Did I go too far?
I have a very soft spot for Japanese seersucker, so when Tessuti announced their latest shipment of this glorious fabric had arrived, I was there in a flash.
Needless to say, I brought both the check and the stripe in the orange colourway with the idea of a combining them into a top.
I was excited with my plan but then mid project the doubts crept in. Had I gone to far? Was I channeling a tablecloth from an Italian pizza restaurant? Do you ever get the mid-make jitters?
The pattern is of course my old faithful Aeolian Tee Shirt Pattern from Pattern Fantastique. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve sewn this pattern, but these days each time I make it, I tweak it a little. Today’s tweak was brought to you by fabric restrictions… I didn’t buy quite enough for the sleeves, so I added a cuff, and I actually think it’s what makes the top.
The challenge for me, a self confessed perfectionist, was the print. The checks have a freehand painted look and their edges aren’t straight. I decided that visually the top had to match the prints so I cut along the lines created by the checks rather than the accurate edges of the pattern pieces. I used the fabric’s pattern in my favour when hemming and did away with any measuring. It also meant that the stitches securing the hems are invisible as they disappear into the orange of the check. This makes me ridiculously happy!
The Aeolian is designed for jersey and comes with a back facing. When making this pattern up in a woven I usually ignore the facing, but I had just the right sized scrap of the striped fabric and thought it would add a bit of visual interest to the insides of my garment. A little something to make me smile!
If you look really closely in the photo below you can see the decorative stitch that I’ve used to secure the bottom edge of the back facing to the top.
So the verdict… I like it (phew!) and it’s already had a couple of wears. Happy days!
Pattern: Pattern Fantastique’s Aeolian Tee Shirt Dress (top length)
Size: Small
Fabric: Japanese seersucker cotton (orange ripple square & orange ripple stripe) from Tessuti
Alterations: Sewn in a woven rather than a knit. Added sleeve cuffs.
Accessories: Beads from Scarlett Jones and shoes from Zomp
Photo Location: Swinburne University of Technology
I’m definitely not getting the “tablecloth from a pizza restaurant” vibe. This is a very cute top Anna. I agree that the cuffs really make the top. Impeccable sewing as always.
Thanks for the reassurance Jean Margaret. I was contemplating putting the cuff on the bias and then I got myself into a creative state and started doubting the cuffs altogether. I’m so glad I returned to the original cuff idea.
Cute! Great fabric combo. The cuffs really do provide the perfect finish!
Thanks Meg. I’m really pleased this top had a happy ending!
I love the fabrics together! That seersucker is just gorgeous. Looks really bold and modern and I love the finishing.
I love both the texture and structure that the seersucker provides. I like the idea of bold and modern… thanks for the lovely feedback Rebecca.
Isn’t it funny how some of the hidden details, like a perfect facing, give so much pleasure! A winne my friend, an absolute winner!
The hidden details are the best. In my case it’s usually sneaky liberty binding…
Yay, it redeemed itself! I love the detail of the fancy stitch securing the facing. It’s a really thoughtful finishing detail 🙂
It did redeem itself (phew). Thanks for being there stitch by stitch on this make. It was a close call!
It’s really cute! so over the top that it really works.
Thank for the lovely feedback Coco. I am drawn to over-the-top! 🙂
Not too far at all. Your top is as cute as can be. I’m impressed with the versatility of this pattern and I see why you like it. I should consider this for our hot and humid Tennessee summers.
Thanks for the reassurance Patricia. The Aeolian (we are on a first name basis these days!) is a very versatile pattern and perfect for hot and humid we I can recommend without hesitation.
So lovely, the mix of fabrics and the cuff make it.
Thanks Louise. It’s great when fabric storage makes you creative and the outcome is even better than imagined (minus the doubts!).
If it was a red check and had bolognaise stains you’d be totally trattoria, but in orange it works. And I’m not usually a fan of orange!
The cuffs are the perfect touch, isn’t it great when necessity forces the perfect result.
Lovely, juicy fresh summer top!
I’m such a messy eater that bolognaise stains aren’t out of the question! Juicy is such the right word for this top. Thanks Shelley!
It looks great and perfect for summer.
Thanks Kylie. I think it will get lots of wear this month and next.
I like it! The orange is wonderful – matches your blog, and looks great on you!
It does match my blog… I noticed that too and had a little giggle to myself.
I love the orange and the two different prints look lovely together.
Thanks Andrea. The sun has decided to come out so I think I’ll wear this top today!
This is definitely one of my faves! Thanks Anna!!
Big call… It’s up there for me too!
What a fun top! I agree that the cuffs pull it all together!
Hail the mighty cuffs! As always, thanks for your lovely feedback Sarah Jo.
No….you didn’t go too far…. the top is gorgeous !!!!!
I love it !
Thanks Ria. The top is getting lots of wear, so I expect that it’s going to be a favourite of mine.
I love it! Love it so much I’m tempted to copy it. I’m not sure if it’s my favorite color but I’m really attracted to orange and combining checks and stripes makes sense to me somehow.
And it looks so great with your necklace! This top makes me really want summer!