That's what happened with this fabric. It's a chevron striped crochet lace that I picked up at Hancock fabrics last year. I had just been to Italy and had tried on some genuine Missoni dresses, and was inspired by them, but really didn't have a vision for this fabric. But I thought it was pretty special, and at the very least, I thought it could be a cool swimsuit cover-up.
I am teaching a class using McCall's 6754 as the base pattern later this month, and wanted to sew up a sample to show the students what it would look like in real life. I was going through several fabric options, and then it hit me. If I could get the chevron of the lace to match on the center front, back, and princess seams, it would be a great style for this fabric.
I still had my serger set on the rolled edge settings from my bias skirt project, and started sewing the seams before I realized that. I decided to keep the rolled edge settings so that the seams would be barely noticeable through the lacy sections. I also used that for my hem finish. For the neckline, I used a length of single fold bias tape.
The only complaint that I have about this pattern is that the neckline is quite wide and low. I moved the cutting line in about an inch, and it is still pretty wide.
The dress form has a green cami underneath the top, and I think that will be how I wear it as well. I think it will go with white jeans or skirts nicely. I've made the dress once, and I think it should be a really flattering silhouette on many shapes and sizes, which is why I chose it for the class project. I'm excited to work with my students to see their versions of this pattern as well!
So how about you? Do you have a strategy when it comes to buying fabric? Are you a fabric first or pattern first kind of seamstress?
Happy Sewing!
Ann
What a fabulous top! I love the fabric so much. I'm definitely a fabric-first gal.
ReplyDeleteI love this top, your matching is perfect and the fabric is just gorgeous. Great choice on the pattern, you are ready for spring, now if it will show up in the midwest.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori. It's supposed to be in the 40's this weekend, and I can't wait to get outside!
DeleteWhat a fun top. I agree it will look wonderful with white. I am definitely a fabric first person as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shannon!
DeleteNice work! Such a cute top. I'm a fabric first person as well - love to buy fabric, so I buy with a general idea - pants, dress, top - and know I can work the remnants in somewhere! Your matching on this is beautiful, bet your eyeballs jiggled a lot when you laid it out!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Coco! I got really lucky on the matching. Somehow it all came together.
DeleteThis is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI buy fabric first, and then find a use for it. I think I bought the exact fabric at Hancock's last year when you did, along with a brown toned similar pattern! I was thinking I'd make a cardigan for spring, but I never considered using the 'ripple' as the hem. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteI got a peach/purple one also in this fabric, but I missed the brown one! Enjoy working with it- I had fun with this project.
DeleteGreat, great use of pattern matching on this top! I've seen similar fabric in the stores, and have only imagined them being sewn up as relatively simple tops. Your work has really got me inspired!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm....strategy? Whenever I get a specific idea of something I want to sew, I have the most difficult time finding the fabric to go with. Perhaps, because I've got this vision in my head. So, more and more, I'm just buying fabric first because I'm madly in love with it. The inspiration and pattern can come later! The good news, is that it does seem to be working....but let me tell ya, I'm getting quite the fabric stash going, LOL!
Yes, I hear you about the stash. I wish mine was smaller, but I can't imagine not having it. It's so nice to just be able to make something on a whim.
DeleteI buy/hoard my fabric first also. I am in awe of your wonderful use for this bold fabric. I am in Florida for a winter vacation and your top would be at home in the high end boutiques here. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane!
DeleteLove your peplum style top with this fabric :-) I actually bought the same fabric from Hancock fabrics last year and have since been trying to figure out what to do with it. I would like to make a similar lined top... and possibly a nice tiered skirt for my youngest daughter... hopefully there is enough for both :-) So happy I stumbled on this today to give me an idea of what it will look like... and in case I was having trouble matching it up... I think this will be helpful.
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