This top marks a rare departure from Colette and Sewaholic patterns for me. I really do need to branch out more because there is a lot of sewing goodness out there to choose from. You'll recognize the fabric from a recent Sewaholic Hollyburn make. I had quite a bit left over and I love it so much I couldn't resist making a top out of it. The contrasting fabric is Cotton + Steel. It's a quilting cotton but it's an exact match to the birds on the main fabric so I couldn't refuse.
The top goes together pretty easily. The yoke is lined and I did think the method of sewing the shoulder seams felt a little odd. Somehow when I arrived at the part of the instructions where I was supposed to stitch the neckline and armholes continuously I realized I had accidentally completed that in a previous step. I'm not sure what I did but it worked so we'll just go with it!
The pattern calls for 3 buttons along the back. I had three chartreuse buttons picked out but they were too big and they felt a little obnoxious. I decided to go with six buttons in two groupings instead when I found these in my stash.
You'll notice that the Xs are not straight on the yoke in the back. I cut it on the fold without realizing it wasn't lining up straight and then I ran out of fabric. When I went to the fabric store to purchase another 1/2 yard I found another Cotton + Steel print I thought I might like better. When I brought it home it just didn't work as well. I made the second my lining fabric instead of continuously purchasing 1/2 yards until I got it right. Sometimes it's OK to let go. Along the way in my sewing career I've apparently decided that if the mistake is in the back it's OK because I can't see it. Works, right?
I'm working on a Craftsy class right now for blouses. I've got the fabric but I'm lacking the inspiration. It's got to be around here somewhere!
