100 Acts of Sewing Dress #2 hack
Ok..I didn’t actually take the shirt off her back. My sister is eight years younger than me. We never got the chance to share clothes when we were growing up. But when visiting Chicago this fall, I envied my sister’s buttercup-yellow print top. It was the kind of thing you could pull on with a pair of jeans and be stylishly comfortable. I could make that, I said to myself. When I got home, I looked through patterns online. I finally decided to use 100 Acts of Sewing dress #2 and cut it down to make a top. ( Looking back, I think I could have used the Tunic #1 pattern instead.)
I had 2yds of yellow print cotton in my fabric stash. I discovered that wasn’t quite enough, so I decided to experiment with adding contrasting colors. If you look at pictures of 100 Acts of Sewing projects, often you will see the sewist has added contrasting borders, pockets, and trims to create interest to these simple styles.
The top went together smoothly. When trying it on , I discovered the neck opening was a bit too large so I made a simple pleat in the back. A fish tag fashioned from a scrap of fabric added a touch of whimsy. (I have no real interest in fish…I just thought it was cute!)
The pattern called for making your own bias tape. I had never done that before so I did a little research and purchased a bias tape maker. After a few false starts, I made enough bias tape to use for the neck facing and the border trim.
What started out as a copycat of my sister’s shirt turned out to be a unique creation! We didn’t get the chance to share clothes, but now we share inspirations! Maybe this shirt will come with me on my next trip to Chicago.
Threads of Thought
Did you ever share clothes with a sibling?
If you are a sewist, have you tried making your own bias tape?
Where do you get inspiration for your creative works?
Read more from Debra:
Out of the Crayon Box:Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and LIfe http://amazon.com/author/debravandeventer
Well done! Time to start selling your creations.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Chris, but that sounds like too much work 🙂
Where do I get inspiration? From my writing friends like you and from memories. The trick seems to be an open mind that allows ideas to freely enter.
I agree. Inspiration and support from others plus and open mind is the key to creativity.
Love your yellow print top. Congratulations to you for creating a bias French trim at the neck. First, I’m impressed with your sewing skills. Secondly, it looks to me like you are full of creative fabric ideas. Keep writing AND sewing please.
Thanks for the encouragement Diane!
I like your creation! And congratulations on making your own bias tape.
The only change I would make for myself is to add some “more fitted”type darts.
I agree.