I have been sewing my DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER copies and now that I have finished my top, I thought it was time I checked in with you. You already know I want to make this Designer Original bell-sleeved top by Ellery Neu.
I’m using McCall’s M6896, view E. I adjusted the pattern a few weeks ago to make the sleeves bell-shaped. Now after finishing most of the sewing, I have decided, Yes, I do want the small slit in the front that is part of view E. Copying the Ellery Neu top exactly made me feel strangled by the high neckline.
It was easy enough to cut out a new neckline facing that enabled the small slit in the front. I didn’t use any interfacing at all on this fabric. It is a bit heavier and stiffer than I would want for a summer top, but it is suitable for winter. I don’t think interfacing is needed for this weight and stiffness. I don’t know what kind of fabric it is as it was given to me by a friend. It looks and feels like a velvety cordoroy, but it is probably a polyester.
I also realized, after finishing most of the sewing, that my fabric did not drape enough to give the peplum the same look as the McCall’s pattern photo. So I sewed the side seams straighter to remove some of the flare. The Ellery Neu design wasn’t as flared at the bottom anyway!
I hemmed my sleeves and my bottom edge with single fold bias tape. I love it when I can just sew the hems up neatly with my sewing machine. I was happy my thread was so close in colour to my fabric, it was almost invisible!
No, I haven’t pressed my top yet; I haven’t hand sewn the neck facing down yet; and no … I am not going to model it for you … YET! I can’t bring myself to model it without the the other piece, the zipper skirt, which I am about half way through. So … I am just checking in – one down, one to go!
Paula of @creationsbypaulamu has completed her DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER garment and it has been posted on Instagram and Pinterest. If you can’t see it on either of those, I have it here:
Paula describes it as a “Roja Red Silk Shantung/Dupioni … Replicated LeToya Luckett’s gown from the Bet Awards”.
You’ve been reading about my plans for my COPIES of my Designer Originals. Leave a comment on any of my posts during DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER that you want to join in or have finished your COPY of your Designer Original OR hashtag it #DESIGNINDECEMBER on IG or Twitter and I’ll share your photos and story on my blog!
In January, after collecting all your makes, I’ll put them out to my readers for a vote on which is their favourite and they’ll pick the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER 2016 WINNER! Along with winning the “Title”, there will be a small prize donated by “Nice dress! Thanks, I made it!!” Although, just by participating in DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER you are already a WINNER because you have a Designer Original – better and for less money!
Give it some thought, there’s an abundance of inspiration out there, and join in on the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Challenge.
“Why buy when you can make it yourself – better and for less money?”
If you want a designer garment too, join the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Challenge! In DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER:
- On your blog post a photo of your Designer Original and YOUR COPY of your Designer Original, mentioning DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER in your post with a link back to here so other’s can join in.
- Grab a DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER button. The code on my side bar can be copied and pasted into a Text Widget on WordPress, or download the image and then upload it onto your blog.
- Leave a comment here on my blog and I’ll post your Designer Original and YOUR COPY for you on my blog in DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER, with a link back to you – whether you have made it already, are in the process of making it, or plan on making it… let me know!
- Don’t forget to share a comment or few with your other DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER cohorts. Everyone loves comments!
Other ways to participate:
- Send your email address to me at imadeit362436 (at) gmail (dot) com and I’ll send you an invite to join the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Pinterest board so you can add your Designer Original and YOUR COPY to the board.
- Post your Designer Original and YOUR COPY on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #DESIGNINDECEMBER.
- Don’t forget to “grab” a DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER button on your way out!
Happy Sewing!
Your top looks great! I have finished my Designin’ December outfit. I’m wearing it on Christmas Eve and will blog it thereafter.
Thanks Sue! Oh! You are steps ahead of me! I’ll put your name on my list (I sound like Santa) and keep my eyes open for it!
Does it matter that it’s Yves Saint Laurent from the 1960s?
Nope! Perfectly fine! Someone designed it – Yves – and you copied it, instead of buying it! 😃👍
Woohoo good going! My fabric is out and my trimmings bought ready to get involved! I just need to get round to tidying my desk and then I’ll be getting started!
I know… Every time I start something new I do a complete clean up. I sew in the TV room. My husband always happily says – You putting everything away!?!? Me: Nope! Just getting out another one! 😂
You have a busy December. Isn’t it interesting how that happens, besides throwing Christmas in there too. I’m looking forward to seeing both pieces. The red material is such a rich colour.
Ah well… You sort of get into the swing of the season and your projects, and things just fly along! I do love the colours I’m using for these projects!
You are well on your way. Love the sleeves and I can’t wait to see the outfit on you..It’s going to be great!
Thank you! I was blessed to receive quite a few lovely fabrics from a friend!
What a great gift!
😃🎉💃🎊
Your top is gorgeous. What a lovely colour. Sewing is such a good skill to have when we can copy things. I am looking forward to seeing it with your skirt. I really liked that design too. What a stunning red dress.
Thank you! I have a few favourite colours in the spectrum. Reds and blues are certainly IT for me!
Looks great, I’m still hoping to make something but running rapidly out of time!!
Thank you! I’ll still keep my eyes open for your DD contribution. I’ve seen some lovely hats and scarves on the Burberry web site that would be a great small project, or even a gift!
Your top is looking great, but I can understand the feeling of not modelling it until the whole outfit is complete. Looking forward to seeing that!
I wore my dress last night as planned… but did not get a picture of me dressed up with nice shoes and make-up on and everything, unfortunately. Still my daughter took a few this morning so I could blog it. Thanks again for the inspiration!
Thank you! And thank you for participating. I will keep my eyes open for your blog post. I hope the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER concept inspires everyone to see that they CAN make and not buy!
Nice work! Those sleeves look particularly fabulous.
Thank you!
I like your interpretation – it’s a really attractive top.
Looking forward to seeing the whole outfit
Thank you!
The top looks great. Can’t wait to see it with the skirt. Will you be posing under the mistletoe?
Hahaha. We shall see!