Now those of you that are familiar with this pattern must be a little puzzled because the pattern is for a variety of scoop neck tops, not a top with a draped neckline. But I’m going to reveal my secret
You see the top does have a scoop neck but in the first picture I am wearing it with a neck ring scarf, that I made from the leftover fabric. That way this basic top gets two different looks. Pretty neat, eh?
I found the instructions for making the neck ring scarf in the October issue of the Vogue/McCalls/Butterick pattern magazine – in the UK the magazine is called Sew Today but in the USA it’s still called Vogue Patterns. The neck ring is very easy to make. Basically you take a piece of leftover fabric (mine measured 60” wide by about 20” so is long enough to go round my neck twice), fold it in half lengthwise and sew the long sides right sides together but leave about 5” open at either end. Turn it right sides out. Then, also right sides together, you sew the short ends together (this is made possible because you have left the ends of the long sides open). Then hand sew the opening. Done!
Back to the top. This is actually the fourth time I have made this pattern but, guess what, this time I managed to screw up sewing the neck band on. It turned out to be horribly uneven, totally unacceptable! So I had to unpick all the serger stitching (yuk!) and cut another neck band. Fortunately the fabric of the top itself wasn’t too mangled. By taking a lot of care my second attempt at getting the band on was (almost) perfect. Which just goes to show – I should never get too complacent – it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve done something, it’s still possible to make a mess of it! Do you identify with that kind of mindset – “Oh this won’t take a second, I can do this in my sleep ………. whoops, what happened there?”
I haven’t been doing much sewing in the last few weeks, Christmas preparations have been top of the agenda, but I do have plans to get at least some sewing done before Santa arrives. So, more soon …..
What a great idea! Love the look. Thanks so much for sharing your secret. I will most definitely give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI've made 5 of those circle scarves. They're great (and pretty quick). And they have a lot of impact. I totally hear you about making something for the 4th time and losing focus...
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea with the scarve, great looking top.
ReplyDeleteA very pretty top made out of beautiful fabric. Thank you for the tips for making the scarf.
ReplyDeleteLovely, I love the fabric...Is this a knit fabric? what a wonderful idea with the scarf.
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric that you used! And what a great way to use that extra fabric up- I am definitely going to give your circle scarf a try!
ReplyDeletethat is so clever - I plan to try that as my neck is always cold. And you are becoming the Jalie top expert. Question for you - I just made my first Jalie, scarf tie top. I chose the size based on bust size and it was a bit small. How do you decide which size to use for Jalie patterns?
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea. The top looks great on you by the way. Good colours for this season!
ReplyDeleteYour circle scarf looks great! I'm definitely going to have to try that. And making a mess of something you really do know how to do! Yep, been there, done that, will probably do it again.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty print and so clever with the circle scarf! The whole outfit is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHi Aminat - yes it is a knit fabric, it's a rayon/lycra mix.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth - when I first made a Jalie pattern I was very confused by the sizing so I measured a RTW t-shirt that I liked the fit of then picked the size that corresponded to that when I measured the Jalie pattern. I think you are right in that they run small compared to the Big 4 because I landed up using a bust size bigger than I would usually use. Also, just a thought, did you remember that Jalie use 1/4" seam allowances, not 5/8"?
Love the scarf! What a smart idea!
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering where you have been lately. The colors in this top are lovely, and aren't you a smart cookie to make that loop from leftover fabric. I'm filing that trick away in my memory banks to use for later.
ReplyDeleteHa! What a fun idea! Lovely fabric, too.
ReplyDeleteHi Euguenia, That top is fantastic - I am totally going to remember that added part from Vogue Patterns - what a great idea! It looks fabulous on you!
ReplyDeleteWarm regards, P.
I love your top and the neck ring scarf idea! What a marvelous way to convert any top into "cowl" blouse! Thanks for sharing that info!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I love it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful top - with and without the neck ring scarf! I certainly understand your "whoops" with a frequently used pattern.
ReplyDeleteI really like the fabric, just the right colours for winter. Your circle scarf is a great idea and just perfect for that last bit of fabric which is too big to throw away in good conscious, but not quite big enough to much with.
ReplyDeleteYou are seriously brilliant!
ReplyDeleteLovely colors! and the scarf is a wonderful addition. I like the look of it!
ReplyDeleteLovely top! Yes, isn't it usually the case when you think that you can zip through something - there's an oops. As a matter of fact, I have a t-shirt kicking around from summer that I need to fix, and that was supposed to be a quick and easy project!
ReplyDeleteLove the added infinity scarf! (That's what the stores here are calling them.) I want to make some infinity scarves for Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteI want to try your scarf idea. I don't get the Vogue magazine and have been looking for some instructions on how to make one. Your top is beautiful. I love how you teamed it with a dressy skirt. I know it would look just as good with a variety of pants and skirts. I need to follow your lead for my own closet. This year does seem to be busier than last year. I agree.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to get two looks out of the same top! And yes, I mangle things that should be "easy" all the time.
ReplyDeleteOne word GORGEOUS !! the fabric , the scarf , everything. I will be stealing your nifty little scarf idea you can count on that !
ReplyDeleteVery clever! I don't have that pattern, and I love the Jalie tops I've made. I need to order it!
ReplyDeleteGreat way to use up leftover fabric and change the look of a pretty top. Picking out serger stitches. I hate it. I have seen tips on choosing the right thread to pull first, which in theory will make the rest of the stiching fall apart. But when I need to do it, I never have the tip handy.
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous top. Very creative idea with the scarf.
ReplyDeleteLove that fabric, tell me you got it from a UK online shop so i can buy some too! Great idea with the scarf. Cowl necks always annoy if i'm washing my face or brushing my teeth, i always have to tuck them out of the way! A removable neckline's a pretty cool solution
ReplyDeleteHi Betty - thanks for stopping by! I actually purchased the fabic in John Lewis, at the branch in Kingston in Surrey, but other branches might carry it. The stock ticket called it 'Abstract Jersey'. By the way - I love the bags in your Etsy store!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Your top looks terrific both adorned and plain.
ReplyDeleteIngenious!! You did a good trick with that shirt. Now you have two looks in one garment
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fabric info Eugenia, i'll have to look out for it next time i'm near a John Lewis.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the bags too!
Beautiful print and I love that you added the scarf to give it a different look. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous color, and the scarf is a great addition. I'd love to try that trick. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous top as always. We'll have to organize a London shopping trip. I will be there in July!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful top! I love convertible clothes.. what a neat idea! Thanks for sharing! Hehe.. I've been away from crafting and the blog world and slowly trying to get back.
ReplyDelete