Breton butterfly top {Le Challenge #3}

Friday 14 June 2013

Here is my take on this month's theme - maritime - a feminine version of the Breton top. The pattern is from a Japanese book in French. Although as with other Japanese sewing books, the information is minimal, and relies on very good diagrams. I managed to make one so I am sure you can too. 


I did make a quick muslin first - to understand the construction, but also check the length of it. It seemed to be on the short side in the pictures. I am glad I made a muslin, I found out that the sleeves were a bit large, and that I wanted a bit more room in the body of the top.  


Pattern: C-Top from Exclusivement Feminin
Fabric: lightweight jersey (from my local John Lewis in Welwyn Garden City)



I did not change much. I made the size L (I am a size 12/14 in the UK, EU42). I added 1 cm to the seam allowance, I added 2 cm to the length seam allowance, and I did not use any seam allowance for the sleeves (to make them slightly shorter). However I reduced the 'larger' size at the end after trying the top a few times.  The neckline is therefore a bit deeper than it would have been. 




The neckline is made according to the pattern, but it was really fiddly. Next time I will change the way I do it. 



The seams are red, adding a bit of fun. You also see the seams of the butterfly sleeves when you wear it so it was worth thinking about the seams. 



It took no time at all in the end - which I am still surprised at considering it looks quite complicated. It is a great top for the summer - and is that little bit more dressy than my usual Tshirts. 



Next time, I will probably not go for stripes, the matching is quite complicated - especially if you keep decreasing the size. At least these were small stripes and to a certain extent I think it matters less (or so I am telling myself)... 

18 comments:

  1. That is beautiful!! Love the stripes and the red stitching is a great touch! Butterfly sleeves are so pretty and I really like the neckline too :)
    Go you and your new wardrobe!!

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  2. What a pretty top. I really like red stitching - it adds a nice little pop of colour.

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  3. You are on a roll Nat. Love the soft, drapey look of this one. The sleeves, in particular, are gorgeous. Go you! :)

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  4. It looks great. I have not been brave enough to try sewing knits yet!

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  5. You did a fantastic job lining up the stripes.

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  6. Love your interpretation of the maritime theme. I'm still sewing mine!!! Could be an all nighter !!

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  7. Cute - I love the red detail :)
    I don't think it matters about matching such tiny stripes - I bet if you inspect something similar in a shop the stripes definitely won't match!

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  8. I don't sweat the stripes when they are that thin. Love the style. I just got a shirt a few months ago with the same sleeve style. Still not sure when I wear it as they flip forward. LOL.

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  9. Very cute! Love that red stitching. Yes, definitely, don't sweat the stripes :)

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  10. Very sharp, Nat! Way to go on taking on clothes.

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  11. so awesome!

    you are so creative!

    I look forward to following your blog.

    Nicole
    www.eleganceandclutter.blogspot.com

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  12. Nothing says maritime in clothing like stripes! Very nice top.

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  13. That is such a beautiful top!! The red seams are such a great touch!!

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  14. I love the stripes and the butterfly sleeves! This so cute!

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  15. What a great top, love the red stitching

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  16. This is really beautiful! And I have been contemplating getting this book for a while and I think I will.

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  17. It looks so great!! Really lovely on you! I wish we could get a picture of you and Emma in the shirt I made for her--different stripes, but similar thoughts. :)

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  18. What a beautiful top and indeed it is a great, feminine version of the classic Breton tee! I love the red details, such a chic touch! Caterina

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