One of my recent completed tops that I never got around to blogging about is my new floral top.
For this top, I used Vogue 5011 which is the same pattern as my embroidered Birdy Blouse (which also has to make its way up on the blog).
This is a great, basic 40’s boat-neck blouse with cut-on sleeves. I had made a muslin prior to cutting out my 3-ply silk version (the Birdy blouse). I thought I’d be fine cutting out a second one in cotton voile but I found I needed a bit more width in the hips due to the less stretchy fabric choice. I went down to a scant 1/4 seam allowance at the hip, but I’m glad I was able to let it out just enough so it can be worn comfortably, untucked.
So far, I’ve just worn this top to work under a cardigan and I wore it on Sunday as a nicer version of a basic T. It’s really comfortable and yet looks nice too. Did I mention what a great basic top this is?! I now see why Portia of Miss P makes so many of her Kimono sleeved tops.
It was a bit chilly this weekend so I actually wore it underneath my navy cardigan. It’s great for layering…. which is why it looks a bit wrinkled in these photos.
Busy prints aren’t usually my thing; I tend to lean towards solid colors for the most part. But I’ve had Anna Maria Horner little folks voile in my stash for quite some time. And this blouse pattern is wonderful and basic for the busy print. I’d shied away from using it on a top with collar/button band, etc. since I was worried the print would overpower all of the construction details.
Here’s a detail shot of the back:
I have to *fire* my photographer… he failed to notice my bottom button wasn’t fastened. Yarrr I went all day like this too!
Determined on using buttons from my stash, these slightly pearlescent ones seemed the only option I had. Can you tell that the top button doesn’t match the lower 4?! Well, it looks similar, it’s just slightly larger than the rest. I figured, it looks like I did it on purpose since the top button is the main button. heh Sometimes you have to lower your expectations when sticking to your stash. You know what I’m talking about, am I right?!
Anyhow… I made my own button loops and may have finally perfected the buttonhole stitch, as much as I am able. I added a bit of fraycheck to my thread loops in order to stiffen them up which worked perfectly. (Let’s just hope they stay stiff through the wash as well).
That’s really about it. Just a great, easy little top I was able to whip up in the course of a weekend which will help me beat the summer heat…. whenever it chooses to arrive.
Is it me, or can you guys believe it’s already June?!
In: Sewing
It’s so lovely! The simple style of the blouse suits the print so well, and I think your buttons are perfect – I didn’t notice they were different until you pointed it out :) It looks great paired with your cardigan and skirt – perfect for this crazy weather we are having!!
Love this! It looks super sweet with your new glasses!
Thanks Gail!
so pretty! This print works really well as a blouse. Did you line it? I bought voile for a dress that is primarily white and it is so see-through. It’s sorta turned me off from purchasing more voile because I don’t want to HAVE to line something.
Oh no! That’s one of the wonderful things about the busy print on this voile is that you really can’t see through to my bra. (I think I had on a nude colored one yesterday for the photos).
On a dress, I’d line it for sure. If there’s one thing I can’t stand on my dresses is seeing through the fabric to ones’ legs…. but that’s just me. :)
I love that this is a dressy version of a tee. Try as I may, I can’t convince myself there is anything easier to wear or more comfortable than a t-shirt. Something like this would be a Win/Win for me. :-D
Thanks Michelle! The voile is nice and breezy/comfy but I have to admit… there’s nothing BETTER than the 3-ply silk for comfort-ability. It’s probably one of the most expensive fabrics I’ve bought but it’s to die for.
I’ve snagged 3-ply silk crepe for $20 a yard at Vogue fabrics, but you really have to search. Normally a 4-ply is $50 a yard.
I got this navy with last year’s price since it was old stock since all of the new stuff coming in gets priced at 40 or 50 a yard.
But I’m sure a silk charmeuse would feel just as lovely and t-shirt like against the skin and much cheaper and deals to be had on it.
Can you tell I like silk. :)
That is such a gorgeous top, the print works really well. I can’t believe you made the button loops by hand! That’s amazing!
beautiful print! it’s just the right simple shape for a busy print!
Really cute! This is such a classic shape– a great way to use that lovely print!
This is GORGEOUS. I must have that pattern…setting in sleeves has become my nemesis these days! :)
This is such a lovely top! Easy to wear tops in a pretty print are one of my favorite things to sew right now.
Is there anyone who repro’s this pattern? I can’t find it available now. I’d love a 34 bust copy somehow!