Vintage Fabric Summer Top

Here's a fun top I made recently with vintage fabric and pattern D from Japanese pattern book "Simple Wardrobe". This top was a quick and easy make, basic but with some nice details...  I especially like the neckline and raglan sleeves.  I made only a couple of adjustments to the pattern after doing a quick test:  I shortened the sleeves quite a bit and added a curved hem.  I'm quite happy with the fit (I made size 9 and mine is obviously not as oversized as the striped version in the book, but that's fine with me).  Oh, this delightful fabric is another treasure from my grand haul last summer.

gathered roses

here's my new blouse.  i'm quite happy with how it turned out.  i like the cropped length a lot, especially after wearing long tunic-type tops for so long.  now i just have to find the right pair of high waisted trousers. 

i'd also like to introduce my new hat, which i found in a pile at the closing antique store.  it's in perfect condition and fits my big head!  i admit i feel a little like a clown who's trying to look cool when i wear it, but i like it anyway.  i wore blouse and hat to the park yesterday for some reading/crochet time.  david took a few pictures which i'll show you tomorrow.

this is pattern K from japanese pattern book: stylish dress book (the first one).  i passed this one by for a while, not really thinking i'd like it, but one day i was looking at this rose fabric trying to find the perfect pattern to use it with.  the fabric is just right for such a full top:  a very light, smooth, tightly-woven rayon.  the pattern calls for way more gathering  than i usually like to do (or wear).  i often get a little impatient with gathering and try to take short-cuts, ending up with lumpy uneven puckers...  but this time i made myself go slow, evening out the fabric, placing pins about evey half inch.  it was worth it!  the only change i made was to add one inch to the sleeves and body.  i give this pattern 5 stars.