Checkmate
I nearly checkmated myself making this top.
It was a cutting error that tripped me up. I didn’t notice my fabric, my Liberty fabric, was directional before cutting out both the front and the back pattern pieces. It’s not the first time I’ve done this, and I’m sure it won’t be the last…
To remedy the error, I cut the sleeves from the front and back pieces, which necessitated some ‘fly buy the seat of your pants’ sleeve shortening. Good recovery don’t you think?
The fabric is from Liberty’s Spring/Summer 2015 Alice in Wonderland inspired collection and is called Checkmate A. It was “inspired by a 1965 archive design and features knights, horses, Kings and Queens. Showing off classic chess moves from online games it’s a gingham chess board with a twist: you’ll tumble into Alice’s world where the chess pieces come to life.”
The sewing pattern is from Aoi Koda’s Pattern Lessons for Autumn and Winter Wear and I’ve made it up twice before (see here & here). This time I had a little play with the button loop. I created a fabric loop (rather than my usual thread chain loop) by cutting some fabric on the bias, folding the long edges to meet in the middle and then folding it in half again before securing it in place. Not a stitch in sight! It will be interesting to see if it holds up over time.
Pattern: The Basic Pattern from Lesson Two from Aoi Koda’s Pattern Lessons for Autumn and Winter Wear
Size: 9
Fabric: Liberty tana lawn from Collections on Central Park
Alterations: Added 2″ (5cm) the length. Lowered the neckline by 3/8″ (1 cm). Shortened the sleeves. Created a fabric button loop.
Accessories: Red beads from the op shop and shoes, purchased on sale, from Habbot
Photo Location: Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne
Information you may not want coming:
Clegs in Brunswick has Liberty for $40 a metre.
Always good to hear about these things… I’m going to try my very best I be restrained. My stash is feeling a little overwhelming at the moment!
Such a great save Anna. This fabric is a lovely colour and so interesting close up. Impeccable sewing on the back opening. Beautiful top!
Thanks Jean Margaret. I’ll be using this back closure method again.
Nice back closure … really clean.
Thanks Sasha. I love changing things up a little when I’m sewing a pattern for the second, third, fourth etc… time.
We’ve all lived the horror of realising your fabric is directional (or has a right /wrong side) when you’re well into construction. Great recovery, this is lovely!
So well written Tanya. Horror is the correct word to describe both those situations.
A great save! Cute mini!
Thanks Sarah. The mini is getting lots of wear at the moment!
Excellent save! Looks fabulous. xx
Thanks Pips. I’m both relieved and pleased with this make!
Nice one Anna! That’s a great Liberty print. Those colours and chess over flowers make it a winner for me.
Thanks Shelley. Some of the seasonal liberty prints are very quirky and right up my alley! OMG… I hadn’t noticed the flowers. Full points to you clever lady!
I’ll be interested in hearing how that button loop holds up. I hate making rouleau loops as I can never turn them, so I do the same folding thing but sew it closed meaning visible stitches. Nice save with the recutting, my friend.
I’ll definitely keep you posted.