(for a change)
There's a new challenge/sewalong/what have you on the horizon...Selfish Sewing Week! Come September 23-29, it's time for us to sew for ourselves. Whether it's clothing or quilts or accessories, it's our time to create what we want.
It's perfect timing for me as the kids will all be back in school and I'll have some uninterrupted time to actually accomplish something. This month has been a bit crazy with cross country tryouts for K and then practice M-F for 2-3 hours, football practice M-Th for P for 2+ hours, and the start of soccer practice for M this week. I'm constantly driving someone somewhere! (Thank God for Grandma who helps out when practices overlap and are in different directions.)
And in the spirit of selfish sewing, I have a project to share...the Bess Top which is a new pattern that's to be released soon from Imagine Gnats.
pattern: Bess Top from Imagine Gnats
size: 8, length of the largest size
fabric: cotton blend voile from Hancock Fabrics and Shot Cotton in Aegean, lavender jersey for finishing the neckline, sleeves, and hem
mods: used the largest size's length *note: I was testing the pattern so just because I needed the extra length with this version doesn't mean that the released pattern will need it.;)
In a change from the normal way things go around here, I used a voile that was originally purchased for the little girls. Typically, I end up using fabric I bought for myself for the kids.
The Bess Top comes in three lengths (shirt, tunic, and dress) and has two different options for the neckline. There is also an option for in seam pockets with the tunic and dress. The shirt and the tunic both have a subtle high-low hem and the dress is designed to hit at the knee. All 3 versions have a pleated yoke and wrap around sleeve. And the neckline, sleeves, and hem are finished with knit jersey (a new to me technique). I chose to do the shirt with the lower neckline.
The top pairs well with a pair of jeans and makes for a more polished look than my typical jeans and a knit t-shirt uniform. My voile is really light weight and doesn't do the pleats justice. But Laura of Behind the Hedgerow made a funky tunic that shows the pleats well. I love the buttons she added! I'll have to try a similar look next.:)
