Thank you for the well wishes! I’m doing much much better, though I’m operating on four hours of sleep because K had a nightmare last night. Poor thing. Anyway, it all turned out just fine and I have some handmade clothes to share with you.
The very cool Kristin of Skirt as Top offered up a free pattern, and of course I couldn’t pass up a chance to try out her scoop top. That Kristin, she’s so good.
This is such a fast and satisfying project, I think everyone should have a scoop top in their wardrobe. It’s a very flattering cut too. In the How To Train A Dragon book series, there’s a character named Big-Boobied Bertha (the fearsome leader of the viking tribe Bog Burglars with a sassy daughter named Camicazi), and I can relate to Bertha on many levels. What this means is that I need v-necks and wide scoop necklines to avoid looking like I’m trying to smuggle ostrich eggs out of the country, so this top is perfect for my body-type.
I did end up cutting the back piece crooked, so the stripes perfectly match on one side and are completely off on the other as you can see above. C’est la vie.
I actually used this same exquisite knit for a self-drafted dolman sleeve top for K many months ago. It was a major fail, and she never wore it. Such a shame, this stuff is nice. Whisper thin with lovely embroidered details. Had I been brave enough to make clothes for myself back then, I would have kept all the fabric for myself. It’s from here, and I wish I had bought more when it was on mega-sale.
My hem got a little wavy, but I like it – it looks intentional to me. I’m loving this hi-lo hem, and I believe this is the first item I’ve made for myself that I wholeheartedly love. This is definitely coming with me to Michigan.
This was my muslin version. I love the stripey detail of the neckline a lot. I initially added about half an inch all around thinking the original size would be too small for me. I think this fuschia version is a touch too big, and the shoulder slips off in a sloppy-not-sexy way. I did get a lot of compliments on it though. I don’t wear bright colors like this too often, and it was fun. For the non-muslin version, I stuck to the original size.
This jersey stretched out a ton too, so you can really see the dramatic difference in length. I think I’ll make the length somewhere between the two for my third (oh yes, there will be a third) scoop top.
Here they are, side by side. Thanks for the awesome pattern, Kristin!
I love these tops on you. That stripy fabric is divine and the pink is a great colour on you. Gorgeous…tops and model!
So kind, Evie! I do like me some pink, though I usually don’t wear such bright pinks. Nice to change things up. 🙂
Success! So exciting to make a project and love it:) What a great pattern, and so versatile depending on what fabric you use. Even though it was only your muslin, I have to confess that my favorite detail is the contrast of the striped neckband against the solid. Love that! I think that this will be the perfect tee to bring along to Michigan with its constantly changing weather conditions. I would imagine that it looks cute under a cardigan too.
That striped binding was a happy accident! I didn’t have enough of the pink to make a binding (I barely squeezed out the top) and just happened to have a strip of that stripes one lying around. And I think it would look cute under a cardi too!
they are both so cute on you- think i need to try this pattern….the striped fabric is awesome! and, you have a very pretty smile- maybe fuschia is your color?! 😉
Aw, thanks Erin! You should totally try the pattern! The upside of taking a gazillion photos is being able to pick the least cringe-worthy ones. The downside is having to look through all the cringe-worthy ones…
ha! I made one of these today too. I love your versions, the striped fabric is fab and I also love your striped neck binding (you look great in fuschia btw)
So funny! Can’t wait to see your version,Cate!
love all the smiling! more jeans that look amazing on you… this fabric might be a similar texture and has lots of striped options: http://www.girlcharlee.com/hacci-sweater-knit-fabric-c-90_126.html?page=1&sort=2a
Ooh, such great stuff at Girl Charlee! Thanks for the link, Ashley!
Great tops, and they look fabulous on you!
Thank you! Such a comfy top, this is. I need to make about ten more 🙂
you have a wonderful smile! love that you found an item that you love. i’ve tried grainline’s tiny pocket tee and the bust darts are all wrong on me…i need to persevere and make it work. thanks for the inspiration 🙂
I’ve been wanting to try grainline’s tee! Bust darts are tricky – I have yet to master them and I’m kind of intimidated by them to be honest…
So cute! This style is universally flattering. This pattern is brilliant. I made one, too, and my hem is wavy. I also hope it looks intentional!
We’ll just have to make wavy hems the trend, Jams 🙂 Watch, we’ll see them on runways next season.
I’ve seen Kristin’s pattern and I really like the hi-low hem and scoop neck (so flattering). Fuschia looks amazing on you and your smile… beautiful, darling!!! 😉
p.s. I can see this top as a tunic/dress… add a belt and tights/leggings. Oh I can SO see you in it!
