J. Stern Designs Top

I finally have some SWAP progress to report. I got a bit of creative blahs and didn't want to touch the stuff I had waiting on the cutting table, so I opted for a top to replace the previously sewn black silk blouse that was in my original plan.

I've said before that I wanted to sew more independent pattern maker's patterns. Well, I had a whole bunch of pre-owned independents that I almost bought, and quite frankly would have only sewn at a later date, but at the last minute decided instead to order a new pattern. I'd spotted this top pattern (top right under patterns) and loved it.

My logic is that even though these patterns may cost more, if we don't buy them new, we're not actually supporting the pattern maker and these patterns might not be around later. I don't see it as supporting the economy, but rather supporting creative people and helping them to prosper.

On the subject of support....I got a lovely note in with the pattern and pointed in the direction of Jennifer Stern's blog. Take a look, it has general sewing and fashion stuff as well as tips and alternatives to her patterns. I read through all the posts on the top before starting and used her invisible zipper tutorial when inserting mine.



So onto my top, I chose to make the version with the mandarin collar and keyhole opening. I used a pink-peach crepe and ivory charmeuse for binding. I've strayed off my original colour scheme, but I brought this fabric back from my stash in South Africa and thought this was the pattern I wanted for it. My other intention was to use a deep red, the remnants from the red silk blouse, for the binding, but I realised that the darker colour would shine through where it overlapped.

This pattern has some interesting features, at least for me. Firstly it has these pretty lined cap sleeves. I used the charmeuse there too. I love that its lined, so I didn't have trouble with unsightly hemming and it just looks so neat and pretty. Also gotta love the soft charmeuse on the arms.

The back has an interesting dart that I haven't seen before. It is created diagonally upwards from the centre back seam with some slight gathering. It adds an nice detail to the back.


I also inserted my first invisible zipper. I used the tutorial provided by Jennifer on her blog. I think it worked out well.


I had a mandarin collar evening dress once, that had a frog closure, I sure loved that dress. So I did the same here. I'm not sure if that would count as the unusual/distinctive closure requirement for SWAP??



For those who know my last name...I did a double take when I first saw J.Stern Designs or talk of Jennifer Stern, I'm also Jennifer and my last name has just one letter different. So I suppose that's got to mean I have to buy some more patterns. Maybe the jeans??