Chopstick Bloom(ing lovely...)

As a panacea to the agony challenge that is the midway (read: hard) part of this pattern, I decided Vogue 1175 and I needed time apart and some instant sewing gratification was in order. Cue the kind of fabric that you're not exactly sure what to do with but must have. For me, that was Chopstick Bloom. Total love-at-first-fabric-sight*.


Given the fact that it's sold as a panel - and a narrow one at that - I wasn't immediately sure how I'd make it up. But with the combined summer-y forecast and the need for a quick and easy project, I eventually settled on a simple tunic top. The design is modified from pattern G in Stylish Dress Book 2.


In deciding to feature the awesome digital design on just one side of the top, I ended up buying two panels in order to get the match and desired effect. I used our cotton Mokuba grosgrain for the straps, shortened so that I could wear a strapless bra.


Because I wanted a snugger fit, I chose not to add seam allowances and took in the underarm seams by an extra 2cm. I also added an invisible zip in the left seam. If I made it again, I'd probably add bust darts but otherwise, I'm very happy with the result.

Now that the weather is warming up, I'm doing that new season thing where I look in the wardrobe and think 'geez, what did I wear last summer!?' Do you do that with the change of seasons? Cue summer sewing - my very, favourite kind...

*granted, that happens a LOT in my job...