White Plaid Spring Top #1

It's time for Made By Rae's Spring Top Week 2010!  I looked through the 2009 Flickr pool and was amazed by the lovely tops made last year.  I agree that I need to do more "selfish" sewing, so why not make a few new spring tops?

For this top, I started with one of Andy's dress shirts that he has NEVER worn.  I admit - this was one I picked for him, but I guess it wasn't his style.  Score for me!  I believe every girl needs a peasant top pattern.  They are so easy and comfortable and fun to customize.  For my pattern, I used Whimsy Couture's Ladies Peasant Top. Starting with your dress shirt, simply cut off the sleeves along the shoulder seams, lay out the shirt and cut out the pattern pieces from your dress shirt front/back/sleeves.  I wanted to keep the bottom hem with cute triangle insets, so I tapered it out at the bottom to keep the insets.  Using the extra fabric I trimmed from the shirt sides, I made a tuxedo ruffle and added an extra button at the top.  I also removed the breast pocket and moved it down to the lower right side.  The shirt was a little too big around the middle, so I added about 6" of shirring across the middle back.  I'm happy with the result and will definitely be wearing this shirt when the weather warms up!

Andy was all too happy to take a picture of the ruffle :)  No, I don't usually wear bows, but wanted to dress up my tired hair & makeup.  Notice that long Jerry-curl wisp of bangs?  I need to go trim that right now...This is why I prefer no face shots :)

Linking up at these fun sites:
Made By Rae's 2010 Spring Top Flickr Pool
My Frugal Family: Talented Tuesday
Skip To My Lou: Made By You Monday
Today's Creative Blog: Get Your Craft On
Sumo's Sweet Stuff: Market Yourself Monday
A Silly Little Sparrow: Toot Your Horn Tuesday
Someday Crafts: Whatever Goes Wednesday
Treasures For Tots: Thursdays Treasures 
Little Helping Hands: Hand-Me-Down Rehab