When Coat Lining Inspires You to Make a Top.

As I was sewing my Denise Jacket from Seamwork ( click here) and lining it with this lovely contemporary leopard print rayon I couldn't stop thinking how lovely this fabric would look made up into a top. The Emmie top from Seamwork was the perfect combination of flowy top and styling that I was looking for.

Emmie is a modern take on the peasant blouse. The full sleeves are loosely gathered with elastic at the cuff offering a chic bohemian vibe.

Emmi e is best sewn with a lightweight, flowy fabric. It is simple enough to sew in an afternoon, which made it the perfect option after finishing the more involved Denise Jacket. It is a show to create a lovely elasticized neckline that if fun to construct as well as a hook and eye closure for the front.

I opted not to e corporate for the hook and eye closure on this Emmie, instead I made wider ties from the same fabric. After checking the length of cord/ribbon needed for the ties, I cut two 4 inch strips of fabric that same length. I sewed the ties right sides together and along one end, turned them right side out and pressed them. I attached my wider fabric ties following the pattern directions for the ties resulting in a finished look that has more of a pussy bow feel.

When cutting out the top I wanted to avoid a heavier line of black running down the center of the fabric. This wider stripe worked nicely with the lining of the coat, but for the top I wanted to work around it in order to feature the lighter more colourful part of print itself. I cut out the two front pieces individually, making sure that my pattern piece was lined up with the fabric to get optimum placement of the lighter design elements. It is worth mentioning that when you cut out individual pieces make sure that flip one pattern piece and cut it one piece with the pattern face down so you have mirrored pieces, otherwise you will end up with two front pieces that are from the same side. For the sleeves I simply folded the fabric right sides together and avoided placing the sleeve pattern where the darker parts of the fabric was. By taking a bit of extra time for specific pattern placement, I ended up with a top that has the lighter parts fo the design on the front, a much better colour choice for me than too much black.

To create a longer sleeve I added 6 inches to the length of the sleeve at the lengthen/shorten line. This ensures that you keep the integrity of the curved hemline of the sleeve which really adds nice finished detailing to the top. If a gathered sleeve is not your first choice check out the member bonus that features bell sleeves; another stylish option.

Emmie is a great pattern to sew. It sews together easily and quickly. It is a versatile top that can be dressed up or down depending on your choice of ties or closures. This is a great pattern to have on hand to create a variety of wardrobe options. I would like to make another Emmie with the cord ties and the hook eye closure, a more casual approach to a flowy chic top.

After all.... There is Sew Much To Design.

Happy Sewing,

Lou Sheffer

• Blouse