Oh a tunic/dress would be awesome! It would be so easy and fun to wear!
You seem to have nice breast (is it the word in english ? I don’t want to offend) and can surely afford more fitting tops, if you want. I like very much the colors of the first one.
No offense taken! 🙂 thank you for the sweet comment and you’re right, I should experiment with different necklines and bodice shapes. I’ll try something a bit more fitted soon!
looks great!
Thanks Julia! Hope the pregnancy is going well – home stretch, right?
Fantastic! I love that stripey knit. And I have to admit- I am giggling a little bit at that compliment above 😉 Looks fabulous on you, my friend.
Such a great comment, no? Makes me proud of the girls. 🙂 When I was in my early twenties, one of my cousins was only about three-years-old. Every time I saw him, he would tell me I had lovely boobs (in Japanese baby talk and really loudly). It was the funniest thing ever and I think my aunt was mortified.
I just realized how bright and lovely your photos look when you smile. That is a simply wonderful smile.
I need to make time for another “me” project, your scoop top looks so light and comfy.
Mae
Light and comfy are the perfect words to describe this top. I would love to see your version – it’s sure to be great, Mae!
I love your new top! The fabric looks fantastic and soft. Your smile illuminate this post, amazing! You are doing very well with the “selfish sewing” duty!.
Oh thank you Maria! I think I’m becoming addicted to sewing for myself. I constantly have ideas swirling in my head!
Love them! I have made one and now you have motivated me to make another!
Isn’t it fantastic how easy these are to sew up? I think I might try a color-blocked version next!
Love both the tops! You are killing it with the self sewing!
Thanks, Meghan! Still taking baby steps, but gaining some confidence bit by bit…
you look absolutely gorgeous in the top, sanae. beautiful work.
Thanks so much, Jaya! The top is so easy to make, I have to give major props to Kristin for designing such a stylish little tee!
Such nice tops! I really like your “grown-up style” as much as I like your “kid-style”. And you seem to be so much more relaxed in front of the camera! (and great legs! Don´t tell me you also find time to work out beside all that sewing?! I am thinking super woman… 😉 )I also have the scoop top on my agenda, now I really want to try it. I fiddled with jersey this week as well; I made a top and maxi dress from the staple dress pattern.
A maxi dress is next on my list! As for working out, I’m a big walker (usually 2 to 4 miles a day), but avoid anything that will make my massive calves any larger. Those jeans nicely disguise my legs 🙂 no superwoman here…just a sewing addicted, sleep-deprived crazy lady 🙂
Love them! You look great, and comfy shirts is where it’s at!!
Comfy is the only way I roll, Cherie! Criteria: must hide belly, must not make me look like a whale, must make me want to wear it every day. Kristin nailed ’em.
These look fantastic – may have to try one myself!
Definitely worth the effort, Marisa! And it’s FREE. Doesn’t get any better than that.
you look faaaaabulous! i’m loving all your selfish sewing…i’m inspired!
Thanks Gail! So funny, your comment reminded me of a time K said, “Mommy, listen: daaaaaaahling, I caaaaaahn’t daaaaaahnce. Isn’t that good British? I’ll teach you!” She’s been watching Angelina Ballerina…
That knit looks gorgeous and you look lovely!:) I hope you are getting better:D
Thanks for the kind words, M! I’m finally completely better, hallelujah!
I love the tops, and I think for the first time maybe I am noticing that you are smiling in your pictures:-) That’s nice. Enjoy the tops and hope you feel better soon.
I’m slowly getting used to getting my pictures taken, but you should see the rejected photos – so awkward….thanks for the well wishes!
Love them! And they suit you fab (and I love the pictures where you smile so much we can see your nice white teeth).
Thank you! I actually need to stop drinking so much coffee because I’m noticing that my teeth get stained easily and then I spend way too much time brushing my teeth…
You are adorable! as is the top!!
Aw, thanks Meg!
Ostrich eggs!! I almost fell off my chair but I feel your pain!
Haha! That just made my day 🙂
so sorry i’ve been so late to comment on these! i am so flattered by your post (and comments) and am so happy you like the scoop top! and this is why i’m having trouble figuring out how to grade it – it seems even gals that think they’re a “large” fit it just fine! haha. anyway, you look fantastic and now you’ve made as many scoop tops as i have (muslins don’t count). 🙂
It’s really a fantastic pattern, Kristin and I do think the sizing is quite generous (lucky for me), though the type of knit used seems to make a big difference. Thanks again!