piece.
I also whipped up a few knit tops, which were much needed in my wardrobe. I had scored some rayon adobe colored knits, also from LA Finch fabrics and made these two tops with them. I never though I was a pink person, but apparently now I am. Do your favorite colors change throughout the years like mine do?
This first top is made from Simplicity 1366, a Cynthia Rowley pattern, which is actually designed for woven fabrics. This is somewhat of a revelation for me as it definitely expands my options for sewing with knits. I cut it in a size 12 and left off the sleeves. I made sleeve bands and a neckband. You can see another view of this top here, but I wanted to show it untucked as well. I straightened out the side seams and shortened the front of the top by 3". After sewing one of the armbands on the wrong way I had to take the sides in even more, tapering out to the original hemline. I love this top and plan to use the pattern again and again both for knits and woven.
This top is a copy of a kimono sleeve ready to wear knit top that I wore to death a few years ago. I did not destroy it to make the pattern but simply traced it off. I am also happy with the fit on this one. I accidentally got some ink from a pen on it the other day. Any tips on how to get that out? Also, check out my cochineal dyed yarn! My mom and I collected the cochineal from her cactus plants in September. I did not dry them properly but simply boiled them to make a dye bath. I couldn't believe how well it worked.
And finally, these damn jeans. I am embarrassed that I wear them so often, as proven here. And this just goes to show how badly I need to make everyday jeans and pants for myself. Next up is the Lander Pants Pattern from True Bias. I am a bit nervous but I see great versions all over the place so it seems to be a really well drafted pants pattern. Wish me luck!
I almost forgot to mention that I spent most of October working on our yard and painting our living room. I should say we worked on it, as it was a joint effort between Frank and myself. I took vacation for my birthday in early November and spent half the week at my parents working on our little camper renovation and the other half at home celebrating my birthday. The highlight of the vacation for me was the last day when the weather was perfect and we took Pearl on a hike at Mineral Wells State park. We explored Penitentiary Hollow, a ravine that is popular with rock climbers. We had it to ourselves that day and it was magical!
