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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Cowl neck top in sheer viscose

When scanning my syllabus at the start of the pattern making course I took last semester, I was most excited about learning how to draft cowl neck tops.  When we finally got to it toward the end of the course, I was surprised how simple they actually were!  Using a basic bodice sloper, it's just a matter of lowering the neckline and slash and spreading to create fullness.  The self-facing in the front keeps it pretty no matter how the cowl falls!  Clearly, putting my new knowledge to use was in the forefront of my mind when I had the opportunity to use one of the fabrics from the Novelty category at Britex. This unusual ruby and black sheer viscose fabric seemed like a fun and modern choice for a fairly classic cowl shape.
This fabric isn't an obvious choice for a cowl shape; while lightweight, it isn't particularly drapey, behaving more like a voile.  Nor could I cut on the bias (common for cowls) because of the obvious horizontal stripe. However, I kind of love how the neckline is more "origami folds" than draped.
The viscose is sheer--in these photos, I'm wearing a nude-colored tank top under this for modesty, but for cocktails or dancing, it would probably be fine without.
The self-drafted top is a basic pull-over shape, with no closures or darts.  It isn't as fitted as I normally like my tops, but it's light and airy (especially with the sheer fabric!) and adds a different silhouette to my wardrobe. For the construction, I used French seams throughout since the fabric is a loose weave. There is a back neck facing, which attaches to the front cowl facing, and bias tape for the armholes--simple and elegant!


Here's the exciting part: I've been learning digital drafting and grading, and I'm nearly finished with a multi-sized (S-M-L) pattern of this cowl-neck top as a free download!  Look for it sometime next week here or at the Britex blog!

Thank you to Britex for providing this great fabric--it's fun to try something completely new!




12 comments:

  1. Beautiful top! I'll be checking to see your pattern when you post it. Thank you!

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    1. After much nervousness, I've posted the pattern! If you make it, let me know how it works for you!

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  2. Great job on your pattern.. Love your top

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    1. Thank you, Judy! Even though it's work, it's pretty liberating being able to make your own (simple!) patterns :)

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  3. Replies
    1. Thank you! I hope you enjoy the pattern!

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  4. Wonderful. I was looking at that cowl thinking how I'd love to try that. Looking forward to your pattern (and I must get the lycra booties up for you!) and I'll have a go for sure!!

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  5. It looks fantastic! I'll be looking forward to trying the pattern when it's ready.

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    1. Oh my gosh, Stephanie, hi! I was (am :) pretty nervous to release my first pattern, and somehow, now, even more so to know that an old friend might be trying it out! (Hope you are well!)

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  6. Love your top and the color. Looking forward to seeing the pattern posted and giving it a try. Thanks.

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    1. Thank you, Paula! I've posted the pattern, so be sure to take a look!

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