Confession – I purchased this pattern more than 3 years ago, and am only now getting around to sewing it. Do you do that too? Do you have patterns that you purchase with the best of intentions, only to never get around to using them?
I wish I could say this is the only pattern that falls into that category, but its not. I have dozens. Patterns that I fall in love with, purchase, and never seem to sew. I believe that most of the time these patterns fall under the ‘impulse purchase’ category. I see, I like, I gotta have, I buy.
What I have come to realize over time, is that unless I actually have a fabric in mind for the pattern in question, it will often get shuffled aside and placed in the ‘someday’ pile. Someday, aka. never.
With all of that in mind, I have become more intentional with my pattern purchases. When I find myself impulse purchasing a pattern, I give myself a small check and ask these questions…
Questions to ask before you impulse pattern purchase:
- Do I have an actual project in mind?
- Can I envision myself actually wearing this outfit?
- Is this a one time use pattern for a special occasion, or an every day pattern?
- Do I know what fabric I want to use for this pattern?
- Have I looked at all of the notions and additional materials needed to make this pattern?
- Will this pattern actually look flattering on my body shape based on the pattern photos?
- Are there reviews for this pattern / company, have I sewn one of their patterns before?
- Can I find a coupon?
Once I have answered all of those questions, I will either purchase the pattern -or- close out of the window and think about it some more. If I still cannot get that pattern out of my head in a few days window, I will go back and purchase it.
Now please don’t mistake me for stingy. I love supporting designers, big and small, and buying patterns. But when I find myself with a pile of patterns or fabric that I am not using, well – somethings gotta give. I am happy to report that the top pattern used in today’s post, is from that ‘someday’ pile. And it got a little extra love.
MAKE THIS: Distressed Denim Deep V Neck Top
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MAKE THIS: Distressed Denim Deep V Top
- Skill level: Advanced beginner
- Time needed: 4 hours
MATERIALS:
- BurdaStyle Deep V Neck Top Pattern, HERE
- 2 yards Kaufman Essex Linen Blend Yarn Dyed Indigo, HERE
- Bleach
- Ceramic tiles
- String or rubber bands
- Bucket
- Spray bottle
- Rubber flower stamp, HERE
- ColorBox Crafter’s Full Size Inkpad, HERE
THOUGHTS ON PATTERN:
I will be the first to admit that although I love BurdaStyle patterns, they can be tricky. This deep v neck top pattern is labeled ‘novice’, but in my humble opinion is in no way, shape or form fit for a beginner level seamstress. The sleeve pattern alone has 3 separate sections! If I was just starting out sewing, and someone gave me this pattern to try – I just may have thrown in the towel. Now, for someone how knows there way around a pattern, and how to assemble pattern pieces with limited instructions – then this pattern was great. As always, when sewing a BurdaStyle pattern, you need to keep in mind that no seam allowance is included in the pattern pieces – so you must add your own. The instructions on this pattern in particular were spotty at best. For example, “stitch front yokes to yoke”. It doesn’t elaborate on how to do this without a seam showing, it doesn’t elaborate on which seam to be sewing, etc. You just kind of have to know already how to assemble a basic shirt pattern with yoke.
Pattern alterations – I eliminated the front yoke altogether. Perhaps it is because I have a smaller torso, but if I had included the front yoke to my upper shoulder seam area, this ‘deep v’ would be down to my belly button. In an effort to keep it slightly less revealing, I kept the front 3″ shoulder yoke pattern piece off. That being said, I needed to do some adjustments to the sleeve pattern in order to accommodate the new armsyce circumference.
Distressing the fabric – To achieve the distressed denim top look, I first sewed up the pattern as is in the chambray. Once this was completed, I realized I did not want or need another basic chambray top in my wardrobe, so I got to work. I have always loved a good Boho chic look, and decided to give some bleach a shot.
At first I tried the classic shibori tie dye technique, by folding my top in thirds, and wrapping it around ceramic tiles. Once they were securely wrapped around the tiles, I tied string tightly around the top and placed in a bucket with diluted bleach for 20 minutes. (You can find an in depth tutorial on this tie dye method HERE.) You can see the effectiveness of this distressed tie dye look in the V Neck Top on the upper left bodice area. It did not soak fully through the blouse, like normal dye does with fabric. But it still had a cool symmetrical look that I love, just not all over. Wanting a bit more of the bleach to show through on the shirt, I took s spray nozzle from one of my old cleaning bottles, rinsed it out, and simply dipped it into my bleach. This looked best when I allowed the bleach to ‘drip’, rather than full on spray. Once I had the bleach in my desired areas – I simply rinsed it clean with water, and gave it a regular wash cycle. The shirt was super soft when it came out, and has just the right amount of linen feel. But I wasn’t done.
I had recently purchased these cute little flower rubber stamps, and thought the shirt needed just a little something extra. So using the flower stamps and some white fabric ink, I stamped around the bottom hem of my shirt in various areas – with no real rhyme or reason. Because I was using stamps, the flowers automatically had a more distressed look to them – and for in perfectly with the vibe of the top. They do not stand out, but rather flow seamlessly into the fabric. I love the end result. Its cute, its bohemian yet chic, it can be dressed up for date night or down for the beach, and it is 100% my style.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…
Happy sewing!
Wow, that fabric is stunning! I was going to ask where you got it and I’m so upset I can’t buy it! Great top.