Sewing on Sunday

After reading several tutorials online over the past few weeks, I decided to sit down and create my very own shirred top with some bargain fabric I bought for $1. I would have loved to make a dress, but I didn't have enough fabric and bargain hunters can't be too choosey.

Instructions and me don't really get along - cooking, sewing, knitting are always partly freeform for me. I always change something or don't look as closely to directions as I should. Or take proper measuremements, as was the case with this top. I measured 40 inches across and cut. Then I sewed the edges and the gathers - using the winding elastic thread onto the bobbin method - and realised I'd way underestimated the width I'd need. Luckily there was enough leftover fabric to cut a 15 inch panel to use for the back of the top, which worked out perfectly!

I kept thinking about straps - should I make them? Should I just use a ribbon? How about a simple halter-style tie? In the end, I kept it strapless. I don't mind the look of black bra straps acting as top straps, plus I can wear a strappy tank underneath or a cardigan overtop when the weather gets cooler.

I loved making this top so much, and it was incredibly easy, despite having to fix my negligent mistakes. It is very comfortable, and I plan to make more!

fabric detail:


top: (I took about 40 shots, and I only got 1 usable photo!)