tops – Bea & Lucille

bowline, knits, tops

Bowline sweater 2.0

January 15, 2018April 17, 2019 Nicole Markelz

I'm always on the lookout for a different pattern--something that is interesting and unusual, but still wearable.

sewing knits, tops

Two totally casual tops (Burda 6590)

January 5, 2018April 17, 2019 Nicole Markelz

As always, it was literally impossible to make only one of these tops. When a garment takes 1 hour, tops, to make and is this comfortable, I need many of them in my life. This time around, I was filling a void in my casual wardrobe where I needed a long-sleeved, comfy top under which… Continue reading Two totally casual tops (Burda 6590)

blouse, crepe de chine, draping, fashion design, handmade wardrobe, sewing, silk, stonemountain and daughter, tops, wvc

Draped silk blouse

March 30, 2017April 1, 2019 Nicole Markelz

I'm about halfway through my last semester at WVC and I am loving my draping class! I've taken two flat pattern drafting courses, which were amazing too, but draping to create garment designs is just a whole different skill. So much fun!Since I work on a dress form that has a similar bust size… Continue reading Draped silk blouse

blouse, britex, britex guest blogger, lace, sewing knits, stretch lace, tops

Stretch lace tee tutorial

February 27, 2017April 1, 2019 Nicole Markelz

Did you ever consider that stretch lace could be used to sew up a simple tee shirt? It just takes the right pattern and a few small sewing modifications! Here, I've used this lovely stretch lace in "Naughty Navy".When choosing a pattern for a stretch lace tee, here are a few guidelines:Keep the number… Continue reading Stretch lace tee tutorial

blouse, handmade wardrobe, sewing, tops, voile, wool

Plaid wool voile top

January 24, 2017April 1, 2019 Nicole Markelz

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… Continue reading Plaid wool voile top

grainline, indie patterns, knit, lace, linden, tops, wool

Wool knit Linden with lace overlay

October 21, 2015April 1, 2019 Nicole Markelz

If you are visiting from Britex, welcome! I was won over by the Linden sweatshirt, designed by fellow Guest Blogger Jen from Grainline Studios, after making it in a sporty quilted fabric. But the wheels started turning immediately, and I felt like a lace-overlay version would take this basic wardrobe staple up a couple of… Continue reading Wool knit Linden with lace overlay

grainline, handmade wardrobe, indie patterns, knit, linden, sewing, sewing indie month, tops

Quilted Linden sweatshirt

September 10, 2015April 1, 2019 Nicole Markelz

I wasn't particularly excited about Grainline's Linden Sweatshirt pattern when it was released. It's cool, but I don't wear too many sweatshirts, and I wasn't sure I could make it look as hip as Jen does! That all changed on my last trip over the mountain to Hart's Fabric. I spotted this a-mazing white quilted… Continue reading Quilted Linden sweatshirt

blouse, cotton, gauze, handmade wardrobe, pattern drafting, pin-tuck blouse, sewing, tops

Self-drafted pin-tuck blouse, two ways

May 26, 2015April 1, 2019 Nicole Markelz

Pin-tuck blouse muslin (left) and revised version (right)This blouse. I've had plans to make an official pattern for that top since I first made it. I even bought fabric (years ago) for the job, as encouragement. Ha. In cleaning out my sewing room this weekend, I found a partial pattern of the blouse--just the back--and… Continue reading Self-drafted pin-tuck blouse, two ways

blouse, crepe de chine, handmade wardrobe, mood, silk, tops

My vision, in silk crepe de chine

March 9, 2015April 1, 2019 Nicole Markelz

So when I saw Sunni's outfit here, I completely fell in love with that silk print fabric. I needed it, so I bought 2 yards from Mood. And...it sat in my stash for months. I had an idea in mind, but no amount of searching in pattern books and independent designers yielded what I wanted.… Continue reading My vision, in silk crepe de chine

camas, clothing, handmade wardrobe, knits, sewing, thread theory, tops

Camas Blouse by Thread Theory

January 23, 2015April 1, 2019 Nicole Markelz

After making several Thread Theory patterns (peacoat and boxer briefs) for my husband, I was super excited to hear that they were releasing a pattern for women. And when I saw that it was a not-so-basic knit top, well, I was all over that. Come to me, Camas Blouse!Overall the top is just great.… Continue reading Camas Blouse by Thread Theory