Ode to Deborah Top

Sorry for my absence from the forum this week. I've been flooded with things that must be done NOW. I've tried to lurk a bit, but mostly failed even at that. It may be next month before I'm back regularly, though I'm trying to keep up on taking pics, so might post them now and then.

Now on to my new top. Funny Story:
A few years ago I went through a "fashion designer" phase, where I designed and sewed up clothes. I entered them in contests and even placed twice. It never occurred to me to actually wear these though. Never. Fast forward to this forum, and I've recently seen Deborah wearing some wonderfully dramatic yet simple, stunning pieces. And I thought - "wow - it's too bad that sort of thing never shows up at thrift stores!", followed by "hey wait - I could sew that!".

So here's my first attempt at a top inspired by Deborah's style. I have a few fit tweaks to make (the shoulders are too wide), and a few style tweaks to make (the high-low hem is too severe - and too short in the front, and maybe too long in the back). But overall, it was a fun experiment, and I'll probably make a second, and even a third or fourth version of this top. (It might take me that many tries to get what I want). I'd like to think that maybe I'll even wear it this summer!

Thanks for the inspiration Deborah!

(And for the curious - this was based on the free Sorbetto pattern from Colette Patterns.)

1
2
3
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

14 Comments

  • replied 11 years ago

    Nice job! With the tweeks you suggested the next one should be spot on. Meanwhile you could just shorten the back of that a little. You could even do a semi tuck with it too. Keep up the good work :)

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Amy, firstly I am beyond flattered that you would in any way be inspired by my style and secondly, what a fabulous top! I love it. It definitely has drama, and I love the hi low hem line. I'm thinking of all the ways you could style this:). You are clearly a talented dressmaker. Is the pattern available on line?

  • Karie replied 11 years ago

    Wow, I'm so impressed! I sew, but never design my own, I wouldn't even know where to start - I always use a pattern. Very nice!

  • Beth Ann replied 11 years ago

    How creative you are! Love this! I second Diane, that I'd suggest shortening the back on this one. You're plans for the next sound spot on!

  • Tina.b replied 11 years ago

    Wow Amy, you are super creative and talented. I think this top has tons of potential. Is it possible to shorten the back just a little? Regardless, I would love to see it styled with just a tank or cami underneath. I think you could get some great use out of it this summer. So fabulous! Look forward to seeing more of your creations. :)

  • amiable replied 11 years ago

    It's almost just as easy to make another top as to shorten the hem of this one because the entire bottom isn't hemmed, it's bias bound.

    But, I have LOTS of this fabric, so I'll probably just make the next rendition the same purple sheer, and see if it ends up wearable :)

    Thank you all!

    Deborah - the free online pattern that I used is the one I PM'd you a couple of weeks ago when I started it. (The Sorbetto pattern from Colette) But I made a lot of changes to the pattern. I've seen a pattern similar to what I made up here online, but I can't find it now :(

  • Marley replied 11 years ago

    Oh My Goodness Amy - you are brilliant! What a great idea! This style looks really good on you - and I can't wait to see the next rendition!
    (As an aside - when I read your thread title, I knew exactly what kind of top I was going to see in the pics! Deborah has definitely made that style her "own!")

  • rachylou replied 11 years ago

    I love this!

  • Krista replied 11 years ago

    Okay, I love this and I think you could continue to wear it as is. What about with a black long sleeve top underneath with black skinnies or dark denim skinnies and your black boots? I'm excited just thinking about it!

  • annagybe replied 11 years ago

    So cool!

  • amiable replied 11 years ago

    Yes, thank you Krista, it actually looks pretty good over black - but the photos with the black underneath didn't show up well at all, so I re-photo'd with white so that you could see the shirt :)

  • Aida replied 11 years ago

    If you remake it, leave the hi-low lengths as-is! The dramatic quality is super :)

  • Krista replied 11 years ago

    I thought so, but I just thought I'd put it out there in case! Looking forward to more posts with this top! :)

  • Debora replied 11 years ago

    I like the drama of the hi-lo top, too. I bet you could transition this into summer with a tank underneath. I'm so impressed with your sewing skills!

You need to be logged in to comment