Here is my latest from Pattern Magic 3, by Tomoko Nakamichi; this is the top from p61/91. The seamlines at the side and centre back seams of this top are gently angled out, causing the top to fall in a series of rather lovely, loose, triangular folds around the small of one’s back. Interesting, and also quite flattering. I loved the wide high square neckline and the elegant long raglan sleeves. I also loved that the top has a bland front view and a busy back view. But to be honest; I wasn’t sure I loved the look of the “bumps” (pictured below). 
Without understanding the Japanese text, I think that the aforementioned bumps; two protrusions sprouting from the back of the raglan sleeve seam right where one’s scapulas sit; are intended to be the focus of the project, the challenge to be mastered from drafting and making up this piece. But I’m afraid I just thought they looked a bit …er… odd. As though if one was thinking of transforming oneself into an angel then the top was all ready with some pouches to accommodate one’s budding wings. But sadly I am no angel 🙂I went ahead and made up the top with the angel-wing bumps, for no better reason that to prove something to myself. The long suffering Bessie modeled the bumpy version of the top for a photo (oh, it’s OK, like a true professional she doesn’t really mind how strange are the clothes I make her wear)
below: the winged version; pre-clipping; see those bumps on the raglan seam?
Then straight away I unpicked that back raglan seam and sewed it up again, sans bumps! Sorry, but sometimes the authenticity of the design is of a lesser consideration to me than the wearability, and I pretty certain a non-sewing observer would consider those bumps, clever little feature though they are, and definitely not an easier option than a straight seam; to be a mistake on my part. So. Off with their heads!
I used a rather nice cotton knit jersey from Knit Wit, in a light grey marle with distinct yellow undertones. I bought a long length of this fabric last year, specifically for the purpose of running up Pattern Magic projects. This is the first time I have bitten into it, having now used up the jersey knits in the stash given to me by my friend C. Future projects using this grey fabric may or may not be subjected to some sort of colour treatment 🙂
I overlocked all the raw edges before sewing any seams, and the neckline, sleeve hems and lower hem are folded in once and finished with a twin needle on my sewing machine. If you look real closely, you can see that I used a creamy-ivory thread and a white thread in the twin needle. I didn’t bother with winding a second spool with the creamy colour that matches the yellow tones in my fabric, but y’know what? I think it turned out kinda cool. The more I look at those two different colours the more I like that effect. Will probably do that again!
Details:
Top; from p61/91 of Pattern Magic 3 (by Tomoko Nakamichi), and made of grey marle cotton knit jersey
Shorts; Burda 7723, hot pink linen, details here, and these shorts styled in 6 different ways here
Thongs; cheapies from Kmart (I know, but it was an emergency purchase. My previous beach thongs broke)
(below; spot the dog…)
(btw; Beryl commented wondering whether the extra challenge I alluded to for Me-Made May was a pregnancy… NO! but thank you so much for even considering me in that age bracket….! I am flattered; but no, I will be travelling during the month of May!)
Took me a while to work out MMM12, but I got there…
Would you say that most of the Pattern Magic pieces are made from jersey or other stretchy fabrics best sewn on a serger?
Would you recommend a beginner start with woven fabrics?
Shelley; all the projects in Pattern Magic 3 are designed for stretch fabrics, the first two books in the series are for wovens. The third book is the easiest in my opinion, but remember it is only currently available in Japanese. For a beginner I would recommend buying a regular pattern (like say from Vogue or Simplicity) that is already drafted, that comes with instructions and is ready to go!
Wow – I love the interesting shapes of these patterns, and they are always surprisingly flattering ! Like you I prefer the top sans bumps and I reckon you did the right thing taking them out. After all what's the point of being creative director when you cant be creative 🙂
I love the pictures that you take, they make you look as though you live somewhere where there are no other people just blue skies and gorgeous scenery ! Well Jell ! xx
really love this style and you look great.
How hard is the book 3 ? i thought the book way was quite complex.
I was wondering too if you might be expecting! LOL 🙂 I don't know what's up with those angel wing bumps, but I like your finished version.
that is a great top and I think would be really nice in a winter version as well.
Cute top. Good call removing the bumps. They really look like an accident, of course if you really wanted to keep them you could have carried the book around with you to explain it was deliberate and not a mistake. Probably too much effort.
😎
good save! Cute top, and I really love those bright pink shorts!
Nice top…but you are right, the bumps could look a little odd.
Glad you decided to go "bumpless" on the top. It's so fantastic on you with that peplum back!
I think you're going on your walkabout in May…amirite? I about fell off the chair when you mentioned that someone thought you were preggers. Oy vey! 😉
Love this style on you.
I love tops that have a surprise in the back like this one. I think it was smart to get rid of the bumps. Very nice.
I love the back of this!! The shoulder-blade-wing-things were a bit odd.. But the Drapey? Gorgeous.
The bumps are rather odd, definitely better without. Funny about the "challenge". mmm, that would be some interesting spacing between children.
Great casual vibe happening here. Love your doggie peeking over the log.
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