It won’t surprise you to know that this wasn’t an intended ‘next one on the list’. In fact, to be fair there is no ooobop project list that remains unedited for more than a minute. I even announced a break from self-sewing in my previous post. I am indeed an experienced saboteur of my own plans.
But in this instance I am totally blaming Sam, editor at Sew Now magazine for the delightful interruption of production. She kindly sent me a copy of issue 11, thinking the free pattern, McCall’s M7542 would be ‘very me’. She was very spot on. And I was instantly drawn to view B
The pattern itself is very simple, non-fitted – save a couple of side bust darts, and even though those view B sleeves look dramatically difficult, they are nothing less than a kind of dropped hem circle skirt that falls from the elbow instead of the waist!
So a quick scan of the instructions reaffirmed my plans for not toiling! I just picked the closest size to me and cut the tissue pieces straight out. I didn’t even trace them first. That felt a bit rebellious to be honest. I always trace things off. ‘Just in case’. You know. Or maybe you don’t!
All the same, I wasn’t going to go all guns out on some fancy expensive fabric, mind… just in case. So a little trip to Dave the Drapers in Shepherds Bush Market, found me some cheap lace in case it didn’t quite go to plan. And yes that lace is cheap. £1.25m cheap! And. Plus. A gazzillion volts of static electricity told me so!
But… hand cream saved the day! I kid you not, just rubbed some in my hands – which are always dry as some bones – and ran the fabric through newly moisturised hands. Just to see. And guess what? Not one single, tiny crackle!
Now as you can see, the fabric has a fair bit of show-through so my main concern was keeping those seams neat – not so much that my bra would show. Priorities, right?! French-seaming was the way forward and with narrow zigzag stitch to account for a bit of stretch in the lace. I had to concentrate and take time over this as the prospect of unpicking was terrifying and probably impossible tbh. All the little stitches properly embedded and camou’d in the lace. But worth the effort. I just love how the joins are visible.
The only thing I changed up was substituting the neck facing for a satin bias edging. The binding also edges the opening at the back and I sewed a single large popper at the back for the closure. I had originally considered a rouleau button loop but that seemed like a lot of effort for such little exposure – I wear my hair down most of the time so it’s covered up anyway.
The lace trim just finishes it off nicely. I had no fraying issues, but I didn’t like the harsh edge once cut. The mad thing was that the trim cost nearly twice as much as the fabric, ha!
When I first showed Dan this top, on the hanger, his response was Cool! Very Stevie Nicks! But when I put it on, he said Mmmm… too much skin! I agreed and bought a black cami top the next day to up the modesty factor. But then there was a disappointingly lack of detail. So back to the bra and off to Horseguards parade at 6am on Friday morning to shoot it.
I wore a jacket for the tube journey but still felt, full pelt, the commuter looks of: someone didn’t go home last night! 60 derniers and my handmade quilted skirt ensured decent coverage to my lower half at least.
The walk from Westminster station to St. James’ Park and Horseguards Parade at that time of the morning was just lovely. The morning light was so glorious and the buildings were lit beautifully all around us. So worth getting up at the crack of sparrows!
It’s quite incredible that the on same spot where I was being photographed, jousting was once a thing for Henry VIIIs entertainment! There was a fancy guard at the entrance of the arch – one of the Queen’s Lifeguards – but we spared him of early morning hassle, sure that he would need a little break before onslaught of tourist attention.
There were hardly any people around, save the guard, a few (heavily armed) policemen and a few boldly striding city workers. So thankfully no gawpers as I stood, near-naked in the morning light. We took some more alongside the pillared Mall Galleries and a wolf-whistling cyclist signalled it was time to put the jacket back on!
I’ll happily wear it like this to dimly lit gigs and parties but I will have to rethink an undergarment for any day time wear. Maybe it’s a red cami or a boob tube or suchlike. Suggestions very welcome!
I’ve also just managed to enter this in time for #Sleevefest2017, hosted on Instagram by Valentine and Stitch and dream.cut.sew .The challenge runs from now until August 31st 2017 so you’ve still got time to submit your creative sleeve designs. And here’s a link (affiliate) in case you get the same calling for McCalls Ladies Easy Sewing Pattern 7542 Tops with Sleeve Variations.
Happy sewing, everyone! x
So bloody fabulous! You look grrrreat in that, and I love the unexpected location for the pictures! I really feel like you could wear it as is… but if not, I like your idea or a contrasting camisole!
Thanks Gillian. So lucky to be able to get there before the tourists and commuters! Such a great big glorious space.
Very beautiful, again. I love the concept. I think you can wear it this way. Stunning!
Thank you WIS. x
This is just so fabulous! I love the drama of it. I hadn’t heard about the the hand cream trick, so thanks for that, and also, thank you so much for the mention about our IG Sleevefest challenge x
Thank you, Diane. I’m not sure I’d try it on posh silk but it certainly works for cheapo lace! And thank YOU for the inspiration!
Beautiful work – the trim and binding are perfection.
A skin tone camisole might be the way to go – all the detail and none of the skin.
Thanks Vivienne. I did think skin tone at first but I think I would feel even more naked!
Spectacular! And kudos to you for doing that photo shoot. I have no good ideas for how to wear it in the day though. I like the idea of a skin tone top underneath but it would have to be exactly the right shade.
Thanks, Catherine. Yes I’m still undecided on colour. Worried that skin tone would make me look totally naked!
Lovely make, I think a boob tube made from an old tee shirt would work well as you wouldnt have straps showing under, viviennes comment about nude tone could be good, and also maybe try and pink?
Thank you. Great idea to recycle a T, too!
This is stunning! I love everything about this well thought out and well sewn make! Gorgeous. I like the idea of a tube top under it. It still leaves a little skin showing but covers up some of your body. Amazing make and I hope you win the sleeves contest!
Thank you, Carolyn. You are very kind x
I agree with the tube top comments. I think it would also draw even more attention to the amazing sleeves.
Thanks Alana. I think that is the way forward x
You look truly fabulous – so brilliant made and so brilliantly styled too! Kx
Thank you, Karen x
I love the way you look at things! I would have looked at the pattern and thought “no thanks” but when I see what you’ve done with it I love it! (And it’s not the first time that that happens!)
I would pair it with a pretty bra, something like the Dietrich longline from Kiss me Deadly, or even the Tallulah from Playful Promises (but maybe sequins + lace is too much?). I don’t like the idea of the skin tone camisole, if the tone doesn’t match your skin then it’s weird, but if it matches it’s even weirder because it gets too “lifesize barbie doll”. The contrasting camisole could be good for the contrast value. Maybe on top of a strapless dress? But one that’s pretty plain or it would get too much.
Thank you so much, Enrica. I could definitely use some cooler undergarments. I think that is definitely the way forward. Sequins might catch on the lace. And I totally hear waht you are saying about the ‘nude’, lol!
I think you are channeling Theda Bara, lol. Just try to imagine her metal snake bra under that lace … stunning.