Monday, June 12, 2006

Cabo tank top

I've finished the current project for Sew? I Knit! well ahead of the deadline. Yippee!


Pattern - Amy Butler's Cabo Halter top
Fabric - Silk kimono fabric

I like Amy Butler's patterns. The pattern pieces are printed on real paper so they are easier to pin and trace on the fabric. The instructions are very straightforward as well.

The original pattern was a halter top that looked like this:


As you can see, the top is meant to be tied around the neck. Unfortunately, I couldn't "fill" the top when it was tied up. The front kept puckering up and I couldn't figure out how to fix it. So I decided to convert it into a tank top by just sewing the straps down.

I had to take in some fabric in the side seams to accomodate the new configuration. I like it this way better because I can wear a tank top under it if I were feeling a bit modest.

This was the hardest item I've had to sew. Mainly because I used silk for the first time. The fabric was slippery and it was difficult for me to cut the pieces consistently. But I'm very happy with the end result. I might even have time to finish one more top before the deadline!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow! it looks fabluous in this version. if i had to make one i would definitely use your modification. perfect!

i love the argyle vest, too. you've been busy!

goodkarma said...

Oh, Mari, that looks so elegant on you. I like the sewn down straps for this fabric; it's got potential to be more dressy than if it were tied around the neck. And yet it still looks really cute with jeans. Yay!

Anonymous said...

Mari, IT'S BEAUTIFUL! You did such a fabulous job. The fabric is so pretty and the fit is perfect. Great job with the modifications, too. Seriously, dude.. it looks professional! *hi5*

Anonymous said...

I love how you made it into a tank instead of a halter - it looks beautiful! The fabric is gorgeous too.

Anonymous said...

those patterns are fabulous. Almost enough to convert me to trying to sew. but not enough to interest me :)
it looks lovely on you though. Well done!

Anonymous said...

The top looks great! I like the tank straps better than the halter style.

Anonymous said...

I think that looks great - better than the original

sarah said...

I think it turned out so well!! I actually like it a lot better than the pattern sample. Must be that beautiful fabric you picked out!

Anonymous said...

That is really beautiful!! What a wonderful job of fitting. It would be pretty with a skirt too.

opportunityknits said...

This is fabulous!

Anonymous said...

what a pretty top!!! it turned out good.

Anonymous said...

That's wonderful. I know I personally would prefer the tank-top style. And in silk - yum!

MinaG said...

The top is amazing, where did you get the pretty fabric?

Unknown said...

Wow that's so beautiful! You did a great job altering the pattern.

Anonymous said...

I like that way better than the halter! Nice Job, looks great!

iSeL said...

So pretty!!! Love the fabric, and it fits you perfectly. I give you an A+!

Anonymous said...

Seeing your version of this top (plus a couple of others) convinced me that I need to put my knitting needles (and crochet hook) down for a little while and whip some of these tops up. I've just ordered the pattern and several Amy Butler fabrics to start making a few of these tops. I have a question for you (if you don't mind). I'm rather small chested and noticed you said you had trouble filling the top.... what size did you make and what size bust do you have (sorry to be so nosey). I'm about a 33/34 inch bust and am trying to decide which size will be best for me...

Thanks and congratulations on such a beautiful top!

Sheryl said...

Thanks to your idea I am doing the same with mine. I had the opposite problem with too much boobula spilling out over the top. The tank version keeps the girls contained. I lucked out by using stretch cotton and was able to sew up the back seam (no zipper needed) and I can pop it on over my head. I will make another one of these!

Anonymous said...

Your new top looks really beautiful! I like it much more than the halter version. Nice changes! :-)

joujouka said...

So beautiful!! I love the shape.
I love Deep-V Vest,too :>

Anonymous said...

I just ordered the pattern for this halter and Im waiting on it to come in! I'm glad I saw how you made it a tank top. I like that idea. Thanks!