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| I think magnolias go with this top |
and also on me:
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| gee I hate getting my photo taken - even by myself! |
this top is from the below Japanese pattern book for women.
I made the top in a size "LL" - according to the book's sizing chart I should definitely have made a smaller size, but I decided I would prefer this top quite loose. The top was an absolute delight to sew - due to lovely fabric (beautiful cotton from Tessuti Fabrics in York St, Sydney) and a straightforward pattern that goes together nicely. I rather enjoy the freestyle form of sewing where you either don't have any instructions or can't read them, but when I was up to the attaching sleeves stage I was kind of relieved to come across this step-by-step tutorial, which confirmed the top was going together correctly (phew).
Although I made C2, the pattern I was really keen on was C3 - I didn't quite have enough fabric, even for a C3 top, so I'll have to make it another time - but have a look at this and this for great C3 examples. It's the dress that's on the cover of the book - basically a longer version of the C2, with different sleeves and a big bow stretched across the front bodice.
PS this looks like a useful site for translating the commonly used kenji characters for sewing - and also this one spells out the basics of using a Japanese sewing pattern. And this blog has several posts on the topic of Japanese crafting/sewing by guest blogger Kuky.
Wow, what a cool top! I keep meaning to pick up one of those awesome pattern books.... Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteFrom someone who absolutely abhors self-photos, look into the camera and pretend your littlest kid just said something sweet and hilarious. It'll help. :)
Again, great top, well done.
What a beautiful blouse. The fabric is just perfect for the style. This pattern book look like a good one. I don't have it (yet). I enjoy sewing garments from Japanese pattern magazines and books. The books tend to have more directions than the pattern magazines. But in the magazines, the diagrams are so well drawn I can usually figure out what to do.
ReplyDeleteThank you Steph and Audrey - this is honestly one of the few garments I've made and really been happy with. It was pretty easy to make though!
ReplyDeleteSteph, I will keep trying. I now know that what I thought was my 'oh that's interesting' look is actually a 'don't mess with me: I'm cranky!' look - ha! No wonder I have years of terrible photos.
I haven't yet used a Japanese magazine Audrey, but the diagrams in the books are pretty clear! When I first used these books I would try to translate all the text, but now I just follow the pictures and make up anything in-between and it seems to work fine.
I love your top! The fabric is beautiful and works great in this style.
ReplyDeleteOh finally I get to see your C2 top! It's beautiful, the fabric goes perfectly with the design. I love the sleeves, I haven't tried these ones yet but I definitely feel like it now that I've seen yours :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sherry, and thank you Cecili!
ReplyDeleteI loove that fabric! Wow this makes me so excited because I just ordered this book so now I know exactly what I will be making first.
ReplyDeleteThats lovely! I really want to get this book and try it out. Im a bit nervous though...
ReplyDeleteyou did a great job!
Jessica