Saturday 30 May 2015

Simplicity Star Sewist Competition - Vintage Top

A couple of months ago I saw a link for a sewing competition from Simplicity. There were three categories to choose from: Best Dressmaking Project, Best Vintage Make and Best Newcomer. Once you made your choice, Simplicity sent out a free pattern and it's time to be creative!

Technically I am a newcomer when it comes to dressmaking for myself. I've made a few basic things for my daughter and altered a few skirts, but never made anything where fit was really important. However, the newcomer pattern was an gathered elastic waistband skirt and that would not be a good look for me!

The vintage category was much more my style. I've been considering buying the pattern Simplicity 1364 for a while, so it was fantastic to get it for free! It's a simple to sew 1960's style top with bateau neckline, french darts, back zipper and a choice of sleeveless or below elbow length sleeves.




As I said, I saw the competition a couple of months ago, but I was still completing my entry in the last week as I couldn't make up my mind! I challenged myself to make my entry using only fabrics from my stash. That narrowed my options, but I still had a lot of lovely fabrics to choose from.

I made a wearable muslin from one of my husbands old shirts and made some alterations to the pattern. The straight sides didn't suit my figure, so I've curved it out to fit my hips. The pattern used a neckline facing, but I used pre-made bias binding. The wide neck design fits over my head, so I didn't need to insert a zip.

So then came the difficult part, what to make for my final entry! I looked at the pattern and decided that my favourite element was the neckline, so I really wanted to make the most of it by using a plain fabric and adding embellishment. I chose to use a vintage sheet because the bright orange colour made me think of the 60's! I was inspired by the Magya Blouse free pattern by Vera Venus, which has teardrop shaped keyhole openings and decided to adapt them for my top.

As my neckline was wider than the Magya Blouse I cut out 5 much smaller keyholes. The openings are edged with bias binding which gave me the opportunity to really make them stand out. I handmade bias binding (for the first time!) from a old patterned top. Although I preferred the smaller openings, they made sewing the binding on more difficult and they didn't lay flat. I hand sewed it on and a good pressing really helped!

I was worried about my sleeves because my muslin attempt ended up with quite a few puckers, but this time I took it really slow and they turned out much better. Next time I think I'll shorten the sleeves slightly as this length seems just a little too long on my short arms! As I'd already finished them with bias binding I decided to keep them this length.

Are you ready to see the final result?




It's been a great learning curve and I've ended up with a top that will get a lot of wear this summer. I'll be making more versions of this pattern soon as well, I have a pink flowery vintage duvet cover that is begging to be used next.

Thanks to Simplicity for the free pattern and the chance to be a part of big sewing community, I've loved seeing some of the other fantastic entries!





15 comments:

  1. I've tried EXACTLY the same thing, working bias binding around small holes on a neckline, with much less success - you've done such a great job! I also love the colour combination, beautiful choice! :)

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    1. Thank you for your kind comment Gema, I'm really proud of it! Not sure I'll be trying it out again too soon though, it was a bit fiddly!

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  2. I've tried EXACTLY the same thing, working bias binding around small holes on a neckline, with much less success - you've done such a great job! I also love the colour combination, beautiful choice! :)

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  3. What a fabulous entry! I love the colour, really suits your colouring but also has a great 60's feel to it! The neckline is really flattering, I wouldn't of thought of changing the neck holes but it works really well! I love upcycling so will look forward to the vintage duvet piece! :) Good luck in the competition! Xx Sarah Von Sew www.sarahvonsew.co.uk

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    1. Thank you Sarah, I wasn't sure about orange at first being a red head, but I actually quite liked it!

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  4. Really nice, I love the neckline. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks Kestrel! I've got a bias binding maker now, so I can see lots more bias bound necklines in my future. Much easier than facings!

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  5. I love it! That neckline is a work of art, it is so challenging to get the fabric to lay flat but you have achieved it! Well done and good luck x

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    1. Thank you Susanna for your lovely comment. I was really surprised it worked out well without too much unpicking!

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  6. Such a great blouse and such a clever neckline! I hope you don't mind but I shall be writing up a round up on my blog & linking to you, your pic and your blog post, hope that's OK :-)

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    1. Thanks Scruffybadger for your lovely comment! I look forward to reading your round up of the competition, I don't mind you using my picture or linking to my blog.

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  7. Such a great blouse and such a clever neckline! I hope you don't mind but I shall be writing up a round up on my blog & linking to you, your pic and your blog post, hope that's OK :-)

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