velosews

Silk sensation

On the weekend I did a silk top workshop at Rhodes ASG and we had Angie Zimmerman as our tutor. She’s just great with the theory, sample finishes and individual assistance. Nothing is a hassle for Angie and we love having her run classes for us, when she can squeeze us in.

Here are the two tops I started. The first one Vogue 8118, I’ve sewn before without the front tie piece but I found that my waist and hips are smaller so I’ve cut it to fit. I also played with the tie piece and reduced the width by a third. The fabric is a soft silk, but I felt that the tie still needed to suit my frame.
The fabric print was a bit tricky so I had to be careful to place the white flowers around my bust and not on top of my bust, like headlights. I’m thinking of adding white piping on the tie piece, so that’s going to be something to consider, just to bring out the line of the tie piece. I’ll do a fine fold over hem on the sleeves and the bodice hemline.



The second tunic top McCalls 5556, has been in my pattern stash for a while. Here’s the thing. I checked my sizing on the pattern envelope and I came out to a 14. When I checked the pattern pieces and ease, I cut out a 10.

From Angie’s notes, I’ll need to do a straight stitch seam with a closely sewn and small zigzag finish (1 width, 2 length zigzag). I’ve also got to cut out the collar and trim pieces in another fabric. The pink I’ve used is a toile, that I hope to wear. I doubt that I’ll do a contrast hem finish but I will attempt this in the same pink fabric. It’s worth practicing on.

8 comments

  1. Yes, that was a great workshop with Angie. Both these tops look lovely. I think the tunic will be very stylish with the matching trim too. Are you going to reverse the crepe silk using the alternate side for the trim, or keep it more subtle?

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  2. You know. I didn't think of that idea D. That might help me keep it all one colour. Thank you for your suggestion:)
    By the way I really loved the purple print to you wore on Saturday. It was lovely meeting you.

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  3. Looking forward to seeing your tops and I got my silk cut out and oh the bias. I like Dillianders suggestion about the crepe, that is what I did on my brown dress with the facings on the outside. Love having workshops with Angie.

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