I've actually done some sewing for ME! Irene, from Serger Pepper, asked if I would test the Sheer Plaid Top for her. I need motivation to sew for myself, so this was perfect.
I'd been wanting to sew myself a sheer top that I could wear out for evening wear. Yeah, I know I've teamed it with jeans and sandals. Just picture black pants and dressy shoes. Irene designed the pattern to be an oversized flowing top, featuring a bias cut collar, side slits, kimono short sleeves and a hi-low hem option. It can be layered over a turtleneck for a winter version, or with a camisole underneath for summer.
It's a great pattern… very straight forward and easy to follow. I omitted the slits in the side seams at the hemline and didn't choose the high-low hem.
I went up a size as I wanted the top to be a little loose and flowing, as well as reasonably long in the arms and length. Having made the top, I'm debating whether to go down a size in width next time, but keep the length of the sleeves and bottom hem as is. Going down a size would give me a slightly narrower neck which I do prefer. It's just a personal preference, not a reflection of the pattern. My days of wearing tops off the shoulder are over.
If I was wearing my top over a winter turtle neck, it would be the perfect size... no debating whether I maybe should or should not go down a size. I'm going to see if I can find a black, jersey, long sleeved top to wear underneath in Winter.
When I first tried on the top, I had my hair up in a pony tail and was disappointed with the neckline, thinking I'd have to alter the top to make the neckline smaller. When I put on the top for photos the next morning, the neckline looked smaller. Even my husband thought I'd made alterations to the neckline. I had done nothing other than change my hair. It's funny how just wearing your hair in a different way can alter the look of a garment. I now feel I can wear the top as is, without any alterations. Maybe I was just tired the night before.
I purchased a sheer polyester from Lincraft and was unsure whether or not it would be difficult to work with. It's been a long time since I've sewn with sheer fabric. So, before even reading the pattern, I did a little research on sewing sheer fabrics...
- Sewing Sheer Fabrics ~ Simplicity
- Sewing Sheer Fabrics ~ Emma One Sock
- Challenge Yourself with Sheer Fabric ~ Sew Daily
- Sheer Seams and Edges ~ Threads
- Sandra Betzina on Sewing with Sheer Fabric ~ Burdastyle
It ended up being very slippery to cut, but no problem to sew.
You can see other tester versions over at Serger Pepper and the Serger Pepper Flickr group; sewn with different fabrics and a mix of Summer and Winter. The Sheer Plaid Top is now for sale over at Craftsy.
I love it, Pam! The fabric is beautiful! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
ReplyDeleteLove it Pam!! Great fabric with what looks to be an awesome pattern! It is so nice to have a sheer top to layer; so feminine. Nothing wrong with jeans and a dressy top too ;)
ReplyDeleteYou look great! I think your fabric choice is perfect, it can be dressed up or down. And I like your tunic length better than the shorter versions I saw. Thanks for the tips for working with sheer fabric! I am often too eager to jump onto the project, not searching for the tips for something unfamiliar first. I sure will read your list! :D
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I love the color of this top. It does look nice in the size you choose, the sleeve length is very flattering. I love the versatility of this top, all seasons and all occasions (I think it looks great with jeans). Great job.
ReplyDeleteThans Pam for sharing your Sheer Plaid Top... Your version is perfect with jeans and sandals as well as with black pants and high heels: pretty color shades for a really good fabric choice!
ReplyDeleteThanks for testing my pattern, it's been a pleasure working with you, as usual :)
MammaNene @ SergerPepper
A very beautiful top, in a lovely color. It is indeed a very versatile top.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. It is a very versatile pattern.
DeleteOh it looks great Pam :) For some reason I am very happy you got to sew for yourself. You have been very busy sewing for someone else for a very long time, it must feel great to finally do some self-care sewing :)
ReplyDeleteThat's funny, only now that I read your post here I recognised you, it didn't "click" with me in the tester's group that I already "knew" you via your blog!
ReplyDeleteGreat top Pam, sewing with sheer fabric is definitely way out of my comfort zone!
ReplyDeleteI've had that ponytail vs hair down experience :) Yours will work great with jeans or black pants great bonus!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I would enJOY sleeves that length.
ReplyDeleteThere is not much of posts n your blog about sewing for yourself. Nice to see that you pampered yourself with a lovely sheer top this time Pam:)
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous, Pam! I really like the top...it looks great with jeans. And like you said, it will also pair well with black pants for a dressier look.
ReplyDeleteThis looks great Pam. I was going to test it too but things went wrong here, life got in the middle and I couldn't. I still plan to make it soon. =D
ReplyDeleteReally cute top!
ReplyDeleteSuch a versatile top, I like the longer sleeve length on you, so yes, you could go down a size but keep the sleeves as is. Would love to sew some like this for myself for summer, maybe this is my inspiration to get with the sewing! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
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