The Ruffle Top - TAM #5

It's not yet hemmed, but done otherwise.  While I started with the the Cynthia Rowley dress pattern, I used only the bodice portion.  I traced the pattern front/back to the side seam of the arm opening.  I then drew a straight line down as a side seam.  I originally added 5" in length "I think" (I didn't write it down).

I was making a muslin from old sheets so I knew I had a change to change the length if needed.  I also anticipated the neckline would be lower than I wanted, so I raised the neckline 1".  At the muslin stage, I realized I wanted some darts to shape the front  just a bit so I draped (pinned in) french darts while I had the blouse on.  I sewed those in and tried on again.  Little baggy in the back, so I draped in a fisheye dart in back--then later decided to take those out and shape the side seams more.  So, while wearing, I pinned in the area at the side seam I wanted to pull in just a bit.  Sewed those changes and was pretty happy with my muslin.

I pulled out the fabric, which is a poly/cotton from Hancocks.  It's the only thing at the local (well Dallas 30 or so miles away) stores that I could find a color match for the skirt.

Even though I raised the neckline, I cut the ruffle the same and so it just had a few more gathers in it.  I am happy with the way it looks.  In retrospect, I should have just pulled out an already tested sleeveless top pattern which I have and just redrawn its neckline to accommodate the ruffle.  Oh well, lesson learned.  At least now, I have another sleeveless top pattern for woven fabric to use for other things.

To refresh your memory, I found this skirt at a thrift shop and purchased it for the fabric.  It's a fully lined silk skirt.  When I got it home, I tried it on and it fit fine.  So I just needed a top for it.  I love the bright colors.

I was working on this Monday of this week when I got a call from my sister that she was at the eye doctor and it was determined that she had a partially detached retina.  So, time kinda stopped that day for me.  They sent her immediately to the Dallas Retina Center where the diagnosis was confirmed so Tuesday morning 6 a.m. we were on our way to a Dallas Hospital for scheduled surgery.  Everything went well and I took her back for a check yesterday.  The doctor expects a 90+% (and hopefully 100%) full vision recovery.  So, needless to say my sewing mojo has been interrupted.

Today I'm moving slow.  Tired.  Mostly from the emotional stress, I think.  She's my "big sister" and has always been there for me.  We are very optimistic about recovery and she's in good spirits--which puts me in better spirits.

Now to get that mojo back.