Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Mortem's Tricks or Treats: Practically "Done" Simplicity 1371

In the vague words of Lisa in Stir of Echoes, this top is practically done, which is to say that practically means not really...

I gave you all a sneak peek of this top, and so now I present you:

Simplicity 1371


The top is done, sans a closure to the straps-- hence the practically bit.
This is going to be a long one, so get comfortable.

*inhales*


For this project I used semi old stash, I acquired this faux leather/suede material during my time working for Jill's Fabric & Design in Carlsbad, New Mexico, which at this point makes it a year and a half old stash. Good enough, eh?

I can't actually recall when this pattern was purchased... I now have several Cynthia Rowley by Simplicity patterns, and most of them were purchased in large hauls when I was after another pattern in particular. It's funny because the pattern images and samples of these patterns are all super hideous. Just ugh, why? I know that I bought this pattern for the pants and shorts because up until very recently the thought of wearing crop tops would make me physically ill-- I have that little confidence in my belly's appearance.


I cut out a size 12 in view A. It's worth it to note that this material is not on the suggested fabrics for this pattern, but it worked well because of the nature of the drape; it's not too stiff and not too soft.

In the sample I gave you all, it would appear to be hella short, and have slightly different design features... but I was mucking about at that point; I didn't know what I wanted to do.


I began playing with the myriad of trims I buy and for whatever reason never use, hahah...
The trims and spikes for this top were purchased at Hobby Lobby when they have their bogo trim spools sales or 50% off; they're already super cheap, so the sale makes it a crazy good deal. The rivets and appliques were bought from Joann's.


I must confess something at this point... this was my first time using rivets...
It scared the hell out of me. Luckily I had several sizes that I had purchased earlier since I was hoping to use them in a purse I was planning on making, because this could have made me swear off of them.


If the post is too long, then it might come loose, if it's too short it might pop off-- scary stuff! I gave them a dot of fray check to act as reinforcement, just to be sure heh! They turned out alright!


What didn't turn out as planned is the back closure; this material is too stiff for hook and eye, I wanted, no, needed to use spring snaps. Anything else would look poopy. After eight pair trials, I could not keep from bending the post off to the side. It leads me to believe that either A) I am just terribad at applying snaps, or B) the snaps I currently have are too large for this material, I did buy them for handbag making after all.


The pattern calls for an invisible zipper, which just wouldn't work with this material; the amount of pressure of the material, it would be an inevitability it would break. Besides, this was a great opportunity to make it a design feature as well. As a side note, this is a recycled zipper from the pocket of a pair of pants I bought at the thrift store to gut for notions. Woohoo!



One of my favorite aspects of this top is the fact that I was able to make the inside look just as clean on the outside as in; considering all the seams and hand stitching I needed to do on this. I did however overlook a zipper flap, I might go back in and add one but I have tried it on and didn't notice the zipper in the slightest. Must be the location and size of it.
I'm getting quite obsessive about having my work as clean inside, just as out... weird. That's something they don't tell you, as you get further into your sewing progression, completionism becomes overwhelmingly strong; it happens in gaming too...


So that's it! When I get some proper fitting snaps in there, I shall wear it in a completed outfit hehe.

Till next time! Spooky ya later.

7 comments:

  1. That looks amazing! I actually thought about buying this pattern but didn't because of the belly confidence thingy. Maybe your example can make me more daring? The top looks great and all the details and the unsual fabric really work together so well!

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    1. I know, I wasn't sure if I would ever have the confidence to sew this kind of a top, but the shorts and pants have a wonderful cut to them so they were my excuse lol.

      Well I encourage you to sew for yourself and try not to think about negative things hehe-- funny coming from me who would vomit at the sight of her own naked belly... but it's so sad to be so hateful to one's own body. Perhaps our combined courage will begin melting away the insecurities we both hold =)

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  2. Awesome! I have a few Cynthia Rowley patterns too, I bought them second hand. There's nothing outstanding about any of the designs...I just like to hoard patterns lol. I really love the look of the lining on this. I'm a fetishist when it comes to a good lining. I like to add facings or linings to things because it makes them rest well against the body and look more polished. The exposed metal zip really amps this piece up. :)

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    1. Some of them have an interesting design I think-- like this one, but there are a few that are fairly plain for being designer.

      The most I've done in the past was add facings in combination with serged edges, so technically the inside of my garments have always been "clean", but now lining things is quickly becoming an obsession!

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  3. Very nicely done, this turned out so nicely! I admire your dedication to having the inside look so nice!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! It's probably something I should have got in the habit of doing sooner rather than later... but I guess that is the natural way of things, heheh.

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