All my careful planning has come to an end and I present to you:
The Liberty Crochet Collar Top
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
*I will not be pregnant anytime soon, Mom, don't get excited.
So CUTE! When I worked in the costume shop in college we used to say "Anything worth making is worth making twice!"
ReplyDeleteI love the way it turned out! It's really cute.
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteThe crocheted collar is perfect on this and it looks smashing tucked into the skirt.
that looks amazing! sooo fresh and summer ready!
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out really cute!!
ReplyDeleteIt 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!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love it! The crocheted collar really looks spectacular.
ReplyDeletelove it. Greetings from Argentina
ReplyDeleteHow did you attach the collar?
ReplyDeleteIt's just sewn down!
DeleteDid you sew as you crocheted? Or after the fact? I have 2 dresses I want to do this to. :-) great idea!
DeleteI 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!
DeleteI love this. !!! I am inspired. What yarn did you use?
ReplyDeleteThank you! Unfortunately, it's a mystery yarn that a friend gave me that had no ball band. Something synthetic and not stretchy!
DeleteBeatiful!! Share it, in my face!
ReplyDelete