Friday, November 6, 2009

I could be ironing

but I thought I'd write this post instead.  A while back, I was asked if I could copy a top.  SJ had this fabric, and wanted a top like this one which she already owned.
purpletop


And this is what I made
tanktopforsarah


I also made a top for her daughter with a simpler ruffle
tanktopforiris

So while I am showing off this bit of handiwork, I thought I would also take the opportunity to talk about some of the things that I used to make the top.


I think it would be obvious that I used a ruffler foot.  I used it to do all the ruffling and gathering.  The pleated ruffle was done by altering the settings on the foot to pleat every six stitches.  If you are are considering a ruffler or have one, but don't know what to do with it, I highly recommend CarlaC's The Ruffler Unruffled


To construct the top the body was cut a few centimetres down from the neck edge.  The longer under ruffle is inserted into this seam.
backofpurpletop


To stabilise the bottom piece of the front I used Vilene Formband along the curve. I also use Formband to stabilise shoulder seams.
formband


To attach the pleated ruffle I used Wash Away Wonder Tape. Wonder tape is incredibly useful. I used it to stick things on where I don't want to be fiddling with pins. Wonder tape worked particularly well to attach the ruffle because it also acted a bit of a stabiliser as it doesn't stretch. I use Wonder Tape to stick down my labels or put bits of ribbon in a seam.
wondertape


I have some more favourites which I will share in another post. I fear this one might get too long if I keep waffling.

8 comments:

Sarah-Jo said...

great minds think alike LOL I just posted pics on my blog...Iris absolutely LOVES her ruffle tank shes asked to wear it every single day since it arrived!
I wore mine yesterday to work and got so many compliments...thankyou so much sara your work is flawless!!!

Tas said...

You really didn't want to iron did you? Love your tops. And thanks for the info.

Gilly said...

great tops sara and thanks for the info

Claire said...

WOW!! You are so amazing - EXTREMELY talented Sara!! The top is fabulous!! Better than the original!

naomi said...

yeah, much better than the original!
Where did you get such gorgeous fabric?

naomi said...

sorry, just realised you had a link for the fabric..its late, and I am not reading properly:)

willow and moo said...

LOL Naomi! You have an excuse to be tired!

Steffi said...

Wow...great top , Sara!I love it and the fabric looks very beautiful!Great work!