This is the last of my lovely denim border print fabric. 🙁 I’ve already made a pair of summer cropped pants with it, details here. I had just enough left to squeeze a top out of it!
I decided to use this pattern, McCall’s M7324, view A. I definitely won’t be using the curved hi/lo hem. I want my border to be even and uninterrupted!
I cut out my usual size and was shocked at the amount of ease in this one. Perhaps with a softer, flowing fabric this 8.5″ ease might be nice, but although my denim is lightweight, it doesn’t drape well. I did a bit of trimming on the cut pieces – there would be more work ahead fitting this top though.
I wasn’t as lucky matching my fabric in my seams this time. I succeeded … eventually … but it took a long evening with my sewing machine and my seam ripper. For some reason, this time the bumpy embroidery kept flipping from one side to the other, ending up in a mismatch! Eventually, I succeeded!!
This time I decided on flat felled seams on my two side seams.
I double stitched the hem line with my contrasting thread.
Almost finished, but when I tried my new top on the armholes gaped a bit, probably due to cutting out the larger size. While I was wearing it I had where I wanted the armholes chalked onto my fabric.
As an extra precaution, I gathered the armholes, first too much and then just enough for a just right fit.
Single fold bias tape applied.
Double row of stitching.
My finished top!
I do like this pattern. It’s simple and my style. Next time though I will pay more attention to the sizing and ease! Still I love it – border print! 🙂
I suppose I’m not the only one that has forgotten about “ease” in fitting. Have you run across this problem in any garments you have made?
Happy Sewing!
STASH BUSTING WITH THIS PROJECT? Nothing! I purchased 3 metres of this border print fabric adding to the stash. I did make a pair of cropped pants (1.6 m) and this top (1.4 m), so I used it all up! There is still 130.2 metres left in the fabric stash!
It looks really good on you. The border is beautiful.
Thank you! I do like border print fabric, but it is so hard to find!
You know you make sewing look so easy. To you it probably is, but to me no. Good job on matching up the floral print. You have a lovely top which you can wear with a variety of pants. 👌
Ha! When you have been doing it as long as me, it is easy…. usually…. umm… most often … thanks for reading and commenting and I love your new drawing!
Nice! I’ve never used a border print but I have one in my stash.
You’re going to love whatever you make out of it. I usually stick to simple patterns and let the fabric show off!
Are you going to wear the top and trousers together? I’m so pleased you could maximise this lovely fabric.
To be honest Sue, I’ll give it a try, they are nice for summer, very lightweight, but I usually wear a solid to balance out a print. 🤷♀️ So I’ll try it out and then see how I feel about it! I do love the fabric though!
That’s such a great fabric. I like your flat-felled seams and also I think those gathered armholes add a really nice touch.
Thanks Diane! I guess where I was unlucky in sizing, I got lucky with the final result.
I love the top and the border print. What can I say I am a love child of the 70’s. I can remember all the blue jeans that were turn into skirts with border print pieces added. This is really a gorgeous top.
Thanks! That’s right, this is a throwback! Everything old is new again!
Ease is a constant worry/wonder for me as I try to make more summer dresses, all of which have ease. Most of them don’t have any ease noted, so its’ guessing. Am going to try to remember your solution, which is great for closing up too large arms holes. Wonderful use of your fabric & great sewing solutions, Linda – THANK YOU ! ! !
Thanks! Drawing in the armhole with chalk really helped. The gathering in the armholes must be so slight or it just ends up too puffy. I was lucky with this one because the shoulder seams were gathered and the whole front was gathered and puffy, what’s a little bit more! 🤷♀️
Ah… good extra things to know. Thanks for clarifying!
😁👍