Tuesday, September 9, 2014

A Tipi, Two New Tops and a Baby



J is getting ready to set up his tipi for the fourth graders at my school.   He was getting everything out the other day.  So I decided it was a good time to venture down in to the backyard to snap a few photos of my latest make.  Hence the title.  Nothing like a change of scenery, right?  So excuse the messy hair and paintin' jeans.  But please enjoy the gratuitous cute baby :)


I know I mentioned that the black pom pom top in my last post was my favorite make ever.  But I think it's already been surpassed by this little black and white number.  I know.  More black and white.  I told you I went on a black and white fabric shopping spree.  It really has made getting dressed in the morning easy, but I need to add some color in soon.  


This top is a modified Jacqueline crop top, another pattern from Tina Givens.  I bought several of her patterns this summer during a sale.  I bought this particular pattern on a whim because the crop top reminded me of my favorite Free People blouse.


I made the spotty version first.  The fabric is a printed linen I found at Joann's.  The first version is made up exactly as drafted except I lengthened the back skirt by two inches and I only used two pieces to make the skirt.  I don't know if my linen was wider than what the pattern intended, but cutting three pieces the width of the fabric seemed overkill.  Isn't there some magic ratio where you can no longer gather fabric?  So I only cut two. Then I matched side seams when sewing the skirt and bodice together.  Just beware that if you do the third skirt piece, your ruffle with be very ruffly.  The crop top is intended to go over a longer slip.  I love the volume but I'm not sure how I feel about the volume and all the layering.  I may try the slip but I really just bought the pattern for the top.  I didn't take any photos of me wearing the printed linen version but I am really digging it.  The sleeves are great.  Three-quarter length, easy at the top and narrow at the wrist.   I made the front skirt the length the pattern specified (8 inches, I think).  And it really is cropped.  It looks good with a higher waist skirt but with pants it shows a little bit of belly.    So I need to figure out something to wear under it.  I'm thinking I may make a black linen camisole to go under.  Or maybe I should try the slip.  I'll work on it.  The photo below is to show the difference in length between the two tops.


I made the black and white version next.  This time I lengthened the front skirt three inches and the back six.  I wanted it to be a top I could wear with regular waistlines.  And I did a cut on cap sleeve (same way I did it here) instead of the long sleeve.  I love this top.  It is the perfect swingy top.  I know it looks like a big rectangle, but it isn't.  There is some subtle shaping which really makes the linen hang well.  Givens patterns are big and voluminous but I feel like they are done very smartly.  That is a really funny word- smartly.  Anyway, I feel like her patterns are drafted thoughtfully even though the instructions and technical drawings are sub par.  I've made a couple other things from her patterns which I've yet to photograph for le blog.  But I do have to modify a little bit.  I like the volume, but I also need a leetle bit more shaping if you know what I mean.


And of course, the baby.  Or should I say, the toddler.  Jane is almost seventeen months now and is absolutely hilarious.  She has the best sense of humor and makes us laugh out loud all the time.  And you should see the girl dance.  She is a trip!


18 comments:

  1. Ah she's a cutie! I love the toddler years. I also love both your tops - especially the colour-blocked version. You're making me want to make something similar for myself!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, I've never heard about these patterns before. I love your B & W top and that baby Jane is adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You seem to be on a real winning streak with your projects lately, after not being happy with several. So glad you've found what's working for you right now. Both these look fantastic and baby Jane is as gorgeous as ever.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do feel like I've found my groove... well, mostly. I have a fail to write about soon :/-

      Delete
  4. Jane, so cute! Her little belly! Ahhhh! What a sweetie! Really love these, especially the colorblocked one. It looks so cool on you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very cute top, and very very cute baby :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your litre toddler is adorable! Great tops - I'm really into the colour blocking thing so I love the black and white one, but I'm a sucker for patterns too! You are making me want to go on a black and white shopping spree.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AAHH!! Baby!!! Oh my goodness she's gotten so big!! What a sweetheart!
    Love both of these tops - especially the black and white blocked one! Those Tina Givens patterns are so intriguing! I love all the volume and the bohemian vibe, and I kind of love the layering to some of the looks. Thanks for introducing me to this line of patterns. I'm excited to see what else you've made by her!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't seen any other reviews of her patterns 'round the interwebs. I know they are not everyone's cup of tea, but I am really enjoying sewing them up!

      Delete
  8. I'm diggin' your black and white styles!

    ReplyDelete
  9. oh my goodness, when did she get so big?! happens overnight it seems... cute as ever. i really like these tops, i think the black and white is just the thing for making outfits easy to put together. and hey, you can always accessorize to add some color.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is such a great style and looks even better with colourblocking.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love this style on you; it looks fabulous! Black and white is always stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I need a video of some toddler dancing please. :-) Black and white is so classic, and I do love blousy tops. I just went on a gray fabric spree. I'm not sure why I love gray in the fall, but you are right--it does make getting dressed easy.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm loving all your swingy, floaty tops. You work that look so well! They are so chic and fun.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Those tops are amazing and so flattering. Great job! And I LOVE baby Jane. She is so beautiful. Her hair has lightened so much!

    ReplyDelete