A new top!

Well, I did it! I finally sewed a top for myself after years of neglect.

Not that I'm neglected with a lack of tops or anything.

But I haven't been sewing for myself as I've devoted my time to sewing for Bleuette (an 11" fashion doll from France) and sewing for American Girl doll and Chatty Cathy, 18" - 21" dolls.

There is a vast difference in sewing for a human being.

My friend, Sr. Sarah Jean from St. John's house in Victoria BC gave me this pretty fabric when I visited her in June. She was giving some of her lovely fabric away in order to return to Toronto to live. I will really miss my sewing friend. I stayed with her for two visits in 2011 and 2012 and we had a positive blast sewing each day and evening while I stayed in the guest room of St. John's house.

This fabric is cotton but has a slight stretch to it. It was fun to sew with. I chose a New Look pattern by Simplicity, #6895. I had no problems with it, except the pieces didn't fit on the fabric!

So I shortened the top by 1" and I halved the neck binding, sewing it in two pieces instead of one.

I'm really pleased with it! Robert snapped the photo in a hurry, so I didn't notice that one side of the top is pushed too far up my shoulder. Oh well. There are 4 different versions of the top, one being without sleeves, another being a higher neckline and the last one having a ruffle.

I enjoyed sewing this so much I think I'll try all the versions.

This top looks cute with a skirt, shorts or capris.

By Loretta Houben