As much as I tell myself dresses for summer are the way to go, I still find myself grabbing shorts for stay-at-home, errand-running kind of days. But I can probably wear less than half of the hot weather tops in my closet. No slinky knit tank tops…yet. Click here for explanation. This has forced me to think outside my normal tank top box and take the time to sew some fun, forgiving, gathered blouses. And I couldn’t be more happy with reconstruction make #5 that I’m sharing here.
The pattern I used is McCall’s 7095. I grabbed this on sale at JoAnn’s when I was collecting loose-through-the-chest patterns. I knew immediately that this design fit the bill perfectly – above the chest gathers and a high non-revealing neckline, and as a bonus, it is super cute! I made view A.
My fabrics are from the Dream Weaver Voile Collection by Amy Butler, purchased online at Hawthorne Threads. The fabric is $13.95 per yard and is 54″ wide. I cannot say enough wonderful stuff about this cotton voile. It’s silky smooth, buttery soft, and light as a feather. You cannot go wrong with an Amy Butler voile. This is my fourth project with this fabric. Amy, please make more voile! I’m running out of designs to choose from.
The instructions called for finishing the armhole by turning under the raw edge of the fabric 5/8″ and doing a narrow hem. I thought this would be almost impossible at the curve of the underarm. I finished the armholes with purchased bias tape instead.
Oops! I didn’t notice the bias tape was turned under at the shoulder when I took the picture.
For the bottom band, I doubled the width of the pattern piece, folded it in half and sewed the edges together when it was sewn onto the body. I did this instead of a single layer band with a narrow 5/8″ hem as called for in the instructions.
LET’S BE HONEST:
1. I made a size Small (8 – 10) even though that is not reflective of my measurements on the chart. I am bigger. I assumed there would be plenty of design/wearing ease. Fortunately I was correct and it fit perfect.
2. I shorten the body pattern piece by about 2 inches. I often shorten tops as I do not want them to end at my thighs, the widest part of me. I prefer tops to hit a few inches above my thighs.
3. The only deviations I made from the instructions were mentioned above, the armhole finish and double layer for the bottom band.
4. In case you’re wondering, my shorts are RTW from Talbots. I also have these shorts in two other colors.
5. This top is way more billowy and wide than I would usually wear, but it’s just so fun and comfortable, I don’t care!
I love everything about this top. Maybe one with sleeves for fall?
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this post!
Sewing Myself Stylish 
It’s a gorgeous top – I love how you mixed the patterns, and the fit is perfect. Very nicely done!
Thank you, Masha! Combining patterns is one of my favorite things to do.
The mixed patterns and the style give it that boho look that is so trendy right now, Lori. So while you’re wearing clothes mandated by your recovery, you’re also perfectly in style! Bonus that it’s comfortable and cute.
This has been a good challenge for me and I am happy with the patterns I’ve discovered during this period.
So cute Lori! I love all the fabrics you use. Everything has a Scandinavian look. Wish I could sew like you….
Thanks, Fran! I never thought I was putting off a Scandinvian vibe, but I am half Swedish so maybe it comes naturally.
Lovely top and looks fab with the shorts. And what’s with a turned under hem on an arm syce? We all know it doesn’t work!!! Binding is the way to go. I enjoy making binding from the fabric. Have you ever tried it? Very satisfying 👍
Yes, I have made my own bias tape many times and it does make great finish detail. I was just to lazy to do it here because it wasn’t part of the original plan.
I hear that!
I’ve seen the top in person and can say it is adorable and looks so comfy yet not under dressed
Thanks for the endorsement, Audrey!
Super cute (like the model).
Lovely! So bright and jazzy. I can imagine layering this with a long sleeve t-shirt to brighten up dull days – something only too common in England!
I’d love to try that voile – I had worried it might be a little too sheer, but seeing your top I was wrong about that. Must find a supplier in Australia.
Happy New Year! I really enjoy your blog, and hope that your sewing and recovery journeys are going well!
You haven’t posted in awhile. I am hopeful your recovery is going well and that you are enjoying yourself.
I am doing fantastic! I have been so busy sewing new clothes and doing other things that I haven’t made time for blogging. Thank you for checking in with me!