I’ve made a new top. Well, kinda new from old actually, since it’s made from 4 old Tshirts cut up and patched together. My refashioning bag yielded; a light purply-brown from Craig, two pinks from Tim, and a chocolate-y one which is one of my old self-made Tshirts. They were all old and a tad tatty here and there but still had some good bits left in them. And I liked these yummy Cherry Ripe colours together. mm-mmmmm 🙂
The pattern is the Sandpoint top designed by Helena of GreyDay patterns. Mel of the curious kiwi contacted me to ask me to make up the pattern and review it and well, I love trying out new patterns; so ta da!
The Sandpoint is described as “a loose fitting T-shirt
with a surprise cowl in the back”. It is a nice little top pattern suitable for a beginner, having separate front pattern pieces for the two neckline options, V-neck and round neck. I think it’s biggest point of difference from other similar designs is a “shoulder band”, essentially a strip which is supposed to be worn behind the neck. I think its purpose is probably to keep the top actually up on your shoulders and not fall off, which is pretty much a given with these necklines. However I wasn’t keen on the shoulder band and decided to leave it off, and sewed lingerie holders inside on the shoulder seams. I have previously used lingerie holders to keep up the shoulders of my other oversized cowl, drape-y tops, here and here, and have found them to work just fine for the job. Fortunately they do for this one too 🙂
Because I wanted my rather bold patchworked fabric to speak for itself I decided that arm and neckline bands would be a visually distraction, fighting for attention. So I left these off also and finished these edges by simply overlocking, turning under once and hand slip-stitching a hem in place. My lower hem is likewise, invisibly hand stitched, and actually my top is 6.5cm longer than the pattern… for no real reason other than my patched-together fabric had the extra length, and who was I to ruthlessly cut it off? after all that careful cutting and patching it together!? Plus, I just happen to like tops to be a little bit long.
Because I was leaving off the shoulder band, I put my top together quite differently from the instructions… namely: the instructions say to fold the back cowl allowance inside and then stitch the front and back together at the shoulders. However this would result in a visible end-of-seam at the neck, which in the design is to be covered up by that shoulder band. So, instead I pinned the front and the back together at the shoulders right sides together, then folded the back cowl facing allowance out to wrap around the front; then stitched the shoulder seam. This way, when the shoulder seam is turned right side out the shoulder seam is nicely encased and hidden away within the facing, which gives a neat, more polished finish.
Details:
Top; Sandpoint by GreyDay patterns, made using 4 old cotton jersey Tshirts
Skirt; an adaption of Vogue 1247 and Vogue 8561, blue, slightly stretch denim, details here
Shoes; c/o Misano
this looks pretty awesome. You have the most fabulous ideas actually, I would have never thought of doing a patchwork jersey top and the colours go together really well. What a wonderful top 🙂
Beautifully executed patchwork – I tried this on t-shirt material and it was a dismal failure. Your top is fabulous.
A very beautyfull patchwork ! You give me an idea ! Thanks ! KISS
Again, you've done a fantastic refashioning job. I love the idea of a refashioning bag.
I do love your patchwork and those colours! Can't say I'm struck with the cowl in the back, I like mine in the front. I suspect lingerie holders work well in this situation for people with fairly square shoulders. Since I'm always putting up my fallen bra straps, I think the stay tape AND the lingeries holders would be a great idea for me! Well done on re-using those scrumptious colours together!
I love everything about it. Jo x
Love your delicious and yummy patchwork. The colours are divine together. Don't you have jeans that refer to those colours. They'd look great together too. The back drape is really nice but I would never wear a top with such a wide-cut neckline because I have very sloping shoulders and rely on shoulder pads to keep the silhouette. The top would fall off my shoulders in two seconds. I like it on you though because you have the right shoulders for it. The bra strap holders work really well. I think the design could be extended and turned into a mini-sheath. I always admire how you manage to use the very last wearable thread in a piece of fabric. Brilliantly!
Vancouver Barbara
Gorgeous colours, you have such a good eye.
Interesting backdrop in your photos!
The fabric combinations work so well! I am more than slightly envious of your vision!
Love that top – wonderful use of old tees.
I love this top! The style and colors match so well with your skirt.
Total cuteness.. really like how the back is..
I LOVE IT!! The patch working is the BEST!! The colors go together so well! And hurrah for lingerie straps. I love those things!
The patchwork is awesome!
What a gorgeous top! You are such an inspiration, always finding fabric where others would see rags. I have an enormous pile of T-Shirts waiting to be made into a T-Shirt quilt, and I think I've just worked out what to do with all the leftovers that I'll have!
Truly inspiring work and who doesn't love a Cherry Ripe?
Great colors, great refashioning. This top really shows your unique touch.
This is totally awesome! I love everything about it, the colors is so yummy and the top looks so wearable and pretty 🙂
This is such a fun and creative project. I love it, and the colors chosen look so good with your russet hair.
Once again, I love your top! Your refashionings are so inspiring. I always wonder, "How did she think of that?!"
Fabulous use of old t-shirts. It would probably be ruinously expensive in a designer boutique. I'm more than a little jealous 🙂
Love how you can make old new again, great top!
WOW!!! Great refashion! Love the pictures, like always 🙂
Mmm cherry ripe 🙂 I love that you put your own special twist on this pattern. The colours are great together, great job.