Yes, I'm back with another hand-stitched Alabama Chanin garment. I made this one up this week and wore it on a date with Hubby yesterday.
Before I got any of the Alabama Chanin books, I always thought of that work as solely reverse applique, and I do think that is the style most folks work when they pick up this technique. So I was surprised to see several other styles and techniques when I finally bought Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, and one that caught my eye immediately was the Beaded Random Ruffle Fitted Tank on page 159 of the book. I couldn't stop thinking about it, so my mind went to work figuring out what I had on hand that I could use to make it.
Remember this fail of a dress?
I wore it only once and felt uncomfortable the whole time. It's been hanging in my closet ever since, waiting to be turned into something better. I figured I could fit the pieces for the Fitted Tank on the skirt portion, and I almost could. Because of the way the grainline sits and the shape of the pattern piece, I had to cut the front pieces about 1.5" shorter than the back. No problem though - I just tapered the back hemline in a mini hi-low hem. I actually really like it and would consider doing this on purpose in the future!
I had a couple of objectives with this make other than just using up my fabric and getting a darn cute top. This is really a fitting muslin. On my list is to make the Fitted Dress from the Sewing + Design book; I'm not too worried about how the skirt will fit because it's very A-line. But I did have concerns about the bodice, and rightly so. My measurements put me in a size M, so that was my starting point.
On this top, I ended up removing 3/8" from each of the four shoulder strap pieces. It's OK on this one, because this fabric is a very stretchy cotton/lycra jersey. But for future makes I'll take that back to 1/4", and maybe only on the front. The armholes ended up being a little smaller than I'd like.
I definitely need to do a sway back adjustment on future versions:
And I'll shave about 3/16" off the center front seam from the neckline, tapering down to nothing about 3" below. I had a bit of gaping around the neckline in the cleavage area. This time I took care of it by pulling my neck binding extra tight to gather the neckline in a bit. Again, this works because of the stretch of this fabric, but might not look too great on a fabric without lycra.
My other objective was to try a couple new stitches and techniques from the book. Working the Beaded Random Ruffle was really fun, and surprisingly quick. I think it only took me about an hour to work all four ruffles! I cut my ruffle strips 3/4" wide, rather than the 1/2" recommended in the book, just because I felt like it.
All the seams were inside felled, like on my first Alabama Chanin project. After I had the tank sewn together, I tried it on for fit before adding the bindings. Because the shoulder straps were long, I undid those seams and took some off as mentioned above. Then I worked all the bindings with the Feather Stitch.
I had wanted this one to be lower-cut than I usually wear, but because I took so much off the shoulders it doesn't show a whole lot of cleavage. Honestly, it's probably better that way - I won't feel like I have to keep yanking it up.
I think this top is both pretty and comfortable. Hubby loved it of course! More than the other one, because it's so form-fitting. I'm also happy that it goes with a jacket I bought years ago that doesn't go with much else in my closet:
And now, believe it or not, I'm ready to start doing some sewing with a machine!
I love it!! This is such a great, non-threatening project. I feel like even I could muster the time and energy for this!
ReplyDeleteThank, Kelly! You could! I think this is a great entry-level AC project!
DeleteThis is lovely Gail and goes perfectly with the jacket. Double win!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sam! I do believe I'm hooked!
DeleteVery nice! Love what you did with the tank.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie!
DeleteYour feather stitches are downright pretty! The top looks perfect on you and the jacket completes the outfit as if it was made for it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Judi! It's hard to see here, but the jacket has the same cream and mushroom colors in the ditsy floral of the cuff and pocket linings :-)
DeleteBoth of your tops are beautiful! I love hand stitching. What amazing work :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jo! I'm having so much fun hand stitching!
DeleteSO cute... I think that neckline is spot-on. I love the bindings done with feather stitch, that's what I'm planning for my AC make also. Plans. I'm so full of plans. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan! My goal is to try out all the stitches. I like this feather stitch, but I do think I like the cretan stitch I used on my last top more. And this stitch uses a lot of thread!!
Deletei absolutely love this tank! the ruffles down the front are so cute. your hand stitching looks so neat and tidy--great work!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! Believe it or not, I don't take a lot of care with my hand stitches - they are all different lengths and not always on center. But I think that only enhances the handmade look of this type of garment.
DeleteLove the fitted top. The ruffles are nice touch more so with beads. I've not tried feather stitch before for the binding. It looks really good.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara! I'm not normally a ruffle person, but these little ones just spoke to me!
DeleteI finally finished my fitted top. You can take a look at my blog if you want. http://sartorialstitches.blogspot.com/2014/10/alabama-chanin-inspired-garments.html
DeleteThis is a perfect transformation! I love it especially the beaded ruffles!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nakisha!
DeleteSo pretty! I really love the feather stitch on the binding.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise!
DeleteYes, sometimes I have to admit a me made is not right for me. It's great to re-fashion then - better than an unworn dress. I love this little top -the beading is really lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah Liz! Yes, I've had plenty of failures over the years. I usually just put them in the donate box, as I figure someone can get some use out of them. I'm glad this one didn't leave the house before I could refashion it!
DeleteWow, Gail! You're really knocking them out of the park. This is adorable, and the hand stitching looks so good.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jen! I'm kind of obsessed with this stuff at the moment - it's taking up a lot of my knitting time!
DeleteI love this top ~ the details are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Evelyn!
DeleteReally lovely, the close fitting shape is great and those details! I love the beads.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Louise! I love that these patterns are drafted for a womanly figure :-)
DeleteWhat a fabulous refashion. It looks fab both with and without the jacket!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kirsty!
DeleteJust lovely and perfectly sewn. I'm a recent addict too......
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth! It IS addictive, isn't it?!
DeleteNow I'm gonna stalk you...
ReplyDeleteSooooo I was in town this weekend for my grandmother's funeral. However, I am going to be in town for a week for work. Email me so we can plan a shopping date!!!
Girl, I've been stalking you for a while! LOL!
DeleteRead that on your post and commented - will PM you!
OMG, I need that book!
ReplyDeleteAwesome remake! I liked the first dress already, but the tank outfit is even cuter. LOL - to your hubby liking a tighter version.
I think you do need that book! I think you would really like it!
DeleteBoys, eh? So predictable!