Colour blocked Day Tripper

They say a picture tells a thousand words…
Are you following my story? I’ve sewn a colour blocked version of ShwinDesigns‘ Day Tripper Top. The pattern comes with two sleeve options and three length options. I selected the long sleeve version with the shortest body length.
After a quick and dirty muslin (I say dirty as I used stained jersey that I brought super cheap with the hope the marks would come out – they did not!) I made the following adjustments:
- Shorted the neckband piece by 3 inches and clumsily bound the neckband. I say clumsily as it’s four layers of fabric and was near impossible to top-stitch. What can I say? I was experimenting!
- Shortened the arms by 1.5 inches in three places (a total of 4.5 inches) as I was after a more 3/4 look but achieved a 4/5 look as my woolen fabric has much more drape than my muslin!
- Left off the hem band, stablised the raw hem with fusible stay tape, turn up once and stitch down with my twin needle in thread that matched the contrast colour
What did I end up with? A custom top that’s all that I wanted and more. A top that could be described as a cross between Grainline’s Hemlock Tee and Megan Nielsen’s Briar! Happy days…
What do I love about this top?
- The fabric – 100% medium weight merino wool that super soft, warm and has amazing drape.
- The high low hem – such a flattering style on me that I will continue to wear even when it goes out of fashion… just like Lara!
- The relaxed fit – another favourite
- The colour blocking – why didn’t I try this earlier?
Pattern: Day Tripper Top by ShwinDesigns
Size: S through the neck and shoulders graded to a M through the bust and side waist. Long sleeved version with shortest body length.
Fabric: 100% merino wool (medium weight) from The Fabric Store
Alterations: I left off the hem band, shortened the sleeves, shortened the neckband and bound the neckline in a different way than instructed.
Accessories: Uimi Indiana Scarf purchased from A Quirk of Fate
Very nice colour blocking – It’s not something I think to do very often, but a great way to add a bit of pzazz to a straightforward garment…….and I love the shoes!
Thanks Kathy. I’m usually in the pattern clashing camp, but this colour blocking is more subtle and a good bit of fun. It was also pleasing that the highlights were leftover material from another project.
Looks fabulous – and I love how you have styled it. I really struggle with casual (as in ‘non-work’) clothing, and you seem have ‘hit the nail on the head’ Just perfect!
Thanks Two Toast. I enjoy styling my makes for blog photos. Thankfully as a Mum I can do casual all the time. The thought of work/corporate clothes is scary for me!
It fits perfectly, just the right amount of ease, length, neckline etc!!! Love it when that happens! You look so good in these colours, and that scarf is amazing!
It was definitely worth doing a muslin on this pattern so I could tweak it & make it my own. I think I have a crush on magenta at the moment… which started with lip stick! The scarf has been an unexpected hit this winter. It nicely jazzes up solid colours.
This is so nice! Love the colour blocking!
I definitely predict more colour blocking in my life. I’m perhaps a little late to the party, but that hasn’t stopped me before!
Me too! Am going to be a convert!
Hi. I read your blog and really like seeing the stuff you make. I nominated you for a Liebster Award. Please check it out: http://nightswatchblog.wordpress.com/2014/06/24/liebster-award-mach-ii/
Thanks for your very kind nomination and feedback about my little old blog. I’ve been nominated got s liebster award before. Although the questions are different, I thought you might enjoy reading my responses – http://bloglessanna.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/all-about-me
I like this alot- not too boxy and the one arm of color is a nice pop. Me likey!
Me likely too. I’m a little late to the colour blocking party, but I think I might hang around for a while and enjoy!
Oh, I love it Anna! Flattering, comfy, and customised with a very ‘you’ touch.
Thanks Jane. I’m still drooling over your Deer and Doe linen dress. There is definitely one of those in my future!
Anna, you look SMASHING! This is such a perfect style fit for you. Tres awesome!
Side note: are these pictures from your house? The instagram teasers have been impressive!
Scheming another version of this pattern as we speak!
This whole outfit and your hair and everything, you just look fabulous. So relaxed and beautiful. Suffice to say you should wear this outfit all the time, it looks wonderful.
Very kind words, thank-you. I love this outfit too. I wore it today and just replaced the spotty singlet with a thin navy and white stripe one. I of course received the ‘you should make and sell them’ from the Mum’s at school. AAhhhh no… repetition bores me!
Lovely! Merino wool is just SO wearable. And your hi-low hem is definitely the kind of proportions I love 🙂
Mel, I have a fabric crush on merino… and liberty… and let’s face it probably most other expensive fabrics!
It’s the best kind of addiction to have 😉
[…] wasn’t convinced by the pattern until I saw Blogless Anna’s colour blocked version – I think Anna is becoming my style inspiration. I coped some of her and left the bottom hem as it […]