My love of the Alexa T-Top continues…

As I’ve mentioned many times before, the Alexa T-Top is the perfect layering top for me, but this time around I wanted something that would flatter my lack of curves and hide my mummy tummy.  A pattern hack was in order!

The Alexa T-Top became the base pattern I and used a RTW long sleeve tee to scoop out the neck, create a more A-line fit through the waist and hips, and to add a curved hem.  The RTW top I was using had a relaxed fit, so I started with a medium in the Alexa (a size up on my usual small) before making the previously mentioned changes.

My only regret, if you could call it that, is the sizing.  After trying on the finished top, I instantly retraced the Alexa part of the pattern from a medium to a small.  The pattern is all ready for next time.  And yes, there will definitely be a next time!

Speaking of repeats, I must confess now that this is sort of the second version of this top.  I started sewing the first version one night and it went like this…

1. Sew the shoulder seams together.
2. Dam!  I cut out two fronts instead of a front and a back.
3. Try it on.  The back’s a bit low, but think I can get away with it.
4. Overlock the neck binding to the top
5. [Insert choice words!]  I’ve attached the join in the binding to my chosen CF… the piece with the prettier patterns and more vibrant colours.
6. Walk away Anna. Go to bed.  Don’t even touch those sleeves.
7. Several days later..  Special trip to the city to buy 80cm more of the fabric.  Phew they still had some left!  Bonus, it was on sale!
8. Re-cut the front, back and neck binding and start again.
9. Happy ending.

Endnote:  The fabric from the first try will be salvaged to make a top for one of my girls.  Gosh, I might even unpick the overlocked binding and make a short sleeve t-shirt for myself.  There are possibilities readers.  I promise you, it won’t end up in the bin!

Pattern:  A hacked long sleeve top that’s a combination of Tessuti’s Alexa T-Top Pattern and a RTW top I own.
Size:  M (I’ve graded the Alexa part of the top to a S all ready for next time)
Fabric:  Jersey from Tessuti (Melbourne store).  Even though I purchased it twice, I didn’t make a note of it’s composition or name (sorry).
Alterations:  The Alexa T-Top was the base pattern and I used a RTW long sleeve tee as a guide for scooping out the neck, creating a more A-line fit through the waist and hips, and adding a curved hem.