For years, every time I went to my local fabric shop, I looked longingly at this vintage red plaid wool voile fabric (I think I’m the only person that buys anything in that part of the store, so stuff lasts a while!). Last week, I finally just bought it! I’m not sure what drew me to this fabric–red is not a color I wear very often, but something grabbed me, so I finished the bolt with a bit less than 2 yards.
Of course, I had to find a pattern to go along with it, so I settled on McCalls M7284 (view A), which is a high-low, unfitted blousey top. The yoke in the front was a total pain to sew, and mine isn’t done particularly well, but I’m just letting it go.
I had to spend some time pattern matching the plaid, but it wasn’t that bad.
All but the armscye seams are Frenched–I was feeling grumpy about the top at the moment I inserted the sleeves, so I didn’t feel like messing with French seams there so they are simply overlocked. Does anyone else go through that stage in a sewing project where the novelty has worn off and it’s maybe not fitting or looking just right, and you just start rushing through the rest? Or is that just me? 🙂 At least I finished it, and didn’t just throw it in the bin!
So this top isn’t the most flattering, though it looks better in the photos than I was seeing in the mirror. It’s comfy and goes well with jeans, so that’s all that matters, right? The slightly sheer fabric makes it feel a bit more modern and interesting. Overall, it gets a B+, I think.
Glad I finally just bought that lovely fabric and got it out of my system. On to the next project!
Bea & Lucille 
stunning fabric, has a beautiful fall to it. I have made a few smock type tops (notably a pleated miyake one) and I always feel v bohemian wearing it, but equally, I never to seem to wear them as much as other things
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Cute!!
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very cute and modern.
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So glad you bought it, finally! I think this top looks great, and is pretty flattering.
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Oh my goodness, I totally love it! I think that color and style suits you so well.
Ps: I'm at the rushing stage at the moment with a dress that's been taking too long to finish due to lack of time to sew…. in my head, I'm 3 projects ahead…
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Amazing fabric, I can see why it was drawing you in. I think your top looks great on. I always speed up the last bit of sewing too.
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Well I think it looks pretty good, and you certainly pull it off. I know exactly what you mean about those darn patterns that look so good on the packets, so simple to make and turn out to be both a pain and not quite what you thought(and a few have gone in the bin). You're certainly not on your own there!
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I think this is the perfect top…I would wear it non stop!
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Thanks, Beth!
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You're very kind, thank you! I'm happy I bought it too!
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Oh, I'm always thinking of the next project! I've gotten better about finishing projects (I don't remember the last time I just tossed something), but sometimes it take a lot of will to get myself to that last stitch! Good luck with your dress!
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Thank you, Lynsey! The last few seams of my garment are always rushed!
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It's always nice to hear that I'm not alone in my sewing struggles! I have to say, after I finished sewing the garment, I just threw the pattern away–I knew I would never use it again!
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I wore it the other day, and it was surprisingly nice to wear! What I didn't like was that the sleeves are difficult under sweaters or jackets, but it will warm up soon and it will be good for early spring in CA!
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Miyake's designs can be hard to wear–very voluminous–but they are so interesting, it's hard to resist!
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