Much sewing is happening in the new space, as I am getting to know the new B780 better. She is a big, sophisticated girl and I want to explore her menus and options as much as possible. Sewing with a 9mm plate takes a bit of getting used to but when you get it right the results are incredible. Case and point later on when I show you my invisible mess-ups!
This week I worked on a pattern found through Indiesew called the Bess top by Imagine Gnats. I really like Erin' version and since we have the same measurements I decided to go for it. It is very convenient to have found another blogger with similar taste and size. I will be sure to look at the other things she has sewn and take note.
I first sewed the top in Tana Lawn in size 4 and decided to go with complicated seam finishes that would not lay flat. I cut those (unpicking was not going to work) and started again only to find that the new method was blah. I will attempt unpicking after all today, to save the Lawn.... Second round went much much better!
Following Erin's advice I went for size 2 the second time around, it's more fitted but still roomy in the shoulders, my weak point. Not wanting to repeat the previous bias fiasco I went with the recommended knit strip (in teal), which was easy as pie. I will try Grainline's tutorial next on getting flat bias necklines.
The fabric was just bought this tuesday at A Fashionable Stitch, it's 100% cotton at bit like swiss dot with a shimmer. It is the perfect weight for this top. You cannot see the high-low hem on those pictures but I pan on wearing it tucked anyway, better look on a shorty like me! Now to the invisible mistakes: Being tired last night I started "forgetting" my seam allowance was 1/2" and sewing at 5/8" mid topstiching. Regrettable! With the B780 super precise knot function I had no need to backstitch anywhere. This way you can unpick and start sewing just where and to you left off and no one would be the wiser. This worked especially well on the neck seam above!
Next up is the Wiksten tank, I have been looking at this one long enough, now where is my tape?
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This top turned out beautiful! Great work!
Posted by: Erin | June 05, 2014 at 12:14 PM
Great job! And good that you are making note of the changes so that you can remember next time. I have a difficult time going from a 1/4" seam of quilting to a 5/8" seam of clothing. I like your solution of the tape on the machine.
Posted by: Lisa Chin | June 05, 2014 at 12:27 PM
It looks really lovely on you and the fabric you chose for it is perfect! Very inspirational! I might just have to try this top out!
Posted by: Alexandra Audrey | June 05, 2014 at 12:54 PM
Alexandra, you should really try it! it was actually a lot of fun to make : )
Posted by: juju | June 05, 2014 at 01:34 PM
Super cute, love the fabric choice and great fit! Yes, the Grainline bias binding tips are VERY helpful, but prepare to add several steps/time to the sewing process. It's tedious but the results are really worth it.
Posted by: Larissa | June 05, 2014 at 02:17 PM
Very cute!! I also have some of this fabric I purchased to make a dress or top for Harper. So pretty.
Posted by: Lauren | June 05, 2014 at 09:15 PM
Your top looks fabulous! I don't know the correct sewing term for it, but I really like the way the fabric gets all squishy as it approaches the shoulder seams. What do you call that? xoxo
Posted by: Laura | June 05, 2014 at 10:13 PM