On the ladder to success

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Blog backdrops are chosen for a variety, and sometimes multiple, reasons.  In this instance, there was two reasons… I loved bright colour and Sharon saw the chance for me to be a bit silly!  I do seem to be getting sillier with each birthday, and I’m realising that my care factor about what other people think is decreasing at a similar rate!

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The more extreme ‘climbing a painted ladder’ photo can been viewed on Instagram!

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Now, back to this freshly sewn linen top which is my last make for #sewjapaneseinjanuary this year.  It’s from a book in my collection that I had long admired, but hadn’t sewn from before.  The pattern is the first one in the book [ISBN 978-4-579-11395-8] and it’s perfect for striped fabric.

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The blue and grey striped linen I used was a spring arrival at The Cloth Shop.  It’s sadly sold out but there are other equally as lovely striped linens available.

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The change of stripe direction is just the type of added interest that I like in a pattern… a carefully drafted detail that elevates it from basic to dreamy.

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I made a few of my usual fit alterations to the pattern before cutting out my fabric.  The body of the top was shortened by 2″ (5cm), as were the sleeves.  I also performed a 3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment and left off the pocket.  I often don’t add pockets to my tops as my bust does not require any highlighting!

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I think I’ll return the sleeves to their ‘as drafted’ length when I make this top again.  I’ve come to realise that I prefer a wider cuff when the sleeves are folded up.  Oh yes, this pattern will definitely be getting another outing.

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Now can we just talk about my label for a moment.  It just makes me heart sing.  My friend, and clever business woman, Kylie had these made for me as a thank-you and I love adding them to my makes.  There will definitely be more side seam label action in my near future!

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This Japanese pattern books has four sizes – 7, 9, 11 & 13 – but this particular pattern was only drafted for two combined sizes – 7/9 & 11/13.  I flat measured the pattern and decided that the smallest size included enough bust and hip ease for a relaxed fit.

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I’m interested to know if you have noticed that in all the above photos I’m missing my trademark accessories?  I thought I would style this top simply at first, so you could see the the design lines, before hitting you with a whole lot of colour!

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What an inspiring month of  Japanese sewing.  Thanks to everyone who sewed and tagged their makes with #sewjapaneseinjanuaryJane and I have had so much fun that we are planning a #sewjapaneseinjuly to allow for seasonal changes between the hemispheres.  I’ve had a winter coat from one of my Japanese sewing books on my ‘to sew’ list for several years… maybe with the help of a new hashtag 2019 will be the year that I finally sew it!

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Pattern:  Pattern A from a Japanese sewing book [ISBN 978-4-579-11395-8]
Size:  7-9 (the smaller of the two sizes available)
Fabric:  Linen from The Cloth Shop [sold out]
Alterations:  Reduced the body and sleeve length by 2″ (5cm), left off the pocket and performed a 3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment
Outfit:  Jeans from Witchery and the scarf was a present.  Brown heels from Luisa and yellow brogues from Habbot
Photo Location:  Haymes Paint, Ballarat

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