This cropped top is number five on my Fall Sewing Plans (more than halfway done!). Despite it not being exactly how I originally planned, I'm very pleased with the result. It's great basic top that I can wear to work or on the weekends with equal ease.
The fabric is a Nani Iro double gauze from Imagine Gnats. I won a half yard from the shop a while back and couldn't figure out what to do with it. Then during a sale a few months ago I bought another yard so that I'd be able to make a garment. I've never worked with double gauze before and I really love it. It was very easy to handle and has a sturdier feel due to the two layers of fabric. The color of this fabric is a light charcoal gray. I initially thought I might be able to pair it with another black fabric to make a garment from just the half yard but it proved too difficult to find somehting that matched. The dots appear painted on and are a soft gold color.
Originally, I was going to use Vogue V9082 for this top and I thought I had enough fabric. But after making a muslin I discovered that I needed to lengthen it. Then after the SECOND muslin I discovered that I didn't have enough fabric in the gold dot. Sigh. So, I reached for Old Faithful (of the past two months anyway) – the Inari Tee Dress/Top by Named Patterns. It's a great basic and I absolutely love the two dresses I have made (linen and silk). I lengthened the top about 2 inches and dropped the front neckline about 1 inch (as I did for this dress). I treated the sleeve cuffs more as bands, just like in the linen dress, stitching them right sides together and pressing them down for a longer sleeve.
This top came together quickly and easily and I couldn't be happier. I've worn it to work with high waisted jeans or on the weekend with high waisted Hudson Pants. It's so comfortable but still manages to look polished. Best of both worlds!
With my limited amount of fabric, I did have to be a little clever and add a center back seam. To do so, just cut the back not on the fold and add a seam allowance.
Have you tried this pattern yet or double gauze? (Am I the last one to the double gauze party? ;) Also, do you have a favorite tee style dress or top? I'm feeling the need to FILL my closet with this style but I don't want to keep making exactly the same design.
Check out the earlier Fall Sewing Posts:
1. Inari Tee Dress Linen and Silk
3. Slit Back Lou Box Top
6. Chambray Emily Culottes
8. Fringe Clutch with Tutorial
