Sunday, July 28, 2013

Alabama Chanin Inspired Halter Top

Last week Alabama Chanin had a one day sale on their halter. Instead of $145 it was on sale for $120! It is a simple unembellised darling of a top, perfect for summer.  After stitching away at the last few stenciled pieces, I needed a cool down project. I liked the halter but thought back is too bare for me. I knew I could use the A.C. top as a guide for my own creation. I love sewing retro patterns and knew I had one that would fit the bill.
I flipped through my pattern stash and found this out of print Simplicity 9930 top pattern. I love all of the tops pictured and will surely make the others in time. I especially love the puffed sleeve tee on the woman with the 'fro.


For my A.C. inspired halter, I decided to sew the top here. I love the angle of the neckline and shoulder exposure. The back is cut in the same silhouette.


I bought an embroidery stitches booklet at a resale store. It gives pictorial instructions on completing 100 embroidery stitches. I was familiar with some stitches, but not others and decided this top was a perfect pallet to try a new one.

I decided on the wheatear stitch.




 Here is the finished product!








Stitch detail
Back Details



Here is my review:



Pattern Description: Misses’ Tops
Pattern Sizing: 14 with a bust of 36 inches. Based on those measurements I graded down by about four inches around.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn’t use them as I hand sewed it in Alabama Chanin style.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  
I love the angle of the neckline and ease of completing it. It is not a complicated pattern.
Fabric Used: Tan jersey cotton
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I hand sewed it with button/ craft thread and felled the seams to the inside. I bound the armholes with bias strips and secured them using a “wheatear” embroidery stitch. I stitch I learned while making this!  
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I am very happy with this top! I will make it again. It was really fast to construct. If I use a stitch I know, I can make one in an evening.
Conclusion: Good pattern to use as an A.C. base and the other intended tops. 

Happy Sewing!
Bianca

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