I went into Chico's to look for a funky belt to go with my new knits and while I was there I fell in love with this silk top. Actually I am not sure if it is meant to be a top or a wrap, but since it has to be pulled over the head, I tend to think of it as a top:
It is really just a simple square of silk chiffon and would be very easy to make. I bought this one because I LOVE the fabric and it coordinates perfectly with everything I am taking on a trip to Brazil next week. This would be great over a swimsuit with some cute casual pants by the pool and it also just solved an entire formal dinner dilemna. Well, to dinner I would obviously have to wear a tee or tank under it.
I think I might even have a piece of chiffon or two, originally meant for other things, that will get transformed into something similar.
The top is a rectange of fabric folded in half with the fold at the shoulders. An opening is cut for the neck; I would think I could just copy one from another pattern. The fabric is turned over in a narrow seam and topstitched. The bottom of the rectangle has a narrow topstitched hem. The sleeve openings are a little more than 1/3 of the length of finished top, although that could be easily varied for individual preferences. After the sleeve openings were finished with a narrow hem, the side openings were french seamed closed.
Very simple really.
The bottom fringes are sewn on individually. Each one consists of 6 strands of shiny rayon thread in a heavier weight, about 13 inches long. They were obviously threaded through the hem of the fabric, so the needle must have a big enough eye to hold the thread but a sharp enough point to pierce the silk, pulled half-way through, and then knotted in place leaving about a 6 inch tassel. On my top the tassels are spaced 5/8 inch apart.
Mardel, Thanks for sharing this Chico layer top with us. It is georgous... as is your entire travel wardrobe. You have done a marvelous job on putting together your colors, fabrics and patterns.
This over layer top is the kind of stuff I like 'cause it fits any body and hides the bulges... not that YOU have any to hide.
Last night, while I was holding a brand new baby boy, born May 1, I laughed about something and my belly shook like a bowl full of jelly...just like my little grandma's used to...bouncing the tiny babe. I remember how much I loved my grandma and never ONCE thought of her as being anything but beautiful and sweet and loving. I never once thought of her as being fat, lumpy, or ugly. So...why do I think that of myself? I believe this was a "light bulb" moment for me.
BettyM
Posted by: BettyM | May 06, 2005 at 12:32 PM
Very nice outfit, you look stylish,
Romy
Posted by: Romy | April 02, 2005 at 08:48 PM
Mardel, I used the link from Sewing World and took a look at all of your recently completed sewing and just wanted to let you know how lovely I think everything is! Then, I went to your blog 'sewdistracted' and learned some good advice about the crotch drafting of pants patterns.
Your colors are beautiful, everything is so nicely coordinated, and I hope you have a WONDERFUL trip! I'm going to spend more time learning from your blog in the future.
Safe trip!
Nancy JC
Posted by: Nancy Hedberg | April 02, 2005 at 10:54 AM