SEWN: "DANDELION DRIFT"

You could make many wishes on the dandelions in my top.

Style A, Pattern 1, French Sleeve Tie Back Tunic, from Japanese pattern book (English translation) Sweet Dress Book: 23 Stylish Outfits from Six Simple Patterns by Yoshiko Tsukiori. Fittingly made up in a 100% cotton Japanese lawn. Pretty, light, breezy...

This top represented a few more firsts for me. Yay!

Number one, first time using a Japanese pattern book. I've always loved the styles in these books but struggled to envisage how they'd work on my body. I'm slim but also taller (167cm) than the average Japanese woman (160cm) for whom the patterns are drafted, and the general sack-like look does little to flatter me. But this top, the front cover design, caught my eye straight away and I love it! It's very me.

Number two, tracing patterns - at least for an adult. I've traced patterns for M's clothes previously as it's the only way to preserve a multi-sized pattern when your child is clearly going to grow. But for me? People, I have not changed size since I was about 18 and that's a whole 22 years ago (don't hate me, and obviously except during pregnancy). I usually just chop into those multi-sized babies and get on with things.

I also find the whole idea of having to add seam allowances perplexing. What is with that? Just add them to the damn pattern and allow us to happily get on with things. That being said, these pattern books use a few basic pattern pieces that can be added upon to create a new look and so there are times when a different seam allowance or the drafting in of a tab or fold back facing or some such is needed.

Number 3, self-made bias binding. Yes, my first time creating self-fabric bias binding! I know, I know, how did I get this far without having ever done that before? Sheer laziness and the ability to buy admittedly icky poly/cotton varieties from every fabric store imaginable.
 

But it was super-easy and now I want to bind everything! I even cut a whole lot extra so that I could use it in the future for other makes, especially those where the binding is applied like a facing and isn't entirely visible. Think *contrast surprise*.

Number 3, using my French Curve. I bought one a while ago to do my Craftsy Adjust the Bust course, but.... ummmmm... haven't started yet... but I will! Another of those Spring/Summer Sewing Promises, and Spring is almost over! Damn, must get on it. However, I did break it out here to re-draft the front neckline. I won't go into it, it's just one of those confusing Japanese pattern books things. But it worked beautifully, once I worked out what the hell I was supposed to do with it!

The centre back of this top is supposed to be entirely open with a tie at the neckline and another at mid back. You'd usually wear a tank underneath. It's actually the top that made me buy the book, I just thought it was an interesting feature. Then hubby saw it... Oh, just like a hospital gown? What the...??!!!!! Yes, thank you for ruining it for me so that now all I could see was that hospital gown. I altered it to be sewn up the back and the tie used as a fastener at the neck only. In the end I prefer it, as I think I would have gotten sick of layering it. Especially since this fabric is so lovely against the skin.
 

Pattern Changes/Alterations:

• Traced and cut a small, grading out to a medium at the hips. I'm a regular pear-shaped girl.
• Changed the back as above. 
• Hemmed 1cm shorter than the pattern suggested, which surprised me given the height differential.

Lessons learned:

• A French Curve is so very useful.
• Don't show a beloved design to hubby. He's only going to go and say something stupid and quash your romantic dreams. Damn you P...

I really like my new top and I love it with my new yellow sandals. Win!