Esme Top

 

 

As I've said before, I really get into sewing itches, very seasonally related every now and again and right now is one of those times.  I am so inspired that I am trying very hard to focus on the process of sewing and creating and not just the end result!  Otherwise I am guilty of sewing late into the night (well 1030-11 is late for me anyway) ignoring all my cleaning and laundry all because of a meaningless deadline that I gave myself to finish a project.  I kind of did just that for this top, telling Greg "I have to finish this top before our neighborhood block party!"  and I did so, and wore it outside underneath a jacket in late October.  But I knew I was wearing it and that made me happy.  I made the Esme Top from SewLiberated.  This is the second top I've made from Sew Liberated, I also have made myself two Schoolhouse Tunics which I loved wearing all last winter.  I also just finished a second Esme in voile.  

Digging the look with skinny jeans and boots

I bought a striped chambray fabric which I realized after my purchase looks just like the picture on the pattern sample, I obviously liked it!  This fabric feels wonderful it is really flowy and comfortable.  I ended up cutting out a size 12 and 10 because I was suspicious of the size the measurements told me to make, but at the same time I know there's no going back if you cut out a size too small.  But just like I expected the 12 was HUGE and I did so much taking in when I sewed the side seams it was ridiculous, so the second time around I knew to just make a ten.  Strangely this is the second time this has happened to me, my first Schoolhouse Tunic was huge on me too.  I even looked up how to take proper measurements before I did so, not sure what is happening.  Even after taking it in, with my body type the flowy top was looking very maternity-esque and I just really wanted it to fit tighter in the bust area.  After figuring out that no amount of taking in at the armpit seam area was going to get me this fit I envisioned (I kept basting and basting....) I finally thought to make a little elastic casing to cinch it in the back.  My husband actually was the one who made me think of it, he scrunched it together in the back and said "It would look better if it was tighter like this".  Ah ha!  You can see the casing below......

I was going to take it out if it looked terrible, but it really doesn't!  It's pulling a little funny in this pic I think because my arm is up pulling my hair out of the way.  I literally just cut about a 4 inch piece of 1/2 inch elastic, sewed in a rectangle casing (edges folded under to be finished) and threaded the elastic through and sewed the elastic down on each side.  Even though it was so easy, it was actually the first time I ever deviated from a pattern and made it my own!   It felt very liberating and certainly boosted my confidence.  I really love this top, I have literally worn it about 7 times since finishing it two weeks ago.