Happy New Year!
I suffered a dispiriting sewing failure yesterday. A dress for which I had high hopes just did NOT work. So I tossed that baby right outta my hair, and moved on.
To console myself, I whipped Christine Jonson's new top up this morning. This pattern comes in two choices, "Cross Your Heart" and "V Neck T". The "Cross Your Heart" moniker is reminiscent of those Playtex "24 Hour Cross Your Heart" bra commercials from the 1970s. Well, I did not know this, but they're still making these bras and here is evidence.
After that little diversion, I will tell you that I did not make the Cross Your Heart version of this T; I made the V neck version. This pattern is classic Christine Jonson. Great instructions. Easy to put together, well-drafted pattern. After only a few hours, I'm in love with this top, and this pattern.
I used a stretch velvet from Jomar. Notice that I placed the nap of the fabric two ways - nap going up in the center, where it looks darker, and nap going down on the sides. I did this to create that always-flattering vertical seam effect.
I'm going to make a skirt of this same fabric and wear it this weekend. Check back if you want, because I'll post the whole outfit, once it's done!
I used a new thread in this project. A few months ago, I 'discovered' Guterman "Skala 360" thread. This is a special, lightweight thread, made for blindstitching. I've been using it in my regular sewing machine to very good effec You probably already know that silk thread almost disappears into a sewn seam. This thread acts the same way, in my experience. So you might want to give it a try. I got mine from Banasch's.
If you're still wondering about the sewing failure which preceded this project, it was a result of putting an incompatible lining with a poorly-chosen fabric. Poorly thought input = trash output. Did I learn, well, yes. Will I make the same mistake again, well, probably. I was stretching the envelope, and this time it did not work.
So, I'll celebrate the new year with this small success -- an easy, stretchy top to wear into the new year.
I wish you the best of everything in the year to come, along with the satisfaction of doing what you love, doing it with passion, and doing it well.
8 comments:
Well you had your revenge because this top is gorgeous. Happy New Year to you too.
That top is wonderful! I saw this CJ pattern and was minimally interested, but after seeing your top, I might just have to get this pattern. Nice work!
What a beautiful top!
I got a cabinet for my sewing machine for Christmas, so maybe now I can actually start trying to make things ...
Happy New Year!
That looks fabulous! Great idea to contrast the nap!
Oh the top is gorgeous and what a great way to start the year.
I love how you used the nap to your advantage on this top! Can't wait to see you in both pieces.
You have inspired me to get into the sewing room and get busy. I have a few C.J. patterns just begging to come to life.
Great top, and I love the way you turned the nap.
Also, now I have Jane Russell in my head saying "Hurry full-figured gals!" :)
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