wardrobe essentials 2016 - the Mojave top

I am on a roll. I have made two new tops last week, in time for the summer holidays. Here the first of one, a floaty tunic of sorts and, ideal for hot days spent poolside. That's exactly what I have been doing, sit poolside. I prefer supervising from the side but I have been seen to cannon ball into the water.


Once more, I used a Seamwork pattern, the Mojave top. It is described as a Kaftan but I made a short version and call mine a tunic. The creators behind Seamwork patterns are to be applauded. I have more patterns lined up... we do after all have another sunny holiday planned!

I made a toile and decided that it needed some adjustments. The first iteration was far too long around the shoulder and upper chest, even though I graded the pattern across two sizes to prevent just that. Maybe the cleavage was meant to be for tummy button gazers. I could of course have chosen the size by upper bust and make a full bust adjustment but I didn't fancy this on a gathered princess seam top. What I took away from the shoulder seam, I added to the bottom side of the kimono sleeves because I didn't want the sleeves to be too tight. The second toile fitted just fine and I cut into my expensive pink fabric with the colourful parrots. I didn't  buy enough to worry about pattern matching so I didn't. t wasn't quite sure which way round to place the pattern pieces actually, the parrots seem to be printed in multiple directions. The fabric is soft and drapey and unfortunately quite sheer. A camisole is in order, or maybe a swim suit.


The top yoke is faced with the main fabric and I didn't pay attention to the pattern layout and now a parrot from the facing is visible through the front. I guess it is a minor problem but it does annoy me a little, considering how much thought I'd put into pattern adjustments....

On the whole, I would probably make a next version based on a smaller size because it is really quite big. I suppose a kaftan is a large and roomy kind of garment so it is meant to be like this.

The pattern description is excellent and easy to follow, as seems the norm with Seamwork patterns. There is a glossary of terms at the end of the pattern to explain techniques such as under stitching etc. This is handy if your memory is a bit patchy, like mine is. I sewed French seams wherever possible because they give a nice finish, particularly with fine fabric.

You can see the gather in the front a bit better. Also, the princess seams. 

The top didn't take long to make (not including the toiles and pattern adjustments). It probably took less than two hours, including fabric cutting. A quick and satisfying make. What have you made recently?

I am enjoying a well deserved holiday in Switzerland, where it is warm and sunny. It is also far away from the political turmoil of back home, which suits me just fine. Although of course I get a lot of questions about the miserable referendum and how 'we' managed to do something so stupid as a nation and why on earth that brownshirt of a man Farage was allowed so much airtime. He does of course continue to offend, which seems to be his only talent. I have no real answers of course, I, like so many can only hope for the best possible outcome. Sam, my ever so practical teenager practiced queuing at the 'all other passports' line upon arrival in Switzerland :-)

My thoughts tonight are also with all the victims of the latest atrocity, the attacks at Istanbul airport. Why?

I am hoping to give you all a glimpse of Switzerland next time I pop in. I have been a bit lazy with my camera but at the very least, I can share my mums beautiful garden with you. xx




Comments

  1. What a pretty top, love the fabric. Haven't done any real sewing in ages. If it's any comfort, as an American, we always had to go in the All Others line.

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  2. A beautiful top, you are too hard on yourself it looks really pretty. I have been sewing a table runner and a tag blanket. I avoid dressmaking as I never wear anything that I make. Hope you are having/had a great break away.

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  3. Love the top love the fabric, you have done a great job, I like kaftans and i like loose tunic tops, have a great holiday, Switzerland is one country I have wanted to visit since i was a youngster :-)

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  4. It looks wonderful. Your sewing skills are far better than mine!

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  5. Love the pictures, I like a bit of modelling on blogs. I am using a very similar weight fabric at the moment for a wrap dress and I am worried about my knickers, I think I will have to line it. The front is OK as it wraps over double but the behind is a bit thin! I think the top is amazing and really wearable, it really suits you. Happy hols, Jo x

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  6. Love the top and the fabric. It suits you and looks so comfortable. Sewing is on my agenda but so far I have only recovered a chair. Not exactly wearable! Will have to look out theses patterns. I look forward to seeing pictures of Switzerland. Have a good time :) B X

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  7. Christina, you are really becoming a pro at making clothing for yourself. I am totally impressed! This tunic is great for summer - I love the little gathering in the front. Enjoy your vacation, it sounds fantastic!

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  8. Lovely top, Christina. I have a plan to create a sleeveless, button up the back top from one of J's old linen shirts. It is soft fabric, having been well-washed and worn. Very Great British Sewing Bee. More to my liking than the Great British political wasp factory....Looking forward to the photographs of your mother's garden. Spend two weeks in Switzerland every winter - Val D'Anniviers and hope to visit Pampigny this summer.

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  9. It looks fab, Christina, I love the parrots. It's a perfect holiday top to wear over a swimming costume or vest top. I wish my sewing skills were as good as yours! Have a super holiday :-) xx

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  10. Your top looks great on you Christina, I love the fabric and you made it so quickly! Have fun and enjoy the rest of your hols xx

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  11. Love seeing your smile, as well as your well made floaty tunic, Christina. I have just been crocheting a bit on a baby blanket. I look forward to your travel photo post...an investment in peace in a world where we know much trouble. xx

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  12. Your top is fantastic Christina! I love the fabric and it looks fantastic on you! Enjoy the floaty coolness of it!

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  13. Hey look at you in your Mojave top in the sunshine! Loved the thought of Sam in the all others queue, it made me smile (at his idea to try it out, not the reason why .... so sad). You enjoy it won't be long before he's off exploring the big wide world on his own like my little (now 20 yrs!) boy - yikes!
    Happy Hols
    Wren x

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  14. Very pretty top. Enjoy your time away from all the rubbish going on in the UK xx

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  15. The top is wonderful and you look great in it. I think you deserve a break from the political mess that your country is in, I'd take a break from the mess here in the US if I could.
    Hugs and have fun,
    Meredith

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  16. looks wonderful x happy holidaying x

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  17. Love it, great shape and lovely fabric. You are one talented lady :) Hope you enjoy your holiday away from the madness, I wish I could get away from the depressing state of affairs the country is in.

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  18. Your new top really really suits you and I love your fabric choice. Enjoy your holiday away from all the doom and gloom.

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  19. I love your new top! The fabric is lovely and it fits perfectly.
    I find myself asking 'why' way too often lately.

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  20. I think your new top is brilliant, Christina! And I don't think the fact a parrot shows through from the lining makes a bit of difference. It would be the same on a RTW garment. I'll have to have a look at Seamwork's patterns. I've just finished another Willow Tank today. If I get brave enough I would like to embellish it with some Sashiko embroidery. Which, I should point out, I have no clue how to do. :-)

    Enjoy your holiday in Switzerland, and try not to think about the muddled mess back in the UK.

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  21. Hi Christina, I'm just catching up with your blog. Your top looks terrific! I love everything about it. It looks so cool and comfy for summer. I hope your trip has been fun. Take care and enjoy.

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  22. That is a lovely top and looks great on you. I am glad you have managed to get away, hope you are having a great time xx

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  23. Your top is fab. I like the delicate fabric, and the parrots. I don't think the parrot showing through matters too much, it doesn't look like a mistake at all. X

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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