I started this top a while ago. I was super excited about the fabric - a loose pure linen knit - and set out full of hope.
But the cowl neck just didn't work and the front was all floppy and shapeless. I was inspired by the front pleat and tuck work a few people had been doing (see here and here), but it just didn't look right. The strong vertical centre line worked like a big arrow pointing to my belly. Ahem.
A friend helped me with this version, invoking the classic, can't go wrong shape for big chicks (especially those of us with an ample bosom) the diagonal.
Pretty much every top I have ever owned with a strong diagonal line between the bust makes me look good. It gets rid of the uniboob problem and draws your eye somewhere off centre.
So I'm very happy with this.
I've been asked for pattern, but there isn't one. I've written up a few details about how I made it over on flickr, so go look there if you are interested. Happy to answer questions!
*edited to add - yes, the fabric is fantastic. I bought it locally at cutting edge here in Melbourne, which is a great source of unusual quality fabrics. I have never seen a linen knit before or since and I would be more than happy to hear from anyone who sees more of it! It wasn't cheap (cool unusual stuff rarely is) at $28 a meter, but the top took 1.5 m, so that's $42. And I think that when I have clothes made from really good fabric, it lasts and even more importantly, people are always looking and commenting on the fabric, not me.
11 comments:
This looks fantastic. I love the colour and the drape of it. It looks stylish AND comfortable.
Did you source that fabric locally? Linen knit sounds wonderful.
Hi Paisley, the knit is indeed glorious! I bought it locally at cutting edge, a fabric shop known for it's unusual and quality fabrics. It was expensive ($28 a meter), but totally worth it. I have never seen it before or since as a fabric and I have been a fabric shopper for a long time :-) If you find more let me know!
Uniboob is a great term. I once read something about a matron having 'a heaving monobosom', and the image has never left me.
The top is great :)
And I want to know which pattern you used. The shirt is great!
That top works so well - fabric, colour and cut. And I'm so looking out for linen knit fabric now!
I am so impressed - it looks great!
I have seen hemp knit before, but never linen knit. Knits generally scare me, but I'm going to keep my eye out.
Love hand sculpted aspect of the garment and totally agree about the diagonal. I can only cope with a draped centre vertical if it's at the bottom of a very long vee.
Very, very flattering. Good save!
Excellent! From my purely selfish perspective, you've articulated what it was I am hoping to do with a few tops for myself. The (very expensive, can't buy more than one) top I'm working from is almost perfect, but moving the buttons from the centre line to under the bust would help.
Must go play with my knits now.
Mmmmm.......linen knit fabric. On so many levels that is just so right.
I would LOVE to know what pattern you used for this...it's gorgeous and gorgeous on you!
Lori in VA
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