What to wear to NYC??

Our ASG chapter sponsored a trip to NYC garment district last Saturday.  I have been in a tizzy trying to decide what to make and wear.  I imposed several conditions on the garment:

1. Must be fabric in my stash

2. If possible, fabric I purchase in NYC on a previous trip

3. Comfortable and breathable

4. Fashionable and have an element that I spied while inspiration shopping

5. Flattering ( always a challenge)


I managed to meet most of my criteria with the exception of #2.  This first jacket I started was from NYC fabric, but turned out to be too HOT!  You know women of a certain age must be concerned with temperature and fiber content! That jacket will be a fall project and will be showcased in a later post.

This is what I came up with and must say I was quite pleased.
(1) The fabric came from a little store in Harrisonburg, VA. 
(3) Fiber content is Rayon so it is light and breathable. 
(4) I used the back bow treatment that we spied on many jackets. ( 5) Well, that one I will leave up to you.

Front of Jacket

Back With Bow

Showing how the tie goes through an opening in the princess seam

You know I must add a little suzh to the back neck

Sleeve detail

Showing how the front is cut in one big square to create the drape

These are the beads I used on the sleeves and neck - I did purchase them in NYC on a previous trip.

I struggled with the sleeve treatment and  the belt.  After several failures, I came up with  the idea of taking some faux leather (a gift from Deb) and cutting  a 1 1/2 inch wide strip of fabric and put in on the leather, then folded the leather over the fabric and topstitched three times to create a belt that had substance yet was flexable and comfortable.  Also, a note that the fabric is two sided making the front drape more interesting.

I am so pleased with this top that I plan to make another in linnen for the dog days of summer.

Hope you like it, if you do please leave a comment or check a box on the comment section.

Sew Happy,.

Michele P