The long time coming first blog post - Teal sheer top

I've been wanting to start blogging since last year. However I had lost my sewing mojo for a while and no sewing happened to blog about. Now it has returned and I present to you my latest make, the teal sheer top.

Excuse the headless photos. I am not happy with posting my photos on the internet when I can't control who sees it and who doesn't, so headless is the way to go. Or faceless.


The idea for this top came with a RTW top I purchased last year. Although it seemed okay at the store, when I tried it on later at home it was HORRIBLE on me. The armholes were too low, bust darts were uneven, the collar lay weirdly. I should have noted these in the store but it's hard to get a proper fit with the security tags fixed onto the insides of the clothes, here in our stores. So I had no option but to return it. But before I did, I copied the pattern thinking I could modify it to something wearable. (Wonder if that's unethical since I didn't keep the top!)

Anyhoo, after many tweaks to the pattern, I finally arrived at this top, which I love! The fabric is a georgette which I got at LKR 185/m (less than USD 1.5/m). I got 1m of this and still have some leftovers.

Tracing the pattern was a nightmare. The fabric was so slippery and it was impossible to maintain the grainline. I used a million pins and thread traced the entire pattern onto the fabric.

The shaping for the front of the top comes from two side bust darts and very very curved side seams to give the illusion of curves. I am wearing the top here with a camisole which is how I will be wearing this, since the fabric is very sheer.

 I prefer to wear tops that cover my behind when I wear jeans, hence the exaggerated back hem curve. Looking at these photos I feel I could reduce the curve a bit more. You can see how much the back dips with comparison to the front hem in the side view photo.The side seams seem to be pulling towards one side, I'm not sure whether it's because the grain isn't straight or the way I'm standing.

The collar is drafted as a single piece and  top-stitched using my general-purpose foot. The armholes and hem was finished with bias binding. I couldn't find a matching colour and so went with a lighter colour from my stash. I wish I used a darker colour though.

 I also drafted a hidden button placket, mainly because it is difficult to get neat buttonholes with such slippery fabric. I couldn't find buttons to match the fabric and so used white buttons. No issues since it's hidden!

I see many similar tops in the future for me, and have so many variations swimming in my head right now. Sleeved versions, colour-blocked versions, lace, embellished collars, fun buttons! The possibilities are endless!!