Tuesday 21 July 2009

A new top for me!

My new tunic topI had the fantastic opportunity to go to the first day of England's second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord's last week. I love cricket, so this was as a wonderful treat for me, and I felt like I needed something new to wear for the occasion. My summer wardrobe is so boring, and I didn't have anything that seemed quite right for such a fantastic event. I didn't really have the cash to go shopping, but a few weeks back I bought a Japanese pattern book - Beginner's Dress and Tunic book - from the fab Etsy seller Pomadour24, and I've been dying to have a go at one of the patterns, so it seemed like a good opportunity. I didn't really have the time to do it either, but the patterns are very straightforward (in spite of being in Japanese of course), so I thought I would give it a go. I wanted something comfy but reasonably flattering, and I also wanted to use this gorgeous Michael Miller fabric called Boho Blossoms, which I had in my stash. So here's a picture of what I came up with. It's actually nothing much like the pattern, which doesn't have the contrasting high waisted panel or the belt, and is considerably longer. But it was great to have the pattern to help me with the fitted bodice, the neckline and the arms. I really enjoyed wearing it, and thought it looked ok - the arms especially have a really flattering kimono-style fit. It's the 1st piece of clothing I have made for myself in years and it was fun to do. I started thinking about getting myself a dressmaker's dummy - a very bad sign!

Whilst I was in London I made my poor friend accompany me on my craft-related shopping activities. I couldn't buy too much because I knew that I would have to take it with me to the cricket, and wouldn't have much space for a picnic and yards of new fabric. But I wanted to get some pink ribbon for drawstring bags I'm making, and so took the opportunity to visit the brilliant VV Rouleaux in Marylebone. What a shop - it has the most fabulous array of trimmings, ribbons, cords, tassels...etc. etc.. I could have spent a fortune. I also happened upon the Button Queen, also in Marylebone Lane, which has a fantastic array of antique and vintage buttons, as well as lots of fashion buttons to buy. I hope I get to London again soon - with more bag room this time. As for the Test match? It was fabulous and, WE WON! Roll on the 3rd Test.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

That's great!! Love the colours and if you get in the camera shot we should see you!!!

Vonnie said...

Lovely work, Ali!

Chrissy said...

That's really beautiful :) Love the colours too.

x vInTaGe VioLeT x said...

that's gorgeous!
i'm so jealous of your shopping trip to i'd love to go to those shops but London scares me!

julietk said...

Those Marylebone shops sound fab can I come next time ?
A very nice top too :-)
Juliet

Izabela said...

Lovely top and great colors, I want to sew something!
x

Hannah said...

I love this! The fabric is gorgeous!

Ann-Marie Dewhurst said...

Cool top Ali! xxx

Jo said...

That's a great top! I'm really impressed that you adapted the pattern.

Cat said...

I just found your blog and have only read a couple of posts so far but will be trawling back through them all because you sound like such a cool person! (and your hubby, will have to look at the seasonal blog too, it looks great!)

I love the top you made and I'm so jealous you got to wear it to the cricket!!! What a great day to be there. My fiance was at the last day of the last test in 2005, he bought the ticket in advance for a tenner on the off-chance there would be play. He could have sold it for £3000 that morning but didn't want to miss the moment!

mandi said...

oh ali... it's gorgeous! this fabric was my choice when i ordered my lovely babyhawk. http://www.facebook.com/mandijane?ref=name#/photo.php?pid=1647439&id=563530589