Up up and away with Ruby
With lovely holiday memories still fresh in my mind, I was keen to turn this quirky travel fabric into a summery top.
The colourful Around the World in 80 Days print from Darn Cheap Fabrics was the inspiration behind today’s balloon photo shoot.
The top… let me tell you about the top… This weekend I’ve developed a pattern crush on Tessuti’s latest release the Ruby Top/Dress. I traced off a size 12, completed an 1 1/2 inch dartless FBA and shortened the pattern at the hem by 1 1/4 inches. During a mid-make try-on, I discovered excess room at the side seams. To resolve this issue, I took each side seam in by 3/8 inch. Perhaps I didn’t need that FBA, or such a large FBA, after all?
The stitch-in-the-ditch method, as outlined in the instructions, for securing the neck and armholes binding, is not one I’ve used before. I decided to follow the instructions and I think it’s fair to say that I need a little more stitch-in-the-ditch practice! The slightly darker than ideal thread doesn’t help the situation either. Next time, I foresee the binding being hand stitched in place.
This top was a bit of a style experiment for me. I don’t usually wear high necklines, but Ruby’s cut-away armholes balance her neckline nicely. Did I mention there is a dress version too? I have some silk earmarked for a Ruby Dress and a function date (Dec 5th) that I’m working towards.
The pattern also features a keyhole back opening. My op shop jar of buttons delivered yet again and I learnt how to make a thread chain to loop the button through. Information on creating a thread chain were not included in the instructions, but a quick internet search uncovered an easy to follow Oliver + S tutorial.
Before I take my balloon and go home, I’m giving Ruby the big thumbs up.
Pattern: Tessuti’s Ruby Top/Dress
Size: 12
Fabric: K-Balloons (100% viscose) from Darn Cheap Fabrics
Alterations: 1.5″ dartless FBA. I took each side seam in by 3/8″. I removed 1 1/4″ from the length of the top at the hem.
Accessories: Beads from Scarlett Jones & shoes purchased online.
What a really nice fabric and Pattern!!!
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🙂
Love it! I’ve been eyeing Ruby off since she first appeared, and have patted that fabric… I bought the owls, maybe they’d like to be my first Ruby 😉
And I continue to love your photoshoots – such fun!
An owl Ruby would be such fun. Do it!
Darling fabric. Those bindings look flawless – congrats! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your comments toadster. I love sharing my makes!
I adore your top! Your finishing is impeccable! I want this pattern, but have many projects for Christmas and the dead of winter is coming soon so I will make myself wait until March.
Ruby is a great basic but flattering top. She will be worth the wait.
Love this – it is really flattering on you.
I literally went to sleep thinking of this pattern and possible fabrics last night – seeing yours has made me decide to try this ASAP.
Thanks Justine. I love that it has a bit of a swishing 60s vibe. So easy to wear. BTW I often fall asleep thinking about patterns and fabric combinations!
Love this! I love this pattern & it looks great on you.
Thanks Lizzy. I’m definitely on a post sewing high. So much so I’m cleaning my sewing space and stash this morning!
I’m always starting to clean out my sewing room… then squirrels and drunk monkeys start playing…
Love it! How do you do your dartless FBA? (Would love to know if you can point out a quick link to tutorial or something.)
Thanks Jane. I watch (and re-watch) a 5 minutes Threads video (free!) each time I do a dartless FBA – http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/26432/industry-insider-techniques-vol-4
Very cute! I have a few on my sewing list too.
I can’t wait to see what fabrics you’ve chosen.
I like this! You look great with your denim shorts and wedges!
Bring on summer weather I say… Summer sewing and styling are my favourite!
What a sweet top. I was never sure what that fabric could be effectively made into, but it’s just gorgeous as a Ruby top.
I brought the fabric with a Sutton Blouse in mind, but the yoke is one piece, so some of those balloons would have been up-side-down. Ruby was the perfect dartless pattern to showcase the print.
Gorgeous! And so fun and summer-y. I think your ditch stitching is pretty good – it’s tough to get right, although I’ve heard amazing things about the stitch in the ditch foot! And – you need to wear awesome short shorts more often!
I must research the stitch-in-the-ditch foot. I do need more shorts in my life. I’m thinking of tackling the Maritime Shorts… But I’ll have to overcome my irrational fear of sewing ‘bottoms’.
I’m with you on ditch stitching. It should be easy but it’s like my needle and the ditch are opposing magnets!
This top looks great. I agree, the neckline and armholes balance perfectly
Phew… I’m not the only one. I had to hand sew a few sections that didn’t ‘catch’ on the back. Ruby is a winner of a pattern!
Great top, lovely fabric and pretty good ditch stitching …!!!!!!!
Thanks Ria. Practice makes perfect and all that!
This fabric is so gorgeous and suits the shape of the top so well! I did see this new pattern from Tessuti and I’m bummed as I don’t think the high neck line would suit me…sad face.
High necks and generous busts are usually not a good mix, but the cut away sleeves balance everything nicely. If you are going to try this pattern, it does really need a drapey fabric. Viscose or rayon are drapey without being too slippery so a good for a first try. Am I making sense?
I loved this pattern when it was released but I was concerned about how it would look on those of us with bigger busts. I think I’ll have to give it a try!
It’s beautifully drafted Kim. Definitely give it a try.
Is there any doubt why I love this?? I mean HOT AIR BALLOONS!! You and me both! I love the shape and the high neckline is well balanced with the cutaway armholes. I’m interested to see you dress as well!
Perhaps we are twins who were separated at birth! 🙂
I love this high neck on you. You are right the cut away arms are a perfect balance!!
Drafting genius! I need more Ruby’s in my life…
SQUEEEEEE! Anna, this is freaking perfect! You look sensational 😀 Also, balloons!
Can’t go wrong with balloons Amanda… both on fabric and in real life! Maybe this should have been my crazy fabric post? I’m loving #bpSewvember
So lovely, your fabric choice is inspired. Rather impressed with this pattern too.
It’s a good one Louise. I think you’d like it. Perhaps file it away until next Summer. Must be hard to think if short sleeve tops at the moment.
Two things I’ve had my eye on bundled up into one garment of fabulousness! VERY awesome 🙂
I can totally see you in both the fabric & this style. It reminds me of the Salme Hannah top you made (did I remember that correctly?). Go for it!
Total fabulousness. I now have some of this fabric 🙂
What a lovely top in such a fun print!
[…] is a sad story about my first Ruby Top. After the first wear, which was a day in the city carrying a heavy bag on my shoulder, I […]