The Sewing Basket has lots of patterns donated to raise money for Achieve.

I found Butterick 3390 and decided to try this top for the Summer. Everyday styles and possibly more sparkly fabric when the occasion comes up.

My ‘thing’ is to sew a pattern 3 times. This is my latest pattern I’ve now sewn 3 times.

Version 1

The first version I sewed had a few adjustments for my height and width or circumference.

I used Cloth Cuts remnant – yellow wattle on denim blue print.

This fabric was more motivating to use than calico to test a pattern for fit. This pattern isn’t for a special occasion so I tend to sew new patterns in a fabric that I might wear and if the pattern doesn’t work, I can reuse the fabric for another make.

On this version I sewed a zipper on the centre back seam. The back bodice on the pattern is cut on the fold and I need shaping so this was my first attempt at making this shell top fit me.

Version 2

This time I played with a bit of pattern placement using Julia Allison Cost cotton fabric base.

The print is Vintage Bouquet Textile.

At this point I resewed the bodice seams and thought ‘what if the back had princess seams?’ These are the thoughts that go through my mind when I’m sewing the second version.

I might think about: fit; different features like a different sleeve or collar; prints and stripe fabric ideas.

Did I tell you that when I sewed the armholes using bias binding I broke the sewing machine needle and had to get my sewing machine serviced.

Tip 1: if you sew through more than 4 layers of fabric, change your sewing machine needle to 90 size depending on the depth of fabric.

Tip 2: Make sure you sew through bulky layers slowly. It’s not a race.

The 3^rd version had to have armhole facings and princess seams.

Version 3:

Now because I recked my sewing machine on version 1, this next version has armhole facings.

The armhole facings are 5cm width of the armhole shape and I’ve drawn them on the bodice pieces so if I lose the facing patterns, they’re still drawn on the bodice patterns.

Next I felt confident (sort of) and grabbed the French curve ruler to split the back bodice into a princess seam bodice for more shape.

There was nothing to lose in changing the back bodice other than knowing it either worked or was a failure.

This time I used this Minerva sparkly sequin poplin fabric for this new Summer white top.

All those changes on this sparkly white fabric worked.

You should have seen the sparkles on the carpet around the house!

With that in mind, I did cut away sequins off the seam allowances. The sequins no longer scratch my skin when I wear this top.

There’s now enough wiggle room on this version to look decent as the fabric is very light and see through. Loved trying a bit of flower placement with this remnant.

The zipper is from The Sewing Basket or my other sewing stash.

What do you think?

That’s my 3 versions of Butterick 3390 story.

It’s just how I work—part creativity, part practicality with lots of fun in between.