The Embroidered Top-- Burda 6502

I saw this pattern and fell in love with view A.  It just a plain little peasant top, intended to be sewn with an embroidered border fabric like eyelet.  After looking for a little while, I found this stunning denim chambray with lace and embroidery by Telio from Fabric.com

According to the pattern measurements, this size 20 was going to be a little snug in the hips.  I wanted it to be loose and flowy.  So I added 2½ inches to the center front of the gathered section and 2 inches to the back.  I left the neck yoke the same size as that part fit great. 

The pattern photo shows this top ending at the mid-hip line.  Mine ends at the lower hip line, but I'm quite a bit shorter and prefer this tunic length.  The directions are rather sparse and illustrations for the few steps they outline.  It's a quick, easy sew that makes sense on its own, though, without a lot of help.  I love how neatly the neckline lays. It's been perfect for some of our warmer days already.

This is my last entry for Faye's Tops That Pop Sew A Long.  I'm sure going to miss this.  It's been a real motivator for me and I've loved seeing all the different tops that have been made.  So many awesome entries! 

Well, on to the next project, a much needed nightie.  Happy sewing all.

Cool Tools and Some New Patterns

I'm still working on the Leanne Marshall coat.  It's coming along slowly but progress is being made.  One of the things I read about preparatory to this coat was the issue of pressing.  One of the posters on the Pattern Review Sew-A-Long mentioned that she didn't think her hem looked as good as it could have if she had used a tailor's clapper to get a better crease. I wasn't familiar with this tool so I looked it up and found this great video from Angela Wolf on how to use one.




How did I ever manage to live without one of these?  I promptly ordered one from Nancy's Notions along with a pressing ham for those princess seams.

I'd long wanted a ham and Joann's just never has them in stock.  They arrived just in time for use and they're wonderful.  All I need now is a ham stand to hold the ham for me. 

On to the new patterns...   A couple of weeks ago, Joann's had their Simplicity and Burda on sale so I grabbed a couple for the collection.  I say collection because I have no immediate plans for any of these:

I got Simplicity 1316 for a top or two this summer, love those princess seams and cut on sleeves; Burda 6502, view A with a border print challis or eyelet would be great; and Simplicity 8259, it's just such a dreamy dress but who knows when I'll make it--just had to have it though. 

That's all my news for now.  I'm back to the coat and attaching the hood; the end is in sight.

Happy sewing all!