I’ve made a new top 🙂
Yoshimi and I saw this very realistic faux suede while out shopping together in Tokyo last January and we both bought some to make tops. Yoshimi made her lovely pale pink top quite quickly. And now I’ve finally made mine too; at last! I’m embarrassed to be so slow!
I used Burda magazine 10/2009, pattern 121, a rather plain and unassuming little pattern that caught my eye from the first; a nothing-to-it kind of a pattern really but with an understated, relaxed, almost sporty chic that is quietly modern and urban. And sometimes very plain and basic is the best choice, especially when you just want the fabric to speak for itself.
And obviously, the fabric is everything in this bare-bones design! I trialled this same pattern recently to make my flannelette PJ top, which is comfy but about as un-chic as you can get! but hey, flannelette. This suede is only about a thousand times classier. When your fabric is really beautiful it’s hard to go wrong I reckon, so I was pretty sure it would turn out ok.
And fortunately, I think it did 🙂
The pattern is designed for real suede or leather, so it’s quite roomy and easy-fitting to suit a heavier and inflexible fabric like that. Thus why it works so beautifully as a PJ top, natch. It has a long centre front split, so you can just slip it over your head, and splits at the bottom edge of each side seam. I sewed it up like I would fabric, not suede except; I left the cut edges of the sleeve and lower hem edges and the neckline edges clean-cut and unfinished, like suede; since my fabric is quite stable and doesn’t fray.
I’m very happy with it and think it looks quite nice with my bootleg jeans! And I still have a little bit leftover, maybe enough for a skirt. But what should it be like, hmmm. I’m thinking something asymmetric and off-kilter, with a random feel to it. Possibly with some hardware. But too crazy, maybe? Something to ponder for a while 🙂
Details:
Top; Burdastyle magazine 10/2009-121, olive/grey suedette
Jeans, Burda 7863, burnt brown bengaline, details here
Socks, knitted by me, details here
Shoes; Francesco Morichetti, from Zomp shoes
Love it. Looks fantastic with your jeans… and your dog 😉
Beautiful top! I love it. Gorgeous photos too.
There's no such thing as too crazy! Love your top
Frankie
http://knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/knit-till-yarn-quits.html?m=1
Lovely top. For a skirt, you could try this one (the asymetrical version: http://www.capitalchicpatterns.com/products/manhattan
Hit publish too early! Or this one: http://www.simplicity.com/p-11793-misses-shorts-skort-and-skirt.aspx
thanks for the great skirt suggestions Judie! 🙂
Beautiful top. I love crazy! How bout suede jeans. ..your burda jeans are such a great fit…you sent me out to find the pattern!
so elegant – the impecable simplicity really speaks volumes. i love your aesthetic and sense of style! an assymetical skirt sounds really fun too. 🙂
You have such an eye for fabrics and knowing what to make with them. That is still something that challenges me. I love your whole outfit.
That is a great top – simple and chic. I like Judie's idea using the Capital skirt pattern for the remnant.
I'm kind of in love with your dog, so fluffy and the most beautiful colour. That last shot with your beautiful top, the rocks and dog looks like something from a magazine showcasing the beauty of Australia. Fabulous!
thank you so much Susan! 🙂
This looks like beautiful fabric, Carolyn. I haven't seen any good quality faux suede in the UK. Gorgeous colour too. Your palette puts me in mind of autumn, which will be arriving here soon.
Lots of times you pick colors that I normally don't really like, such as olive. BUT…then you make something beautiful out of it, like this top!!! And Hi Sienna!!!!
I reconize this fabric !! Nice job. Kiss
Chic and comfortable looking, just lovely!
The top really suits you so well! I'm glad it did make something very nice. The whole outfit is fantastic on you, Carolyn.
Very nice! It does look great with your bootlegs. I was just looking at a shift dress pattern in Burda for suede. It was very similar to this, just longer. I'm just curious- how will you care for this top?
thanks liza jane! and the fabric is actually just polyester so it is machine washable 🙂
The chic simplicity of this top is just right; you always look wonderful in these colors like olive and warm brown, too.
Classic! What a great top. I am building myself up to making those jeans from the same pattern. At the mo I am experimenting with another pattern to get the techniques of pockets, topstitching, zip and understand my arse shape before I delve in with the new pattern and denim.
Nice top.
Did you line this? I've faux suede in my fabric stash and you've given me an idea of what to do with it. Thanks
Miss J
Miss J; no, the top isn't lined, so I wear a little camisole underneath it for comfort. If you want to leave the fabric edges raw then it's difficult to line a piece; imo it would be better to make (or buy) a separate petticoat of slip to wear underneath.
A great top and love the colour and style.