Thursday, August 26, 2010

Silk Jersey Self-Drafted Tunic

Silk Jersey Self-Drafted Top

So I found an amazing silk jersey print at G Street Fabrics while they were having a sale so it was $5.22/yd. This border print was printed not with the border along the selvage but in panels. There were three panels in the bin. I bought all three.

I turned two of them into the BWOF 06-2010-123 sack dress. Diane Drexel asked on that post what the dress looks like when worn backwards. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought to try it! So I did. But while some things can be worn frontwards and backwards for different but cool looks, some things cannot. This dress looks like a nightgown when worn backwards, and not in a sexy negligee kind of way. It was worth a shot.

Anyway, I had one panel left, plus a few small bits leftover from the dress. I wanted to make work pieces out of them. So I turned the bottom half of one panel into a simple elastic waist skirt. Then I used the top half of that panel and the leftover bits I could scrounge into a simple self-drafted top. I am pretty pleased!

To make the top, I sort of used the method outlined in this Craftster tutorial and sort of based it on the principle of my Burda 7866 top.

Shape of Top

When laid flat on the table, you can see how simple it is, just a rectangle for the upper bodice and a contoured tube for the band.

Neckline and Armscye Finish I cut two rectangles for the upper bodice. I just used the full 45 inch width of the fabric and then cut that in half along the fold. The length was determined by the length of the fabric I had remaining after the skirt, which was about 18 inches.

Then I sewed the shoulder seam, adjusting the neckline opening until it was narrow enough to cover my bra straps but still a wide boat neck.

Next, I figured out the length of a comfortable armscye (about six inches for me) and sewed the side seam below the armhole opening.

I finished the neckline and armscye simply by turning under twice and stitching. I turned under the front neckline about twice as much as the back neckline because I feel chokey if a neckline is too high.

Elasticated Waist Seam For the lower bodice, I made a contoured tube, larger at the hip. Because of the size of my scraps, my lower band is made of three pieces, but if you have ample fabric two pieces with shaping at the side seams will be fine. The lower band has about an inch of ease at the waist and inch a half ease at the hip.

I gathered the upper bodice to the waist edge of the band and stitched together. I pressed the seam down and then stitched in place to make an elastic casing. I wasn't sure I wanted to do the casing, but I prefer the way it looks with the seam right at my waist rather than falling below.

Then hem the lower band and you're done! This is super easy and turns out a stylish top, as you can see from the examples below (but they are boring solid colors--fie upon boring solid colors).

Saks.com - Ralph Lauren Blue Label - Adina Dolman Pullover Saks.com - Ella Moss - Madison Banded Tunic


Silk Jersey Top and Skirt









This is a great piece for work, as is the skirt. I feel that I got quite a versatile wardrobe out of this purchase! The skirt and top can be worn as separates or they can be put together (tucking the hip band into the skirt and using a belt to cover the join) for a two piece dress. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the dress look so I might never put it together that way, but having the option is nice.

If you have a great knit print to show off but not much of it, I highly recommend this pattern/method. It is really so simple!

All photos are here and the pattern review is here.

27 comments:

Mary said...

What a beautiful outfit! The fabric is just perfect for the skirt and top, and both are extremely flattering on you. I am trying VERY hard to sew from stash and you aren't helping. :-)

Little Hunting Creek said...

You are so clever! What a great idea and a perfect use for your leftover silk.

Trudy said...

Oh, Trina, you are so clever how you drafted this blouse with the few scraps you had. It turned out so beautifully. The silk jersey print is super gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration. I will have to keep this in mind. I'm really itching to try this method.

Trudy
www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com

Amanda S. said...

I like it as a dress AND as separates. You certainly got your moneys worth out of that bit of fabric! I LOVE the print as well.

Rosie said...

Trena - very innovative and pretty!

Digs said...

Wonderful again! I love the dress look - the different but united patterns above & below really make it.

melissa said...

Very very nice! With a fabric that interesting, you don't really need a fancy pattern design. And silk jersey for a fiver?? holy crap, I would've bought the lot, too!

Lisette M said...

Great way to use up the fabric. I like it as a dress and separates and the original dress made me take a second look at the pattern.

Anonymous said...

What a great use of this print- so designer-y! Also, props on those adorable T-straps ;)

KID, MD said...

That is such a fabulous fabric, and you really made it work for you! Nice! I love it both as separates and a dress.

Uta said...

Very cute! I would have snatched up the fabric, too. (No way would I have made as many garments from it, though!)

cidell said...

KB, me likey! The print is stunning and this design is perfect.

ELMO said...

What a great top, and I love the way you accessorized it. The gold pin & belt makes the print pop.

Adelaide B said...

Super cute! Simple works best for this fabric.

Ellen said...

I LOVE it as a dress, too! What a pretty print, and what a great way to use it.

Tasia said...

Great top - I love that you can work it as a dress too. Plus, silk jersey!! I bet it feels fabulous to wear.

Angela said...

What great pieces! It's such a lovely print.. glad you got to use it in many different ways!

Eugenia said...

What a fantastic use of some really beautiful fabric. I love the print and the colours and, although I can't touch it, I just know that it must feel good and drape well because silk jersey is so luxurious. Personally, I love the dress look!

AllisonC said...

You definitely got good use out of that fabric, 2 great outfits (well more when you split up the skirt and top). I'm planning on wearing my sack dress out tonight and am now curious to try it on backwards too!

Claire S. said...

Really like the dress option. Beautiful print and you definitely got your money's worth !

a little sewing said...

Gorgeous! That print is so beautiful and the top shows it off perfectly. Really suits you, too.

Debbie Cook said...

Ditto everyone - love the print, love your creativity. Definitely rethink wearing the pieces together as a dress because it looks fab and is very flattering!

Louise Mc said...

wow - Love the dress.

gwensews said...

That is a piece of art! I would frame it and put it on a wall! Gorgeous.

meli88a said...

wow, that fabric is delish. You used it so well!

senaSews said...

The fabric is just adorable. You made best use of the fabric!

SEWN said...

Gorgeous set. I love it. That print is sooo sweet.