My affair with designs by the Tilton sisters continues. It's one of those love hate relationships. I love the designs but they can sometimes hate me. To make them work for me takes just that, work. I am now up to the challenge and hope this one's a winner. I need tops for the upcoming season and this looks comfy and perfect for work. I can see it with some slim black pants, which currently don't exist in my wardrobe. I have to do something about that!
I will do view A. The difference is simply button placement and the cuffs. I plan to wear these at 3/4 length folded up. The fabric is identical on both side so that should work nicely. Now for the fun part!
The fabric is this yarn dyed black linen blend from Kaufmann/Fabric.com. It's identical on both sides which is suggested for this pattern. It is casual and has a nice hand, a bit heavier than chambray but not as heavy as denims. I do fear it could look a bit prison matron though. It needs some interest added. For now that will be heavy black topstitching and a bit of sparkle. I am thinking of doing some "foiling" on the collar facing, pocket edges and button areas. I will post more on the actual foiling process later but here are a few samples"
I have two rolls of silver foil. One is matte and the other VERY shiny, like chrome. My accents on this top will be VERY light handed. I live in mortal fear of anything on my body having that decorated sweatshirt look and this is no different. I am favoring something on the idea of the thin squiggly lines that the red arrow is pointing to. It is shinier IRL and really a light touch. But these things evolve with me as you know.
In the meantime, the pattern is cut, measured and ready to go. I may be the ultimate "don't follow the pattern" chick, but here it is absolutely necessary. This pattern has such odd shapes and twists that I am now on my third reading and think I'm ready. Marcy Tilton and Issey Miyake went to the same design class for this one. Lots of attention will be necessary. But there are no big techniques involved otherwise so it should go pretty fast. And I do have to give myself over to the more casual "non fit" of her garments. Not sure about the buttons yet, though. I always save that decision to the end as I never know how much of an accent, or not, I want them to be. I rarely buy buttons when I buy everything else for a project.
And I am breaking my iron clad rule of making only one thing at a time. I am also working on DD#2's cushions for her window seat. Her patience with me is immeasurable! While I wait for zips, it will be The Foiled Top.
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Thanks, everyone, for the lovely, encouraging comments on my jean jacket. I do love to recycle! There will be more to come along those lines as I have found a wonderful new source for projects locally. For 25 cents, yesterday, I bought a very new looking real silk charmeuse top with the most amazing trim and a good amount of fabric. It definitely has potential and if not, what they hey. I had a half hour of awesome entertainment for twenty five cents. Doesn't get much better than that.....................Bunny
Bunny, I know you will make this work beautifully! I love your idea of foiling, and cannot wait to see your next post.
ReplyDeleteI'm fascinated with Marcy's patterns though some work for me and some fail. I love making jackets and love bright colors which doesn't make for flattering looks on my mature figure so I like your idea of taking a neutral colored fabric and jazzing it up. Tried foiling years ago but used too heavy a hand which you show can be craftsy instead of chic. It is a fine line. I know you will make something interesting as well as chic. Karen
ReplyDeleteThis project looks like fun! I agree with the slim black pants, the baggy ones on the model just don't cut it for me.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Definitely too much volume for my five feet!; )
DeleteI have four Marcy Tilton's enroute to my mailbox, including this one. It's look like fun, and I will read the instructions carefully! I noticed that the pocket details are different from view A to B as well as the details you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for pointing that out, Sue. It totally went past me. I think I am liking the pockets folded toward the back a bit better. I've also notice how the sleeves, being dropped, have fit issues. I know her patterns have a less traditional fit and loads of ease and that has been a nemesis for me in the past. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for pointing out the pocket difference.
DeleteHello Bunny, new follower here. Hesitant at first (I'm so new to this), I was taken in by this post (that pattern is amazing) and had to delve further into the archives. You have a whole segment devoted to newbies! It is chock-full of useful information and has been appreciated by many, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting your considerable talents on display, and encouraging others to go for it also. (One wonders though, how much progress can be made when starting later in life..........) Cheers, Jen Miller
It sounds like you have found the Next Level Sewing series. Yes, I have a fond spot in my heart for newbie sewists and its important to me they get quality information. There's a lot of "dross" out there and people presenting themselves as experts who aren't. If you are new to sewing at a more mature age, well so what? You've found something you love. You want to do it well and clearly are giving it your best shot. You'll do great. Each project will help you get better and better. My best advice would be to try one new thing with each garment, some technique you haven't tried before. You would be amazed how quickly that can build your skill set. And then reuse those skills to cement them in your mind. It will all come in time and you will do great. Let me know if I can ever help you over a hump.
DeleteThank you!! Great idea to do something different with each make, I'll do that! And oh boy, do I have questions....you will most likely be hearing from me again.
DeleteOoooohhhh the foiling technique should add some interest to the jacket. Can't wait to hear more about how you do this technique and add it to the jacket!
ReplyDeleteThat will be gorgeous for Fall Bunny!
ReplyDeleteHi there Bunny,
ReplyDeleteAs always, totally unique and inspiring. Can't wait to see this latest project. I am so slow at getting on with my projects!
Could you share with us your name on Pattern Review? Would love to idle more time reading through your reviews!!
Oooh how intriguing! I can see this with big pewter buttons too, some mod shape maybe. We just got in amazing square ones with the corners cut off and two bars down the middle, so they look like engineering parts really. But they aren't very big. And the foil is intriguing!
ReplyDeleteBunny, you could never look like a "prison matron", no matter what you were wearing! LOL
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be spectacular...I love the whole look!!
Another interesting project on the go, Bunny. I have used foils, even the really shiny ones, and in small doses it creates a wonderful effect. No more blingy than silver buttons or jewellry. It will give the dark grey linen a real lift.
ReplyDeleteI am currently struggling with the trousers (view C), has anyone out there tackled this pattern? Would love some advice...pleat not matching up and puzzling over the topstitch detail!
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