Now that Memorial Day has kicked off summertime, I am feeling the need for some new summer tops. (I’ll apologize in advance for the whining I’m sure you’ll read in this space, now that the weather is heating up. I’m not good with HOT.) Since I’m also not keen on the knit tank top, my idea is to make some cool woven tops that are sleeveless, bra friendly, and tummy skimming. Does anyone have any pattern suggestions? A lot of my current tops that fit that description have side zippers…phooey. I’m looking for easy, fast and cute.
This weekend when my studio started getting warm, I pulled out this shirt I bought at the thrift store: it’s an Ann Taylor Loft petite. (I never try stuff on when thrifting, I just hope for the best.) I always think tiny shirts will fit me. I’m little on top, but my shoulders are broad-ish, so while I could button this shirt, I couldn’t move my arms. I thought I’d hack the sleeves off to see it that helped….it did! 🙂
I used this blue sleeveless shirt as an armhole guide, since I knew it had good coverage. (sorry about the wrinkles, I don’t usually iron before I throw my clothes out on the lawn for photography…heh) I copied the armholes by marking them onto the striped shirt, cut off the sleeves, then used double fold bias binding to finish the edges. (can you believe I happened to have that coordinating color in my stash?! serendipity!)
One down…many to go. So let’s hear it, any fun top patterns out there you recommend? Something that will use up some of my fabric stash?
Well done–I think it is much cuter with your modification!!
Rene’
I really want to make the anna tunic by amy butler but I am scared it will look weird. i want to try one on. that’s the problem with patterns. you make something and then realize it doesn’t flatter you. i mean you can always make something fit, but will it really look nice on you (especially after spending $12 for the patter and probably like $30 for the fabric and notions!)
I like that shirt much more with the sleeves chopped off.
I thought Randi made a cute top here…
http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/randi/2008/05/on-the-crafty-f.ht
That is great, Betz!!!! Love it mucho.
Try some of the Simplicity Wendy Mullen Built by Wendy/Built by You tops. There are some cute ones. You can just google Simplicity Patterns or Built by Wendy, and you will get there.
Anna
What a GREAT idea! The top looks adorable – and better w/o sleeves. Hope you don’t mind if I borrow your idea!
Try Vogue 8249. You can make the neckline a little less plunging, and if you use a nice drapey fabric it is very good over the tummy area. I know, because I always pick out patterns to disguise tummy area!
Lookin’ good, Betz. I love sleeveless tops in the heat. Great idea.
VERY cute! What a great idea.
That looks fantastic!! I also like how you have a little message at the top of the commenting page- I’ve never noticed that before but I like it a lot. I need to do that on mine!
I was pretty pleased with this McCalls pattern. I blogged it here
http://deborahsjournal.blogspot.com/2008/05/springy.html
I always get itchy to make clothes in the spring.
Top looks great! I think you should contiune the thrifting re purposing to get sleeveless tops – works for you. Maybe you could even make a pattern from tops you like, as this one.
I tried a bias woven top idea that I posted about here http://aliceanjo.blogspot.com/2008/05/new-look-at-bias.html I admit it will take some tweaking before I am completely happy with the sleevs (or lack thereof) but it fits my bust, skims my tummay and can be made any length you like.
How creative! That makes me want to dig through my closet!
What a great refashion. I had a good hunch it was an Anne Taylor shirt, looks great. Hope we can still get together sometime!
~you’ve been Tagged (see my blog for details). It’s quick and easy, hope you don’t mind!
Hi Betz,
You commented on my blog about a pattern#—-I wrote it incorrectly in my post. It is actually Simplicity 3750. Best wishes!
That is pretty darn cute – Nice Work!
Wow this turned out so lovely! It looks even better as a summer top in my opinion! 🙂
CUTE and CLEVER!!!!
Great top – when I first saw it I thought “I have to have that pattern” and was a little disappointed that it wasn’t.
Great job!
Jona at Fabritopia made herself a really cute top – I bought the pattern but have yet to make it – but here is her example!
http://jonag.typepad.com/stop_staring_and_start_se/2008/04/back-in-the-sad.html
What an excellent idea. Now I will have to look at all my long sleeve shirts in a different way.
Does this foot the bill. I’ve been eyeing it and may just have to splurge!
http://www.sewserendipity.com/product_info.php?products_id=122
Hey SK, that’s cute! Can’t tell if it has a zip or not…
Thanks!
Betz
Hi!
I’m from Sweden and I get most of my paterns from http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/se/category_oversikt.php?kat=Dame
they are free but in swedish if you find one you wanna make you can e-mail me and I’ll try to translate it. I don’t know if babelfish will help you but you could try that too.
Hey, I have that same Ann Taylor Loft shirt! But mine is purple. I like it better with no sleeves.
Good job!
I don’t like sleeves. I don’t know why. I only where sleeves at 3/4 length IF they are long sleeves.
I think you did a beautiful job repurposing that top. I don’t have the arms for sleeveless, but for the summertime heat I just may be inspired to give it a go.
Wow, I am so impressed, that shirt looks awesome with the sleeves removed! Big improvement!
Fantastico! I love what you did … repurposed your blouse, what a great idea. AND it looks great to boot.
where did you get the original blue top?