just in time

This weekend has not been cooperating in terms of sunlight. Finally I managed to find about 15 minutes of light this morning to grab photos of the last two shirts I've made for the Spring Top Sewalong. And before I go on - I have to say, I'm so delighted that my first top was in the Top of the Tops for Week 3, and then yesterday it was announced as a Judges finalist! Truthfully, I squealed at the news - which Jay found out first (super bonus points for a husband who was waiting to see the winners announced, right?) This Sewalong has been inspiring in so many ways - thank you Rae for such a great idea and challenge.

So, on to these two tops. The first is from a Vogue dress pattern I used last summer, but modified to be a shirt. It turns out both times I've used this pattern I've made a mistake - you're not meant to actually sew the pleats, only baste them so they are loose and flowy. I looked at the pattern photo so many times yet couldn't make out what was different (and almost thought I'd had the piece sewed on backwards). Finally after some very careful reading I realized that I missed that one simple word: baste. I then started a third shirt hoping to do it properly, but after basting (or in other words, following the directions ) I had to admit I actually preferred the tightness of the sewn pleats, even if it is a little like secretary wear circa 1971. I also love the cowl neck and the shirt works great with a cardigan. I picked up this gray knit fabric from Designer Fabric Outlet for 5.99/yd which is such a steal - it's stiff and a great colour. It's perfect for this style of shirt.

Next up, a very simple, totally unflattering tank using the nice fabric I got from Etsy. Come to think of it, the bias trim is from Etsy too (from this shop). But a shirt like this is so great in the summer when I have to wear cardigans to the office anyway. This is sort of my own pattern, which started as a commercial maternity pattern that I lost and so then loosely drafted from a finished dress, and I used it last summer to make three tops and two dresses. I wore the tops all season so adding a red option should come in handy.

There are so many great tops to check out, make sure to visit the Sewalong Flickr pool. I've only added about a hundred ideas to my sewing to-do list thanks to that collection!