Monday 18 February 2013

Polka Dot Sencha

I'm back with more polka dots - yep I just love polka dots and especially red with white polka dots.  I really should be participating in Polka Dot Frock Fest by Scruffy Badger, but as I am away for most of February I didn't think I would commit.

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This linen fabric I bought on my NYC trip last year with the original idea of a dress.  You will note this is not a dress....because the dress was a disaster! I think I have finally have learnt the importance of a muslin.

The pattern I used was Simplicity 2180. The dress was supposed to have white piping around the waist band and around the neck and in my head looked lovely.  The reality was not so great.



I know the envelope is fugly, but I could see it working, and I will try again soon (with a muslin next time).  Unfortunately the fit was not close to the measurements on the pattern.  I cut out the recommended size, did an FBA following a tissue fit, but the back was just huge.  I also discovered that my fabric would have been too sheer for the skirt. Yes, I know I could have lined it, but that was my excuse to myself to hack it into something different...and the polka dot Sencha was born!

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My alterations:
- I changed the neckline to a scoop neckline
- omitted the buttons on the back,  I have no idea how one is supposed to do those up, I certainly can't reach!  It is easy enough to put over my head anyway.
- I used bias to face the neck edge
- narrow shoulder adjustment
- narrow hem on the sleeves and machine stitched

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I still really like this pattern, it is a great little top that I can dress up for work or wear with jeans in the weekend.  With the polka dots, I love the retro vibe this has. I like that this is a quick pattern to make up, almost instantly gratifying.  I have read online that many people have had issues with the fit, but I think I have this sorted now.  This is my third Sencha now, one blogged here and the other not yet blogged and it really does work in a number of fabrics.

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Quick info:
Top - made by me, pattern Colette Sencha
Notions - only cotton!
Jeans - Target
 
PS - I am still planning on doing a pocket tutorial like I used on the Hollyburn skirt, but I don't have any fabric to make a skirt from.  I know, weird right? :)  I am away for a couple of weeks later this week and will buy some fabric whilst away so I will do a tutorial when I get back.

PPS - if my posts are sparse over the next couple of weeks it is because I will be away and may not be able to blog

26 comments:

  1. So cute! This top looks great in polka dots. I wasn't sure I like the Sencha very much, but I really like this version and it looks great on you.

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    1. Thanks, it really is a great wardrobe basic - give it a go!

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  2. Cannot go wrong with pokadot ... Love it x

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  3. Your top is lovely! The fabric is great, it's hard to go wrong with red and white polka dots. What a shame about the dress though. I can see you vision with the pattern, it would have been lovely as the middle evening dress, or the left day dress.

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    1. I agree it is hard to go wrong with polka dots! I will give the pattern another go soon, when I feel up to it!!

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  4. So cute I love polka dots and the red looks so lovely on you!

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  5. My favorite.. I love red/white polka dots too.. Looks great with your jeans..
    Hope you have a nice trip... Look forward to the tutorial when you get back..

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  6. This looks super cute! Love the polka dots and the super cute wedges. Totally summer!

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    1. Now where has summer gone I wonder, seems to have disappeared this week and replaced with rain :(

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  7. Wow! I've never really admired the Sencha pattern before... but yours makes me want to wear one too! It's really cute on you! Well done!

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    1. Give it a go - once you get the fit right it is a super quick make

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  8. I am a polka dot fan too and would love shoes in the same fabric as your pretty top. I can just picture them but am yet to find them. It is tempting to try one of those online 'design your own shoe sites' like www.shoesofprey.com
    Have a great trip away and happy fabric hunting!!

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  9. That is such a cute top! I adore polka dots :)

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    1. Me too, I'm working on a polka dot dress at the moment too :)

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  10. It's great you could save this into something else and give that pattern another go some time when you feel like it. It looks so fun and happy, I love it...oh and you wedges, nice accessorising, I'd like a pair of those in my wardrobe too ;)

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    1. It is super comfy to wear being linen and breathes really well. The wedges are so comfy - they are Sandler brand

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  11. It is a gorgeous top, the polka dots are perfect for the slightly vintage flavour of the pattern.

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  12. Really cute! I honestly think this is more fun in a top than a dress-- it's very 50's and fun!

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  13. There is nothing better than a classic red polka dot! Very cute top. Looks great with blue jeans.

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  14. This is gorgeous :) The shape of it suits you wonderfully!

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