The Tops Progress Report: New Look 6965 and a Refashion

My full skirt sent me wandering down the aisles of body-shape pondering and top-love. Since I've been verbose on the former, I thought I'd share some images of the latter.

This is a pattern I bought in early June. With our summer sew-along, I thought this may help me get me through the summer and have some threads for Self-Stitched September. I liked that it was sleeveless, showing arm and collarbone while having a higher than average neckline and gathering around the bust. Also, in version D, the straps are nearly wide enough to hide a bra strap.



Top 1, NL 6965, Version D:


If you look close enough, the print might look familiar. You just may be sleeping on it ;) It's an old Ikea pillowcase. What can I say? I'm print shy and I liked this because it was both simple and small. Baby steps.

Top 2: NL 6965, Version A:



This fabric is part of the yards of various fabrics gifted to me by a friend for my graduation dress. This toile ended up being used for the dress's peter pan collar. The pattern calls for ribbon, but I made the tie-straps using the same fabric.

In terms of fit, both of these were adapted to give me a little more curve on the side seams. I traced the side of a women's button-down shirt, and that helped the top from being less bag-like while still being loose, comfortable and it pulls over my head. Hooray for no fancy closures! (There's a button in the back.)

Refashion
Remember this lovely pattern from the 50s?


The last time I tackled a vintage pattern with a collar, the result was hideous. It's still sitting in a bag way, way back in my closet so the chances of me encountering it is close to nil. So I thought I'd take a whack at the pattern before I planned to do the white-collared version.

I have this awful 80s top that I found in my aunt's garage with the tags still on. It had enormous shoulder pads, size: All.



But I thought the print had potential. I honestly thought this was a woven until I cut into it. It's a thick and a bit rough knit.


And here's Simplicity 3263, Version D:


I love the blousiness (I say it's a word) in the back. The four darts in the front bodice and two in back hugs the lower torso, leaving it roomy on top. Perfect for tucking, but I think it has a nice shape to remain untucked as well. I made a straight 32 (I should be a 34) but between the knit and a seam allowance decrease to 1 cm, it fits just fine (and no closure, either!)



There's more on the sewing table, but these mark my foray into woven tops and print!

Happy sewing :)