Saturday, September 7, 2013

Finished Project: Laurel v. 5





Hey, y'all. As promised, here's my photo shoot wearing my latest Laurel top. I've worn this top a few times already since making it and I'm loving it. The fabric is what really makes it for me. The cotton/silk blend feels super nice and I can't keep myself from giddily petting it and gazing lovingly down at it whenever I put it on.





 





Now I just need a bright pink necklace to wear with it. It's definitely a simple top, but I don't think it lacks interest... though it could benefit from some statement jewelry. (something to work on--accessorizing)





Love the little bow at the back




I know I discussed some of the construction details, along with my inspiration for the project, in my last post, but there's always room for more!  When sewing up this Laurel, I added about an inch and a half to the length, and then used bias tape to face the hem (rather than bind it--which I think would have been weird--or just doing a regular hem, which would have subtracted a little more of the extra length I'd added in).









I used French seams on the side and shoulder seams, which always makes things feel nice and fancy, to me. I'd accidentally zoned out when stitching the arm seams to create the tube part of the sleeve and was too lazy to un-do it, so those are just regular seams, finished with the pinking shears.  I know some people sew their shoulder/arm-hole seams as French seams, but I can't really wrap my mind around that. I'm lucky enough that I was able to physically set-in the sleeves (usually my downfall in projects), so I wasn't trying to get too crazy.

I think the next time I make the top version of this pattern (oh, there will be a next time), I'll lengthen it again like I did here, but I'll also try lengthening the sleeves to 3/4, instead of the current 1/2. My Anthropologie inspiration shirt had 3/4 sleeves, which I just kind of spaced on when it came to making my version.  I'm also dying to try the gathered sleeve ruffle/flounce variation, but that is something I'd definitely save for a dress, rather than the top -- but maybe that's just me.

 Up next? LAUREL V. 6! Dress with sleeves, coming to a blog near you.





13 comments:

  1. That is a wonderful blouse, it is so well made and I love that little bow in the back. I have owned this pattern for a while but have yet to pull it out of my pattern stash. After seeing yours I will definitely be using it soon.

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  2. Cute, the bow is adorable :) And it would have been a massive saving on the Anthropologie top!

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  3. Oh I love a good spot! It looks lovely. I'm in the midst of perfecting this pattern right now - you've fired me up to keep persisting!

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  4. I love this top - it looks great on you too! I think this is something you can dress up (with a big necklace, like you said) or keep it casual and it will look good both ways. :)

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  5. This is such a great pattern, I can't wait to make it with the ruffle sleeves. Great fabric, it's so sweet and it drapes beautifully.

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  6. very cute:) love polka dots

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  7. So simple yet adorable! I'm glad you're proud. I've never French seamed sleeves either. Mine look a bit ugly as i zig zagged them. Meh I don't care lol! :)
    It's awesome!

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  8. Is that a woven or a knit fabric you used?

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  9. What a beautiful Laurel! The fabric's so pretty and I bet the silk/cotton blend feels wonderful!

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  10. Cotton and silk... Swoon! I really love this top, it's so beautiful and I bet super wearable :) x

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  11. This is so cute! I love it! The little bow is so sweet!

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  12. super cute! by the way, the trick to french seaming armholes is to cut the seam allowance very close to your stitching. it's a bit scary, but it really works well. it's the way to go to french seam any curved seam, really. i remember seeing a tutorial on Grainline...

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