DIY Printed Chiffon Pull Over Top with Modifications

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Hi Lovies, I have been waiting to write this post for two weeks now. This pattern was on my to-do list since earlier this summer. It was a very popular make, but I wasn’t feeling good over the summer, so I didn’t bother to try. During last months “No TV Challenge” I decided to give this a go. It was still 100+ degrees outside, so I didn’t run the risk of not being able to wear it. My first time wearing it was at the AZ Women’s Expo. I hadn’t been in years and decided to go with my mom. She raved about the top, which made me feel good because as you know we are our worst critics. And as a perfectionist, I would find a reason to tear apart what I made. My mom’s encouragement and the fact that I didn’t feel sick that day helped me to stand tall and enjoy the rest of my day with her. I really did fall in love with this top as the day went on and plan on wearing it for a date night in the future. I’ll make sure to post photos when I do.

Pattern Number & View: Simplicity 8601, View A

Pattern Description: Misses’ Tops

Fabric: Black and white chiffon and silk black lining fabric

Where did I get the fabric: Joann Fabric Store in the clearance section and some old lining from my stash.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 22 because I didn’t want it to be tight on me. I wanted to be able to wear a tank top under it since it was so sheer.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, this really was an easy shirt to make even with the modifications that I made.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I’m in love with this pattern. I will definitely make it again in a solid color maybe in Crepe fabric so that I can wear my favorite statement necklace with it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made bias tape from black lining fabric that I had left over from Joann Fabric. I sewed that around the collar instead of using facing. I got this bias tape maker kit from my husband for my birthday last year and finally decided to use it for this project. I also used a hook and eye attachment instead of a button and loop. I also nixed the idea of gathered fabric because I didn’t want buffy sleeves. I had to reshape the fabric of the sleeve and cut off excess fabric, sew then serge.

Would you sew it again? Most definitely. For my first pattern hack of this pattern, I am really surprised at how it turned out. There were times when I wanted to scrape the whole thing because the fabric moved too much when I tried to gather the sleeves, which is the second reason I decided not to do that. I would definitely try it again using a heavier fabric.

How long did it take? About 3 hours with the cutting and adjustments made. Making Biase tape is not easy to do.

By making this pattern, I learned that my only limitation is myself. Even though I was brave enough to buy the fabric I would look at it, move it to the side and keep doing other things. What changed for me was watching a video of Will Smith talking about how the only way you fail is if you don’t try. That and my husband saying “Go for it. It’s just fabric,” was enough for me to let go of my anxiety and make this shirt. I even like to think it’s my good luck charm because I ran into an old friend and we plan on starting a business relationship.

Until next time…