I'm a finalist!

I'm so excited to be a finalist over at Rae's Spring Top Sewalong!

Voting starts Monday morning 9AM EST. This top will be up for voting on Monday, but there will be a new batch on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Go check it out here!

Another Spring Top

So, you may remember I mentioned in a previous post that I am slightly obsessive about some things. Not in a good way where I'm meticulous, but more in a way where I'm super busy but still feel a NEED to make more tops for Rae's Spring Top Sewalong. What's wrong with me! So, I made another top, but this is it, no more. The limit is 3 anyway.....

I hate posing for photos, thank goodness my husband is a good sport. What's up with my pinkie finger?

In any case, I do really love this top. I used a top I bought last year in Switzerland. The fitted top and flared bottom I find really flattering on me. I left the bottom edge unfinished since knits don't unravel and I like the way it rolls a bit.


Here's an up close pic of the shirring on the top.

I thew this photo in just for kicks. I've never done one of these in the mirror shots. It's a little grainy because of the low light, but not a bad pic.

Anyway, go check out all the other great entries on Flickr. The deadline is Monday, and I'm 99.9% sure this is my last one.....

Spring Top Sewalong 2011

It's that time of year again when Rae hosts her Spring Top contest. Last year, for whatever reason, I felt compelled to sew 5 tops! I don't know what came over me, but I was determined and did end up making the top 60.

This year, it's almost the deadline, and I decided I need to throw my hat in the ring again and make at least one top. So here it is.
I really love the way this top came out. I didn't use a pattern, but gathered up a few tops I own for inspiration. Originally I was going to put some ties on the side...but as it usually goes with me, this kind of evolved as it went along.

I love the rolled flowers, which I've seen a lot of, but never actually tried. Super easy, and no sewing involved! I sat and rolled them while I was watching TV and glued them together this morning. I added a little bead to the middle for some contrast. I decided to put the flowers on a pin, so I could take them off. They get in the way if you want to throw a sweater on...

My favorite part of this top is the back. I shirred it across the back so it would be relatively fitted, but still have a little flare. This style of top works great for me and my little post-children belly that won't seem to go away. I don't do a lot of sewing for myself, but this is one I'll definitely make again. If the stars align, maybe I'll even take some pictures as I put it together next time.

Here's one of the 5 five tops I sewed last year. This one made the top 60, and it was quite an honor to be among such beautiful tops and such talented people! Can't wait to see the finalists this year!