Thursday, July 23, 2009

Starting the Top

Amy Butler Top and Linen

OK, I know I am SUPER SLOW but this summer has just been crazy. But starting today, I'm going to be walking through the making of this Amy Butler top! I went to my FAVORITE Denver shop the other day, Fancy Tiger, and Jamie the owner told me she made this top already and gave me some fantastic tips! For example, she said it was really long and she had to cut off a lot and that it was full and she took it in. These are things I will look for as I'm making it. It's made to fit lots of sizes so it's probably best to measure myself to the pattern.

SO, I decided after looking at all my cotton print fabric, that I would get more wear out of this top, and be able to wear it to work, if I made it from a solid. I have this gorgeous Irish linen collecting dust so it is being pre-washed right now! It is handkerchief weight but has more body than a cotton so I'm going to use one of the pictured Amy Butler prints as the facing/lining for the bodice. I can't wait to make this!

Also, Jamie told me it only took her 2-3 hours to complete so I should be able to crank this out soon.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Picking the Fabric

AB Tunic Pattern
AB Tunic Pattern

I'm going to start on this pattern, yay! I have a lot of fabric but I narrowed it down to these two. Unfortunately, I don't have enough of the fuchsia martini but could pick up the extra yard I need pretty easily I think. I like blue and since this is for me, I think either color would work. And there is no law against making the pattern several times!

I considered using two coordinating fabrics because I like to mix and match. Looking at the pattern pieces, this would be possible to do using a different pattern on the top than the bottom. It could also be cute to put a different pattern in the pleated area but for the first time, I'll stick with one fabric.

This pattern is amazingly flexible in that it comes in sizes for girls size 7 through 12 and women size 2 through 22. In addition, for each size, you choose whether you want a dress, tunic, short or long top length! I am making the tunic top length in a size medium for women which is listed as size 10-12 with bust 36". The pattern includes waist and hip but I don't think it applies for this pattern.

The tunic top has a facing and though the pattern layout calls for this to be in the same fabric as the top, I might use a solid cotton for that part since it won't be visible. The facing is really a lining for the whole top part of the tunic which is nice, no messy seams showing.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Amy Butler Pattern Review!

Amy Butler Patterns

So, I was asked to review these new Amy Butler patterns here on my blog! I just received them from Amy today and am excited to start working on them. Haven't decided what fabrics to use or anything. Stay tuned for the review, I'm guessing it could be a few weeks away though who knows when inspiration will strike?!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Vintage Destash

Fantastic 50s printFunky Vintage FabricFunky Vintage Fabric101_5013.JPG

THIS WEEKEND, over the July 4th Holiday, I am going to part with some of my beloved vintage fabrics, patterns and aprons in my Etsy shop. Come by and visit!