Variation on New Look 0134

This white top came together really quickly, but not as quickly as I had imagined.

I thought I could finish in a day, maybe two. Sadly, I think it was more like four, but I did a lot of hand sewing.

This is my second time with this pattern. The first time, the bust dart was in the wrong spot (overzealous alteration of the pattern). This time, I put the dart in the proper spot, lengthened the top 2 inches and tried the tuck variation and a different sleeve.

I ended up with a well-fitting basic top, as you can see:

Look, the dart’s in the correct spot! Photo by Robert the Husband.

With the tucks in the bodice and at the top of the sleeves, it’s a little sweet looking for someone my age, but I like that it fits so well. I’ll probably make more variations. The only thing I’ll do differently will be to add double-ended darts to the front. I didn’t do it with this one because darts are so easy to see in a white blouse.

Here’s a good look at the finished top on Gene.

And the back.

The back darts are very obvious on a burgundy dress form.

The back darts are very obvious on Gene.

My last four sewing projects have involved making two patterns twice. I am ready to move on to something new, and I will as soon as I finish the big editing project I’m working on. Here’s the mood board for the next project:

I'm making the view on the left, but with a longer skirt. I've found that I like a 30-inch skirt.

The coral fabric is a cotton lawn from JoAnn’s. I’m making the view on the left, but with a longer skirt.

All the fashion “experts” say wrap dresses are super flattering. Well, I guess I’ll see. I think doing a full bust adjustment will be straightforward. I’m going to trace the pattern, make my usual adjustments, then make a muslin and see if it fits.

It’s still in the upper 80s in Northern California and likely will be for several more weeks, so I still have time to finish and wear this warm-weather dress. I think it will be the last one for a while, however.

I’ll be wanting to make a chambray shirtdress next. With white topstitching and faux horn buttons, it can easily go deep into fall with boots and a cardigan.