a taylor swift inspired top

top: self-made

cardigan: kate spade new york

pants: gap

flats: steve madden

bag: cabridge satchel x comme des garcons

I don't think I'm that great at making tops because there are a lot of small fiddly things per square inch on them than most of the things I make, even on a simple garment like this one. But I'm improving? Making tops is part of my "wardobe creation" and "getting more precise/better with my sewing" dual goals of this year. And I even used up some of my black double-fold bias tape that's been in my bin for ages, so this counts as stash busting as well!

i'm real wrinkly here. oops.

This photo is really wrinkly: part of the reason is that I made this one size too big. I made the size 6 and it was skintight, so I skipped a size and made the 10. WRONG. Next time (when I make the pattern as-written) I'll make an 8. I used a thin cotton(/poly blend?) and bias tape from my stash. This is a modified version of Simplicity 2154's blouse pattern. I moved the zip to the back and eliminated the front keyhole and bow, which made it necessary to mess with the collar a little bit. I just fudged it and added maybe 1/2 cm to the front and back edges of the pattern piece. Cheater. My favorite part? The exposed zip:

twee in the front, punk in the back. sort of.

I was worried that the zip would be too heavy for the fabric, and you can see that it did create some drag lines. I don't think it is too terrible.

inspired by this top. someday i'll stop with the t swift.

Fabric: sheer-ish white mystery cotton
Pattern: Simplicity 2154
Year: Contemporary.
Notions: Metal zip
Time to complete: not long.
First worn: 24.09.12 to work & the Monti storyslam at Motorco :)
Wear again? Yes, with my red pants?!
Total price: $3.99 for the zip!