This is a top that I made sometime last year and unfortunately, it never made it to the blog in time for last Summer. So now seemed like just the right time to finally share all of the details with you….
I was actually intending to post last week but I’ve struggled with bad headaches nearly every day over the last two weeks and a trip to the docs revealed it all to be related to a sinus infection and now I’m on antibiotics. I’m glad I know what’s up with me now and hopefully, my energy levels will pick back up soon.
But let’s get back to my fitted cropped top… The fabric was some that I bought several years back. It’s a quilting cotton I think and it’s designed by Amy Butler. I’m not a quilter, so I’m not familiar with the designer, but I do get drawn to spotty prints sometimes (as you know, I’m more drawn to plain fabrics and a print needs to be a bit special for me to like it) and this pattern appealed to me, especially as I love peachy corals and mint (sounds like an ice cream flavour!)
The design of my top is something I evolved from a fitted princess-seamed blouse pattern. I actually used an old Style pattern that I had for years and years. It’s number 2294 but I don’t seem to have it anymore, so I must have given it to charity. Here’s a photo to give you an idea of the style lines. You could also use the top of a fitted sheath dress pattern.
Pattern Hacking Details
- To start off my pattern hacking, I got rid of the centre front fastening completely by placing the centre front line on the fold of my fabric. Next, I brought the neckline shape up to a higher round neck (you could use any round necked top as a guide) and then I cut and faced a deep rectangle neckline shape.
- The back of my top has a centre back seam and a hemline slit. I also did a cheeky narrow rectangle keyhole opening going up to the neckline. This was faced just like the front neck.
- I found a top pattern with a mandarin collar and after comparing neckline shapes to make sure they matched I used the collar pattern from it and just had to chop it off level with the edges of the rectangular opening.
- I added little curve sleeve tops for design interest and I’m afraid there’s no special formula for these apart from using the gentle curve of the top half of the armhole as a shape guide. Each piece is about 1.5” wide and they’re simply stitched on top. The rest of the armhole has a narrow binding finish..
- The finishing touch is a necessity and it’s a concealed zip on one side that runs from underarm to hem which enables me to get my top on and off easily.
Here are a couple of detail close ups for you:
This length and style of top works really well with bottoms that have a bit more volume/width and I rather like how it looks with my stone coloured culottes. I also wore it last year in Greece with a full coral skirt and a mint wrap skirt. Both outfits felt really good
Have you ever worn shorter length tops? I seem to have one or two in my wardrobe now… see here and here and I’m finding them a useful addition for different silhouettes and a bit of variety in my wardrobe.
Well, that’s it from me for this week…thank’s so much for stopping by for a read, it means the world to me.
‘Til next time. Bye!
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Your top is gorgeous Diane- nice outfit!
Author
Ohh, thank you Faye!
The top is lovely. Craft fabrics are not the best for dressmaking, but I find they can be used for fairly simple, structured shapes such as this. Hope you feel better soon. I often get sinusitis, and it really does make you feel awful.
Author
Thanks, Sarah Liz. I’ve been headache free for two days so things are looking up 🙂 I’m so glad you like my top…yes, I don’t usually use craft fabric, but as you say, it’s fine for a structured garment.
Love that cheeky back opening!!!
Author
Hehe, thanks Sarah!
Really like this top. Love the fit and the necklines, in fact if it was a pattern I would buy it! A thought for the future?
Author
Ohhh, thanks so much Mags xx…Ooh, not sure how I would ever begin to create a pattern…hmmm.
I love this! The square neckline is fabulous and I love the little keyhole in the back. The length is perfect with your cropped trousers. I am making quite a few cropped tops at the moment, they have some strange appeal for me.
Author
Thanks Sue. You wear cropped tops well!
I love how you’ve matched the rectangular shape front neck to the rectangle neck in the back – so unique! Great fit. You’ve shown how once you have a bodice you like whether it’s from a blouse or dress, you can go to town making it any length you want. I’ve been craving these cropped length tops too – they go so well with some silhouettes. I bought the Tessuti Leni Top pattern to serve just this purpose but I have yet to make it up! It’s in the queue on my sewing table now 🙂
Author
Thanks Kathleen!
Absolutely, a basic starting point like a seamed top or dress can become so many other styles with some thought and design ideas. I love to inspire others to have a go themselves. Nice to hear how you’re enjoying the shorter length tops too, but I hope your sewing queue doesn’t get too unmanageable!
Love this creative top and your detailed explanation of your process. I too have sewn a cotton dress, excellent for this very hot summer. Being short waisted, I often shorten tops, especially when worn with flared skirts. Thanks, enjoy your blog
Author
Thank you so much! I love to hear that you’ve enjoyed reading my post and the details I include.
I really like the back details. Cute top.
Author
Thank you Celeste!
This is a creative design. Your instructions are clear, making me feel inspired to try modifying a button down shirt pattern that I just finished this week. You look wonderful. Thanks for the inspiration.
Author
Thanks so much Tammy! Let me know how it turns out if you try this style yourself.
The top is lovely Diane. The mini sleeves the neckline and ooh the square back. Plus the side zipper. You are a one of a talented lady. Love the pattern match at the back centre seams to. Glad you know it is just something you can treat with an antibiotic about your headache. Hope you are feeling better.
Author
Thank you Ersan! I’m so glad you like all the extra little details that I added. Oh, I’m feeling tons better now thanks. The tablets seem to have worked their magic.
Sorry you’ve been under the weather…..Very cute top – – perfect for that fabric. The back detailing is so cool–and quite clever. I don’t wear crop tops too often, but I don’t like really long tops either, somewhere in between usually works for me. Yours is lovely on you!!
Author
Excuse the late reply! Been on holiday 🙂 So glad you like my top. Like you, I never wear really long tops either…not sure why I’ve suddenly become obsessed with shorter lengths though…must be a slight style shift.