Pleated Top

Have I mentioned lately that I love the blog Craftiness is not optional?

I sometimes feel like a stalker as I check the site several times a 

day just to make sure I am not missing a new post.

Anyway, I just adore the tutorials that Jess has posted on her blog

and plan to make many more of her projects.

Today I have made her pleated top.

Although everything went together well and the tutorial was easy to follow,

I am not too happy with my fabric selection.

Because the flowers are in a vertical row, it doesn't show off

the pleats as well as I would like.

I love the way it buttons up the back and may just have to add

some buttons to the front also.  That just may make those

pleats stand out a little more predominately. 

The only variation I made to the original tut was to add 3/4 length sleeves. 

The tutorial was for a sleeveless top with the arms bound with bias tape.

Super cute for hot, sunny days but, it is definitely not summer in Ohio anymore.

It has rained almost all day long and the temperature is in the mid-forties.

On second thought, I should have made this top out of fleece!

Oh well, maybe the next one.

I plan on pairing this top with brown leggings that I have

already purchased for my great niece, Korallynne.


Sorry for the terrible photos.
It is after midnight and the energy saving bulbs we use don't make
for good picture taking.

Until next time, 

The Libby Top Sew-A-Long

I am in love with the blog Craftiness Is Not Optional (aka: CINO).

Jess makes some of the cutest little girls clothing ever!

On top of that, she shares some wonderfully done tutorials on how to make them.

On Monday she started the Libby Top sew-a-long.  

It lasted three days and was a blast to participate.  

It was my first sew-a-long and certainly won't be my last, if she

posts more.  

WARNING: Crappy pictures ahead!

It was raining and overcast when I went to take my pictures.

I couldn't get a decent photo indoors as it was too dark in the house so I quickly

took my garment stand outside, plopped it down and snapped a few shots.

I didn't have time to straighten or primp the top or it would have gotten soaked

and I would have been drenched

This is my finished top.

A view of the back.

I strayed a little from the tutorial as it was written and added some piping

and bias tape to the edge of the bib portion of the bodice.

I love the dimensional quality it gives. 

I don't know if it shows up well on your screen but, 

the orange fabric is glittered. 

I also made my sleeves differently.  I followed the tutorial for measuring and cutting

but instead of adding bias tape to finish the lower sleeve edge I gathered it.

I added some more bias tape to coordinate with the bib detailing. 

I just love this little top and plan on making some black pants to match.

I am thinking of adding ruffles to the bottom of the pant legs using

the orange and print fabric from this top.

As they stitch up so quickly, I plan on making two more 

of these Libby tops for each of my great nieces.

Why not head on over to Jess's site and try one for yourself?

I promise you won't be disappointed!

Until next time,