I made a couple of sporty-looking tops!
First up is the blue version: blue merino with cream and orange merino bands on the front. This lot of concrete and tiles are in an alley opening near my office...
I really like this mixture of sporty / casual, matte fabric with a work / evening, shiny fabric :) - whether or not it's office appropriate is another question.
Incidentally, this is exactly the same fabric as used for my son's skiing layer top, and it's not itchy.
And then there was this orange and cream merino version, easier to make with a vertical band, but made in more of a rush and super late at night so that the hem and top stitching are a bit disappointing (WARNING: No top stitching after midnight!). This time the concrete and tiles belong to the Sydney Opera House.
Two coordinating tops, just in case I discover a long lost twin or something crazy like that. I can't really wear them together!
Both tops were made using Burda 02/2011, pattern #106, in a more fitted size than I usually wear (ie one size down). I sewed separate bands around the wrists and neckline for the blue version, but the orange version just uses foldover + twin needle stitched hems. Both were stabilised with clear elastic at the neckline and shoulder seams, and the wrists on the blue version also got clear elastic. The bands definitely look neater than the foldover style of hems, and the elastic in the wrists of the blue top seem to be working really well in preventing the opening from flaring out.
Back in May when I sewed these tops there was lots of subliminal sport floating around. Mr UpSewLate was watching the Giro d'Italia late at night. My kids were watching and dancing along with Lazytown. I became obsessed with the idea of tight long sleeved tops with wide contrast bands - and it didn't click that I'd been influenced till Maria asked!
photos from here and here
I'm currently finishing a cute little summery jacket and am contemplating a silky summer dress to go with it. My house is FREEZING cold though, and my hands feel like icicles; I don't know why I'm making summer clothes - I should be making mittens! Brrr
see you soon
Gabrielle x
