Friday, June 20, 2014

Sewn Top Resurrected!

It was an inside day for us chickens today.  (Well, no, our crazy chickens were actually outside all day . . . in the rain.)  But we were inside.  We got one and 2/10ths inches of rain, and the day felt pretty cool since it was only in the 50s.

I was determined to see if I could find a way of altering the top I've been making so it was at least usable.  You know, so I could wear it without fear of it falling off and landing in a puddle of fabric on my gardening shoes if I made a wrong move.

I appreciated all of your suggestions of ways to make it smaller across the shoulders and (cough, cough) chest area, but I thought the easiest solution might be to loosen part of the neck facing (really more of a rolled binding) and gather up the front on either side of the ties as much as possible.  So that's what I did and . . . 


. . . ta-dah, it worked!  It's not perfect, that's for sure, but plenty good enough for a cool top to wear in the garden.  (Whew, snookered through that one, I did.)  And I am glad it's done!

29 comments:

Jennifer Jo said...

I don't know if I've ever seen a direct photo of you---and you are lovely!

Carolyn said...

Nice shirt!! And nice to see a new pic of you, although my favorite will always, always be "Pot on Head Lady".

DFW said...

I am envious of that shirt & the fact that you are so beautiful! Thank you for the pic.

Freedom Acres Farm said...

Somehow I managed to miss your original post with your gaping neck issues :-) Looks like you figured it out nicely though!! Looks lovely!! Looks cool and comfy!!!

Sparkless said...

Such a pretty top and you look fantastic in it. I'm glad you managed to fix it so it's comfy for you to wear. Nothing worse than a top that gapes and shows stuff you don't want on display.

Sue said...

Looks terrific. But wow--don't forget the bug dope. Those mosquitoes will be munching on those arms!
(Did anyone ever tell you that you have great arms?-My gosh--I've got flabby arms--I'd kill to have tone like yours!)

Mama Pea said...

Now I'm embarrassed! But thank you for a comment that has made my day. :o}

Mama Pea said...

Carolyn - I did consider putting a paper bag over my head but couldn't find one that fit. And a plastic bag might not have been a good idea considering all the work I have to do yet this summer. ;o}

Sandy Livesay said...

Mama Pea,

I heard on the news Minnesota had some flooding with all the rain up there. Are y'all okay up there?

What a nice looking top you've made, and it looks real nice on you.

Mama Pea said...

DFW - Ho-ho! Beautiful, I am not. On a really good day, maybe attractive. But you've made me feel really good regarding the shirt and your lovely compliment. Thank you!

Mama Pea said...

Freedom Acres Farm - I think it will be cool and comfy. Last night when I modeled it I was downright cold because the house was a bit on the chilly side as we'd had rain all day. After the pic, I immediately took the top off and put on t-shirt and a hoodie and pulled the drawstring tight around my head! (Summer in Minnesota . . . ya just never know, do ya?)

Mama Pea said...

Sparkless - Thank you! It's still pretty "gape-y" when I bend over but I won't shock anyone in the garden but the broccoli and weeds!

Mama Pea said...

Sue - Believe me, I never go outside so "bare" except on a sunny, breezy, bugless day. I'd be dead from bug poison in less than an hour!

I've always been built like my dad (not the best thing for a female), short, stocky, and muscled. You should see my arms when I make a muscle ala Arnold. It scares everyone.

Mama Pea said...

Sandy - The bad flooding has been from mid-state on down to the southern part. So far, way up here we're fine. Soggy this morning, but fine.

Thank you for the nice words regarding the top. I still really like the fabric, but the pattern gave me more fits than just the neckline! I'm not sure I'll use it again.

Unknown said...

How cute! Now if you ever get HOT weather you can wear it :)

mtnchild said...

You look absolutely lovely in your top. We have hot weather during the middle of the day, but then it cools and I run for my t-shirt too!! Don't let the buggies get you though.

Kelly said...

So pretty! You and your new top :)))))

Susan said...

You DO look like Audrey Hepburn! I love that top - it turned out wonderfully.

Mama Pea said...

Nancy po - Exactly! Hubby and I just came in from a short walk (8 p.m.). I wore a blouse, hoodie and down vest over that. And I got chilled! Geesh.

Mama Pea said...

mtnchild - Thank you! What with the plenty of rain we've had, now we sure do need some sunshine. Maybe things would start to grow then. Maybe.

Mama Pea said...

Kelly - Aw, you're so sweet to say that!

Mama Pea said...

Susan - Pshaw! But don't I WISH!

I folded up the paper pattern for the top today to put away and made a gazillion notations on the face of the envelope for changes to make if I ever use the same pattern again!

Anonymous said...

I think the top looks fabulous!!! Well done!

http://caffeinatedhomestead.weebly.com/blog

Chicken Mama said...

Nice picture, Mama, and nice top! You asked what I want for my birthday? One of these! :)

Lisa said...

Yes, you are lovely and beautiful!!! What a great picture! And what a great little top you made!! You got the fit after all and hope you gets lots of enjoyment wearing your new oh-so-cute and comfy summer top. Very nice Mama Pea!

Mama Pea said...

Stephanie - Thank you!!

Mama Pea said...

Chicken Mama - Thanks, child of mine. Ya know, this coming winter you really should learn how to sew. :o)

Mama Pea said...

Lisa - Thank you, thank you! It's gonna have to warm up quite a bit here in northern MN before I can venture out in this top. :o)

Lisa said...

Would be more than happy to share some of these 94 degree days with you?! :)