No, it’s not a gardening post.
The title refers to the colours in the lightweight linen fabric I recently bought, greatly reduced, from Spotlight. It was two separate pieces, each just a hair over a metre long. I just love the design, splashy and really bright in gorgeous acid fruity colours.
The Husband has missed out on a career as a fashion photographer… Not my best photo, but you get the idea.
I had a pattern I was wanting to try, Butterick B6024. I’d originally bought it for View B, with three-quarter length sleeves. I had some pretty blue and white lawn to make it in. I still plan to do that, but the pattern really demanded a short sleeved version for sunny days. In theory, I shouldn’t have been able to squeeze this top out of the fabric I had, but I had a cunning plan. The design called for a neck binding cut on the bias, which really gobbles up fabric. I decided I could do without that, and made the neck binding from a blending acid green fat quarter, using this method. Not only did I get the rest of the top out of the fabric I had quite easily, I also have some scraps left over, the largest of which is 12×24 inches, as well as some bias strip. I’m wondering what I can make of them. Something to co-ordinate with the top maybe? Any suggestions?
I’m now thinking that this top is so comfortable, it would make a nice summer dress if I extended the length by 18in/46cm. That blue and white lawn is about 4 metres long, it’d do the job perfectly and leave me some quite large scraps for something else. I also have a large scale emerald green and white gingham which would work too, so long as I’m not too fussy about matching stuff up.
And finally, that orchid I mentioned the other day? I’ve brought it out of the orchid house, and it’s now hanging outside the living room window, where I can enjoy it and keep an eye on it.
Tomorrow’s ScrapHappy Day, but after that, I’ll be getting back to the Hatbox Quilt.
talltalesfromchiconia 
If you have some fabric that would go with it how about a tote or bucket bag out of crazy patchwork?
I’m not sure there’s quite enough for the size of bag I prefer, but maybe as a trim… Definitely an idea, thanks!
On very rare occasions I am somewhat inspired to sew clothes again…… this is one of those occasions. That pattern screams keeping cool in summer and the colours are so perfect too. It’s a lovely photo too – well done the husband!
I can definitely recommend the pattern as both easy and comfortable. I’m actually looking at using the other one in the packet, with fewer pintucks on the front and no sleeves, for another piece of fabric, but it’ll need shortening a good bit. Watch this space!
I love the colors & the print. Acidy, brilliant jewel tones just take my eye & black marks give it juice. The photography really does high-light the blouse. Well done, Both of You. Oh, how I wish I could sew!
I saw the fabric from a distance and made a bee-line for it, I love it so much!
Very cute top – you could make a little cell phone purse with the scraps. And wow, your orchid is beautiful !!
I have a leather case for the phone, but you’ve made me think that maybe it’s time for another pouch for my sunglasses! The orchid’s amazing – I really must look it up to see what kind it is.
This is so lovely! I like that pattern too. You always inspire me.
Pretty and comfortable. I can recommend it!
Perfect for your tropical paradise.
Great photo – was The Lord of Chiconia coming over all David Bailey and asking you to think of something cheeky?
I’m always surprised how little fabric you need to make bias binding actually – just so long as you’re willing to join it. Still, the green looks very good with those colours and what a good job on all those pleats. I think it would make a fab summer dress as long as the gingham doesn’t make you look too ‘Little House on the Prairie’ 🤣
p.s. you could make a bandana for Mouse and you could be chic together on your walks.
Actually, that’s not a million miles from what I was thinking. Sad…. How about using it as a band around the cuffs of a pair of white crop pants?
No Bailey moments – I actually picked the only one where I didn’t have my eyes closed and my mouth open. The gingham’s less House on the Prairie than I Repurposed the Tablecloth; the squares are about an inch in size. But I like the colour, and there’s enough fabric, and it’s very light and cool. I might end up trimming it in something contrasty.
It’s just lovely. Some sort of head wear to keep the Aussie sun at bay.
A band for one of my straw hats! Brilliant, thanks!
That is a perfect top! And I agree…the pattern would make a delightful dress!
It will indeed, now that I’ve worn the top and can confirm how comfortable it is.
oooh yes, I love the top, the fabric and the zany green binding! Looks really great on you!
