Haute Shorts and Bias Trim Babydoll Top in Ankara!

It is Summer and that means the need for cool, comfortable and easy clothes. I love cute shorts and fun tops. I have been dying to use some of the Ankara fabric I purchased earlier this year.  Lisa at Pattern and Branch made a pair of Ankara shorts that I thought were so adorable. Following her inspiration, I used the same pattern she did, but mine were not as flattering on me as hers. I searched my stash to find an alternative pattern for my shorts.

I found my Simplicity 1373 pattern that I used to make this tie back top here and liked the look of the shorts. They are simple shorts close fitting shorts with a side zipper.

                                   

I made the shorts in the size 12 with no fit adjustments. I made them as instructed except, I omitted the side slit at the hem and installed an invisible zipper. These shorts were easy to make and the instructions ere easy to follow. I like that these shorts are streamlined and no fuss. I like the length/ ease ratio on these. They are just short enough, while remaining decent and just loose enough, to not be bulky.

  

                   

The babydoll top is made using Simplicity 1693 and trimmed in bias tape made in the Ankara fabric. I cut a size 12 and I found it is too big. It is meant to be loose, but the fit reminds me a maternity top. I think the weight of the cotton may account for the drape. I made one in a rayon and it falls well. I will post a photo wearing it on laundry day. 

                                 

                

I have tried to make continuous bias tape from a fat quarter and never had any luck. I get lost with the lines and cutting direction. I find I have much better luck using a quilt binder ruler. You lay the angle of the ruler on your straight edge of the fabric to get bias. My ruler makes 2.5 inch strips.       

I then passed the through my tape maker and pressed them.

I encased the neckline and armscyes in the trim and sewed. I should have accounted for the hems in those areas and trimmed them down; next time.                     

   

(Carrying my Coffee Bean Bag)

All in all, I love the shorts! The fit works for me and it has a simple silhouette. I will be making these again. I like the top okay, but will not make it in a cotton again. I may try it again in a very drapey fabric.

     

  

Happy Sewing,
Bianca

                                 

  

It's Spring and Time for a Tie Back Top Using Simplicity 1373

It's Spring! Yay! Here in Texas, these are our beautiful weather days. We have temps in the '70's and '80's with cool breezes and low humidity. It is the weather we wish for in July when all of that changes. I enjoyed the look of my Dutch Wax peplum top and decided to make a casual take on the style. 

            

For this top, I chose to sew Simplicity 1373

                       

This misses' sportswear pattern includes slim pants and shorts plus tops with 2 different back interest styles & subtle peplum. For a great fit the top either buttons or ties at back, has front and back darts & a side zipper. I made the tie back top with subtle peplum as seen in view B. I have nothing like this in my wardrobe. I sewed it up in a cotton fabric from my stash. I bought it almost 5 (eek!) years ago.

My pattern sizing ranges from 6-12. I made the 12 as is standard for this brand. Now that is is made, I feel like I could have made a 10 for the top portion and a 12 for the peplum. I very rarely have to make pattern adjustments. This pattern had me thinking that I may need to consider a SBA. I am tumbling toward 40 and had 2 kids so the "girls" aren't what they were. The bust/shoulder area is too loose for me. Rather than question my body, I will chuck this sizing issue up to the pattern for now.

                 

 I like that the sweetheart neckline is not too low. The fit of the peplum is pretty good. The tie back is almost wide enough to cover the width of my bra.

Tie Back

The instructions were easy to follow, but very time-consuming. The straps and upper peplum are all trimmed in bias tape before being put together. As I was working on the pieces, I had the thought “I could have made a dress by now.” It was a bit fiddly with the stitching and stitching again.

Bias Tape Finishing on inside.

Invisible Zipper

It was impossible for me to achieve the correct fit by tying it myself. I got dressed after my hubby left for work and had to ask my 6-year old to give me a hand. Her tying it was enough to get me dressed, but I felt the shoulders did not fit. I finally asked a friend at my son’s school to tie me up. When tied, I feel it is still too loose at my shoulders. It looks fine, but I feel they will fall down at any time. They are too wide and long.

I will not sew this one again. It is cute and I like this one, but given the time, I will not. I would have to spend more time shortening and narrowing the straps to get the right fit. If you like it and would not need to make these changes, I say go for it. I like the look of the pants and shorts in the pattern. I will give them a try, so stayed tuned.

Happy Sewing and Happy Easter,
Bianca