After successfully tackling the Star Wars costumes I decided it was finally time for me to man up and make a blouse for myself. I’m confident with skirts, but shirts have scared me. If a skirt is a little too small, you just pull it a little higher on your waist. If a shirt is a little too small, you have to stop eating cookies. This is a terrifying prospect.
The first top I made with this pattern I went with the small, made no adjustments, and used a voile. I was on the fence between the small or medium, and opted for the small since with its boxy style I was worried too big would be an unflattering disaster. It works, but I should have gone with the medium. You can see that it tugs where my arm is extended, and it’s a bit tight across the back.
For the second top I went with the medium, and I added about an inch at each shoulder since my shoulders are on the broad side. Next time I’ll cut it back to 1/2 inch. The sleeves just look a little too poofy with the shoulder extending all the way across my frame. I used a flannel that I got on sale for a whopping total of $6.20. I had 1.5 yards of the 60″ wide fabric and I came incredibly close to having enough to have it be long sleeves. If it had been non-directional I think I could have pulled it off. It’s super comfy and I love it, even though halfway through I had one of those “oh no. this is either really cute or it looks like an old man’s nightshirt. one of the two.” moments.
I have a few more of these planned, and might even get brave and make it as a dress, although I doubt I have the right boots (or weather) to pull it off!
nicke - i love both of them!
Kristie at OCD - Have been crushing on this pattern. It looks good on virtually everyone! You did a great job, and I love how the different fabrics give it different looks!
amanda - Oh I love love love them!!!! I especially love the gray one, totally not mens pjs!!!!
Amanda - The shirts are great! I’ve sewn skirts before…but I have yet to tackle a top, but you did wonderfully!
Also, I wanted to let you know that I have awarded you the Liebster Blog Award. You can check it out here:
http://homedesignsbyamanda.blogspot.com/2011/11/occ-and-award.html
Congratulations!
Jacey - Both tops are super adorable on you! The flannel one looks so cozy and the shape is lovely.
Sheila - I think they both look fantastic. I’ve been wanting to try this pattern, since so many people have made such lovely tops with it!
Lisa - They both look great , love the floral fabric, I’m wating for my Tova pattern to arrive – flannel sounds like a great idea for winter too.
another wiksten tova top » Stolen Moments - […] absolutely love my flannel tova and have wanted to make another long sleeve version. It also just so happens to be the perfect […]
Jennifer@Ellison Lane Quilts - Love these Traci. I have this pattern and really want to try it. Might need to make a muslin one first as it will be the first top I’ve made for me. Yours look great!
Nan - I am a little late on leaving a comment on this post, but I love both versions of your tova top. I was googling for images of this top hoping to make one (I am terrible at sewing clothes) and I saw your voile fabric version. It is making me lean more towards making one. But, my success rate on the clothes making front is zero to none. We shall see.