9/23/13

gingham picnic top

i'd been wanting to make myself a garment out of this vintage gauzy gingham for a while.  i like how the lightness and crinkles take the edge off the big, bold pattern.  went for simple and boxy...  starting with pattern D from japanese stylish dress book vol. 2, i shortened the body quite a bit and lengthened the sleeves a couple inches.  i finished the neck with bias binding instead of a facing and liked how that looked so much that i did the same on the sleeves and hem.  i cut the hem binding strips shorter than i normally would and stretched them to the max while attaching.  this pulled in and almost gathered the edges, giving the top a softer shape.  i'm really happy with how it turned out! 

(this first photo is one david shot with our polaroid land camera while we were out exploring).

gingham picnic top

gingham picnic top

gingham picnic top

gingham picnic top

gingham picnic top


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14 comments:

  1. Elena @ Randomly HappySeptember 24, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    Just stumbled across your blog, and oh my word. Marie, i love it. Looking forward to following along on your adventures!

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  2. marieSeptember 24, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    awww, thanks so much! your comment made my day. :-)

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  3. emily marieSeptember 24, 2013 at 3:22 PM

    SO pretty, Marie! The fabric is just the right mix of feminine and bold. I really like the tightened binding you did at the bottom; it adds interest but doesn't have the thick band/gathered look I loathe so much.

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  4. Tamsin W-PSeptember 25, 2013 at 1:10 AM

    lovely top - your fabric is beautiful.

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  5. marieSeptember 25, 2013 at 6:49 AM

    thanks, Emily! for a while i thought i'd have to use this fabric for curtains or something, because of the big checks... but i'm glad i went for it with this top. :-)

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  6. marieSeptember 25, 2013 at 6:51 AM

    thanks so much! this fabric was quite a lucky find. :-)

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  7. seamsoddlouiseJanuary 10, 2014 at 8:01 AM

    I love the way you have used self binding. It adds so much to the pattern and really makes it. I've just made this pattern out of an old table cloth. I'm pleased with mine, very pleased ,but I like your version more.

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  8. marieJanuary 10, 2014 at 12:04 PM

    aw, thanks! i like that we both chose gingham for this pattern... yours makes me want to try a longer version. :-)

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  9. Patty JakobMay 13, 2014 at 2:20 PM

    did you attached the binding by hand? you can't see stitches there it looks so nice and professional, you just made me take this book out and trace this pattern! Well done!

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  10. marieMay 14, 2014 at 8:11 AM

    thanks, Patty! for the binding, i attached the strip flat, right sides together, then wrapped it around the seam allowance and slip-stitched it in place by hand. good luck with your top! i've been meaning to use this pattern again. :-)

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  11. CarolJune 17, 2014 at 4:39 AM

    Hi I just stumbled on your blog and I love your version of pattern D. Would you mind letting me know the amount of fabric you ending up using? thanks!

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  12. marieJune 17, 2014 at 8:46 AM

    thanks, Carol! hmmm... i'm not quite sure how much i used. the fabric was 45" wide, so i would guess 1-1.5 yards, with the bias binding and all. hope this helps! :-)

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  13. Meg StivelyAugust 19, 2014 at 3:09 PM

    This top turned out really lovely. The shape is great! I think I have this book in my stash, but I have been too intimidated to give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  14. marieAugust 19, 2014 at 8:22 PM

    thanks! i just love a simple, clean design to show off great fabric. have fun sewing. :-)

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