Friday, May 14, 2021

Factory Dress Top in Green, for the Literary Sewing Circle



 

This week brings my first project for the latest Literary Sewing Circle! I have had this tiny mushroom print cotton for years, and really wanted to make this Factory Dress top view with it, as soon as I started reading Amatka again.





My inspiration is of course the many mushrooms grown in the Amatka factories, to supply their new world with myco-matter for all their needs. Also, as Vanja notes in her first shopping trip, blues and greens were common colours for clothing in Amatka. I added this inspo to the aptly named Factory Dress, and cut a top version. I made the full Factory Dress for the last round of the Literary Sewing Circle, and really love the shape and fit, and have been wanting to make a top ever since. So this is it! 

I cut it at the same sizing as last time, and was just a little more careful to match up the pattern on the pocket. I didn't think to check on the front seam matching -- I should have cut it flat to be sure to get everything lined up. As it is, my fabric wasn't perfectly evenly folded so it's shifted a bit at centre front.

When I tried it on I realized that from a foot or two away, the small print mismatch really isn't noticeable -- the print runs into itself and it's not visually jarring. So I left it.

 Plus, when I cut the bottom band I tried to line it up with the print, but it's still a bit off, but with the same result...not visually disturbing. I think the pattern is uneven enough that it all melds together. 

To make the top view, I simply cut the bodice as it was drafted, and then cut a 7" wide band for the bottom. With it folded in half, and then a 1/2" attachment seam, the actual band is 3" deep. This gives a perfect cropped shape for me, not too short. If I was using a very particular print, I'd probably just lengthen the body by 3" to reduce the pattern matching requirements. Or use a contrast band and collar/facing combo. 

But I think that this worked out pretty well, and I really like the lightness and tiny nod to mushrooms. The shape of the collar is so great on this pattern, too. This will be a fun wear this summer. 

PS - Of course, since this is a quilting cotton, I had to make a matching mask to wear with it at work. I didn't think I'd ever forget how to put together a mask after the hours I spent at it this time last year, but I had to look up the steps again to be sure! 


10 comments:

  1. I love your top. I think it's a perfect representation of the novel. Very nice. I haven't been able to start my jacket yet, but it's sitting on my cutting table. I've got caught up in refitting baby clothes.

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    1. Thanks Linda! I really love it :)

      Looking forward to seeing your jacket, but baby clothes are important!

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    2. Especially if they are grandbaby clothes! :)

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  2. What a great top! I like being able to have a 'knit' style top in wovens. And I like the collar. I have been looking through David Coffin's books, so much about collars and collar styles!

    What is also nice is that your take on mushrooms is light and lovely. I got a bit of a sinister feel about mushrooms from reading the book. Weird.

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    1. Yes, the mushroom feature is a bit eerie in the book, but I went with a lighter tone ;)

      I want to look at all of David Coffin's books -- I only have one so have to find the others. I love a good woven shirt.

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  3. I love your pattern matching on the pocket and your collar! 😍

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    1. Thank you! I'm so glad at least the pocket matched up perfectly ;)

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  4. enjoy reading your posts. Your happy positive attitude really comes through.

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