McCalls 5977. "One easy pattern, 4 great looks." I would argue that ruffle placement according to your own whim, could result in "multiple great looks." My ruffles don't always look like the pattern suggests, but we are still happy.
These tops were made out of silk charmeuse that I picked up in NYC last August. They are perfect transition pieces for under cardigans. Although not machine washable, I might test the fabric and see if I can hand wash. Now my girls want one each, in cotton voile, so this pattern will be used again.....
Some tips:
1. These ruffles, especially the silver, are huge. I am fine with it. I wear a ton of tanks with cardigans, so I am fine with this big bling look. Be sure you like the ruffle placement.
With a strong wind, this ruffle could obstruct your vision.
2. Make a muslin. No zipper means a bigggggg fit. I made changes to the top so it could fit over the head without a zipper and remain fitted. A challenge.
3. I made my own silk bias tape for the armholes and neck. I totally disregarded their directions for facings. I hate facings, but the bias strips worked beautifully.
4. I like this pattern. These tops can be $80 at Banana Republic. These are great layering pieces.
Great tops! I love the tip about the layers possibly obstructing one's vision. Maybe not the top to wear riding a bike, huh? LOL! These are beautiful and I love your fabric color choices. I know you'll get plenty of wear out of these.
ReplyDeletegreat shells, I love the first one, that is a great basic
ReplyDeleteNow you've gone and made me want to do the copy kat thing. I like your idea of pairing these with cardigans.
ReplyDeleteLove these tops! I went to Nordstrom recently because I was in dire need of a sleeveless top to wear under a suit --- over $100 for a simple top (wasn't even silk charmeuse!) I love your sheath dress as well --- beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteThree gorgeous tops! I was excited to see them because I have just bought this pattern and your lovely versions have definitely inspired me to get a move on with making it up. I am a ruffle lover - the bigger the better :). Thanks for the great tips.
ReplyDeleteI plan to pick up this pattern soon, so thanks for the review. I live the shape of the ruffle on the silver top. So chic. I agree - it'll look fab under a cardi.
ReplyDeleteAll three tops are lovely and I can picture how nice they would look under cardigans. I wash silk charmeuse in the washing machine on delicate. Try it first on a sample to see if it alters the fabric significantly. For me the possible loss of color in darker colors and the slight softening of the fabric are a small price to pay to avoid dry cleaning or hand washing.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! And you're right, they'll be great under cardigans.
ReplyDeleteI love the colors you chose for each of these as well as the fact they all have a different ruffle look going on. Truly nice layering pieces.
ReplyDeleteYou are right- what great layering pieces! They certainly look as good as any rtw that I have seen around.
ReplyDeleteThose are very pretty tops. Silk charmeuse is not the easiest fabric to sew with. You did a great job handling it.
ReplyDeleteLovely tops. You will get a lot of use out of them. I constantly wear mine!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne, I've just nominated you for a Stylish Blogger Award in recognition of all that stylish sewing - I hope it fits on the mantelpiece!
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice little trio of tops!
ReplyDeleteThese tops are absolutely GORGEOUS. I love all three! :) They're so beautiful!
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