Friday, April 29, 2011

Liberty Crochet Collar Top

All my careful planning has come to an end and I present to you:

withering stare in the crochet yolk top
The Liberty Crochet Collar Top

That's what I'm calling it, since I'm entering it in Rae's Spring Top Sewalong.


After crocheting the collar, I went on the search for the perfect fabric. I originally planned to use a vintage sheet, but none of them really popped. And then I found this Liberty of London scarf. I bought it last year at Target (Liberty for cheap!), and I loved the pattern, but the drape was just not working for me. It was much to voluminous to be worn as a scarf - it was strangling me. So it was relegated to the fabric stash, and has now found new life as a top.

back detail of crochet-yolk top

My first attempt was a complete fail - I cut the body of the top much too large, and it looked... horrible. Like a mumu, but short. I let it sit for a day or two - let my frustration subside - and then ripped out all the seams and started again. 

front detail of the crochet yolk top

I cut about 5" off the sides and added a curve to the neckline and back. I gathered the fabric in the front to give it some shape, since I decided against darts. It's completely lined with muslin, so there are no facings. And this time, it worked. 

hem detail
Muslin lining - Can you tell which hem was sewn by me and which was sewn by the nimble-fingered (machine) employees of Target?

The next version will have a thicker collar (better to hide the bra strap), but other than that, it's perfect! I'm planning to wear it with high-waisted skirts - a favorite summer time look that combines the hippie look with a 1930's aesthetic. 

untucked crochet yolk top
And look how good it will look when I'm pregnant*! I will probably never wear it like this.


These pictures (except the hem close-up), were taken by my lovely sister, Meghan. And why do I look so unhappy, you ask? Because it was really bright outside, and my eyes are extremely sensitive. I swear - I like the top, sewing, and Meghan, despite my expression.

*I will not be pregnant anytime soon, Mom, don't get excited.

16 comments :

  1. So CUTE! When I worked in the costume shop in college we used to say "Anything worth making is worth making twice!"

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  2. I love the way it turned out! It's really cute.

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  3. Love the idea of remaking a scarf into a top-- I've also been wanting to revamp vintage bedsheets too but haven't found the first project yet.

    The crocheted collar is perfect on this and it looks smashing tucked into the skirt.

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  4. that looks amazing! sooo fresh and summer ready!

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  5. It turned out really cute!!

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  6. It turned out so cute! Love that collar. You could have a whole line of tops like this, with different fabrics and crochet motifs. Love it!

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  7. Oh, I love it! The crocheted collar really looks spectacular.

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  8. How did you attach the collar?

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    1. Did you sew as you crocheted? Or after the fact? I have 2 dresses I want to do this to. :-) great idea!

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    2. I crochet the whole collar as one piece, and then I sewed the whole bottom of the top as one piece, and then I attached the collar at the very end. Hope your's turns out cute!

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  9. I love this. !!! I am inspired. What yarn did you use?

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Unfortunately, it's a mystery yarn that a friend gave me that had no ball band. Something synthetic and not stretchy!

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