Thanks 🙂 The colours are bright, but they work in this climate.
you know me, I love bright!
Same!
That orchid *is* gorgeous. I love the bright green binding on the neck of your new top. That was a brilliant solution. It looks like the sort of top I wear on those occasions I wear jeans. 🙂
It’s definitely not a ‘tuck in’ garment, which is good, as I’m soon going to need every circulating breeze that’s going. It’s getting hot already.
Great colors and it looks so comfy. I rarely sew clothes anymore, so was somewhat shocked when I recently wanted to make some wrap around pants and the pattern I wanted to use cost $23 US! I decided I can just use a pants pattern I already have and modify it. I then turned my attention to finding the fabric I had in my mind’s eye. Unfortunately, the store doesn’t stock “in my mind’s eye” fabric 🤨
Isn’t that always the way? Which is why when I see ‘mind’s eye’ fabric, I buy it, whether I have something to make with it or not. When the time comes to make something, sometimes I have enough, sometimes I don’t but at least I have a chance!
It looks great, wonderful colours and looks comfortable but pretty – a perfect summer top really 🙂
I think it is, and I know I’ll be getting lots of wear out of it.
Perfect for the tropics! Or anywhere really!
I think it might raise an eyebrow or two in Melbourne… But yes, it’s perfect tropical fabric. In fact, I wish I had a sorbet in those colours. Imagine the flavour!
Love the colours in the fabric. How lucky to find 2 pieces that would size into a shirt. The orchid colours are beautiful too. I hope you get much enjoyment from both.
If it hadn’t been this shirt, it would have been something else, but I’m delighted I could do the squeezing and make it work. Shirt no. 2 coming up, this one squeezed out of only 1 metre (but then, I shortened it and it’s sleeveless… I’ve discovered the orchid is a Dendrobium nobile, and I have several more out there, sadly none quite as lavish as this one.
I love that top.
And it’s a great photo – you look relaxed, well and happy.
Thank you! And I’ll let the Husband know that we achieved one successful version, despite the others where my eyes are closed and mouth is open.
Very cute!! And the new top is, too! 🙂
Awww, thanks! It makes me happy to wear it, the colours are so cheerful, and it was satisfying quick and easy to make 😉
Kate, what a lovely top. The fabric is stunning and full of cheer. I can see that as a dress, too.
I’ve just finished another one with fewer pintucks, a slit neckline and no sleeves. I might use the body from that and the sleeves and neckline from this one for the dress. It would be lovely and cool and comfortable.
I love it too! It suits you perfectly, and the colours are so tropical! Tell John that if he ever gives up driving he has a future as a fashion photographer. 😉
I’d love to see how it went down at the Paris end of Collins Street… The Husband would specialise in photographing women with real bodies wearing real clothes, because he’s clearly not going to flatter anyone 😉
Oh, I love that fabric and the shirt you made!
I thought it might be something you liked!
🙂
I love that shirt! More and more, I like roomy tops . . . don’t ask me why, I just do. 😉 And I agree that the photo of you comes across as confident and self-assured–comfortable in your own skin!
I like something that doesn’t stick when the humidity reaches 80%, the temperatures are through the roof, and no-one needs to see what shape I really am 😉
Forget the top, the background, your necklace. I love the relaxed confidence in your posture and facial expression. Instructions for that, please.
A dog weaving between your legs, a Husband trying to make you laugh, the sound of bees in the tree’s blossoms, a temporary reprieve from back pain, the satisfaction of making a top that’s soft, light and comfortable, warm tropical air…. It’s a complex mix!
What a bright, smart top! This is such a timely post. I have been hankering to sew clothing (something I haven’t done in over 25 years). Your post has given me the nudge get off my rear and do something about it. Hmmm. What will it be? 🙂
This particular pattern is very quick and easy. I had the whole thing finished in a day, with frequent breaks for ‘real life’ throughout.
another missed posting ~ love the fabric and top style. Your necklace is fabulous too 🙂
An oldie, but a goodie. The necklace, that is 😉
[…] may recognise the pattern, this time with a longer sleeve length than the Mango & Papaya top I made earlier. Speaking of sleeves, what do you think? Bright, aren’t they? I bought two […]