When you’ve been sewing a little while, you start to realise that the vast majority of clothes are made in a very similar way. You can recognise a top pattern straight away, and make it up without instructions (darts, shoulder seams, finish the neckline, side seams, finish the armholes, hem…). In some ways this is really cool, because you can get really fast and start to do fun adaptations. In other ways, it’s a little boring.
AND THEN ALONG CAME THE SEAMSTER DANDELION PATTERN.
Yet again, I’m late on this one, but let’s just say when I got the Dandelion pattern from Mari at Seamster Patterns as part of Sewing Indie Month, I was bedazzled. Folks, this is made like no top you’ve ever seen before.
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| Top: Seamster Dandelion, Shorts: Boden, Sandals: Clarks |
The result is a totally unique top, which I made in a blue seagull cotton from Grey’s Fabrics and a very lightweight slightly stretchy denim I picked up in Metro Textiles when I was last in NYC:
That’s a whole lot of innovation for a humble summer top, but it was so fun to do something a little different. There are all sorts of ways you could show off the crazy seam lines – they would show up really well in a solid colour with piping, and the potential for colour blocking is huge.
On a side note: I was also rejoicing today because I was wearing shorts *and it wasn’t freezing*. Yes, proper Spring has come to the South End, and the whole place is full of pink and white blossom. Joy!
Have you ever made the Dandelion top, dear readers? Do you know any other crazily innovative patterns to add to your everyday casual wardrobe? Are you sewing a Seamster Pattern for the Everyday Casual contest? I’m all ears!
ENTER THE CONTEST!
You can enter the Sew Indie Month everyday casual contest by submitting a link to your blog, Pattern Review or Kollabora on this page.
Such a great top! I remember posting about it when it came out and I’m happy to see that it’s done to well! An innovative pattern I’ve used doesn’t come to mind, but I want to call out your innovative use of fabric. Printed cotton and stretch lace!
Thanks Madalynne!
You look lovely! Nice job!
Thank you Carla!
Your top looks great! I also have this as part of the PPP #1. However, I took a look at the pattern pieces and decided to wait. You have convinced me to take another look.
It is somewhat intimidating at first! However it’s totally worth just taking it step by step – the instructions are great and once you get your head around what goes where it’s pretty easy
This looks great! Love the print! I was down in the south end with my daughter last week. Everything blooming!
Isn’t it nice? I love my neighborhood…
Oooh- I must have one of these! So many possibilities….
Do it! Then enter it into the contest 😀
Such a cool pattern and a beautiful top!
Thanks Tanya!
The pattern seems interesting (love the cup size resembling human sizes) and I love what you did with the color blocking. Totally cute!
Jan
It’s totally logical, right?!
i had forgotten all about this pattern – i love it. i must add it to my “to sew”list (it’s quite long!)
Ha yeah mine is never ending 🙂
I’ve got this pattern from the PPP month, and I’ve always been intrigued by the construction. It looks so fun to sew, but I’m not sure I’d like the actual garment on me! Yours is gorgeous, I love the bird fabric.
Thanks Katie!
That’s really pretty. You have princess seams for shaping but raglan sleeves for comfort. Your fabric choices are splendid!
Exactly, it’s quite genius! I’m looking forward to trying some of the other Seamster Patterns
I love what you say about this pattern so much that I am going to buy it. Thanks. I am curvy (very) and have a deep sway back which makes all my tops bag unless i make adjustments. A pattern designer who has thought this issue through… innovative! Your top looks incredible. i all love the photo shoot pic – fun.
That’s great, let me know how it goes!
Wowza! What a flattering top on you!!
Thanks Lauren!
Big Seamster fan here! I adore this and the Rose Hip tights too – they’re both so clever and make for such a good fit. I love your contrasting side panels here, you’ve done a lovely job.
Oh yes the idea of sewing tights is intriguing! I’ll have to give that a go
I didn’t realize you’re in Boston — I’m in Cambridge! We should meet!
Fun!! You should totally come to Crafty Foxes sewing club – Wednesday nights at Grey’s Fabrics in the South End. I should be there next week
Nice top! The neckline is so flattering. Now I want to sew one too.
Go for it!
That is such a cool top&dress, I really like the interesting seam lines! And I totally love your version. Birds! 🙂 Great photos, too!
Cute top on you! I really like the fabrics you used!
I loved making my Dandelion dress for the same reasons you mentioned – such interesting pieces and construction! I found it strange not to anticipate being finished. I would just be sewing along, and suddenly, it would be complete! In a way, it’s a really nice pallet-cleanser from the standard sewing shapes.
~ Brooke