sewing

Spring Top Sewalong #3

Nicole Markelz

Entry number three for the Spring Top Sewalong!  I had a gauzy top from H&M that had seen better days (I don’t even want to photograph it, it’s so dingy!   See below for the side-by-side comparison!), but I love the shape and feel of it, so I decided to use it as my template for a new version.  Not that I’m ever going to wear it again (in public), but I didn’t disassemble the shirt; instead just traced parts of it on Swedish tracing paper.  Unfortunately, parts like the button placket, banded neckline, and even the sleeves were not really “traceable”, so those bits I recreated on my own (and the neckline and sleeves more than once!).   I eye-balled the tiny pintucks (there are some on the back, too), but I wish I had put in a few more.

Since I had never sewn one like this before (let alone create the pattern), the button placket was the most challenging part.  I used this tutorial to draft and sew the one piece placket.  And it only took one try!

I wrangled a rounded hem, adjusted the sleeve openings at the shoulder and, as usual, took in the sides to make it less boxy.  In the end I love this top. LOVE IT.  I can picture it getting as “well loved” as the original.

 Fabric is crinkled gauze, purchased at Fabric. com for an absolute steal (like $4 a yard, if I remember correctly).   This gauze was fun to work with and extremely forgiving.

Okay, by request, I have added a photo of the side-by-side comparison!

Published by Nicole Markelz

22 thoughts on “Spring Top Sewalong #3”

  2. This top looks fantastic. It's my favorite so far. I especially love the pin tucks and had to come over from flickr to see how you made the placket. That looks hard!! But I love this so much I am going to use it for inspiration. Thanks!

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  4. Thanks so much! The placket was definitely difficult for me to visualize–I had to just jump right in. The tutorial I linked to is really clear, though, so hopefully that helps you out too!

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  6. I love this top, I had to pop over to get the story. Would have been cool to see the original inspiration top too, but I understand. I'm a big fan of dying clothes that are looking tired or faded, but the fabric is still in decent shape. I usually go with black or navy or other dark colors and it can make the item appear surprisingly new again.

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  7. Thanks for the message! At your urging, I added the photo of the original top. Gosh, it's so grungy looking! But I will definitely consider dying the fabric–thanks for the suggestion!

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  19. The pintucks along the neckline are actually pretty simple…my best suggestion is to make sure they are exactly perpendicular to the neckline (at the point you are starting the tuck). Also, since the seam is on the right side of the fabric, tie a tiny knot with the threads instead of backsewing (as they suggest you do for a dart). Best of luck!

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