14.4.14

liberty tova





There's nothing like a surge in temperature and a ray or two of sunshine to start analysing one's wardrobe. There was a time when I wore only dresses but lately I have been favouring trousers which, as luck would have it, means I have a bona fide excuse to sew some tops. Let's face it, there are only so many dresses one can really justify, I think.

I've been talking about dusting down the sewing machine for months now and finally, with the advent of Spring, not to mention a good dose of Vitamin D pouring through the windows, I cut into some prized Liberty fabric. I bought this last summer when we were back in the UK but now can't find a link to its name anywhere. I love it for the very British print with lion, griffin, roses and chariot and if anyone out there can identify it, I'd love you to say.

Isn't sewing a much faster fix than knitting? Once I set my mind to it, I had this made in two very short days. Oh, I haven't told you about the pattern yet .. it's the ubiquitous Tova by Wiksten. I made a Winter version two and a half years ago so I knew it was going to be a successful project but partnered with the tana lawn, it is even better. I must confess I had forgotten about how tricky the placket can be but, taken slowly and with great care, the pieces all work!

This one is a fair bit shorter than the pattern calls for and I also made a larger size than I would normally do. I find this pattern runs a little small across the shoulders and besides, I dislike snug fitting tops. I also dispensed with the collar this time, in favour of simple bias binding around the neckline. Despite being quick to choose the fabric and my pattern, one thing I couldn't decide on throughout the entire project was whether to add buttons to the placket or not. My Winter Tova gapes at the neckline you see. So far, this one is fine (although the weight of buttons could possibly change that) but the deciding factor was that the fuse in my voltage transformer blew before I could get the buttonhole foot out of its box .. fate, I guess. So no buttons!

Are you enjoying some sunshine in your part of the world? Let's hope so!

22 comments:

  1. It has been in the mid 80's here making it hard to stay inside to accomplish anything, the garden calls.

    Your top is beautiful Kate, way out of my skill level. Last week I did sew two skirts from a pattern with only three pieces, they took me all day. There are numerous mistakes in both skirts, but they are the first thing I have ever sewn that I can wear so I'm wearing them and smiling!

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  2. I love your top Kate, just my cup of tea, so beautiful. :)
    Yes plenty of sunshine today thankfully!!!!
    V xxx

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  3. Very pretty, so so clever, no buttons needed
    Thea xx

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  4. I do need to find the courage to sew one for myself.
    Your version is so precious!

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  5. Beautiful! Perfect fabric. We are on the last day of a run of pretty sun-shiney weather and we have made the most of it. It really does make one take a moment about the wardrobe. Also, I would like one of those sweaters in your last post in an xtra large please :)

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  6. oh, how i wish my sewing machine knew how to sew like that!!!! great looking top!

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  7. It's a lovely top, perfect for layering or wearing on its own. It's funny how the change in weather can prompt us to turn from one craft to another, somehow sewing is so much more suited to sunshine than knitting.

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  8. I too dislike tight tops, I love the yoke and placket opening at the neckline, sleek and yet flattering to fit. Lovely :)

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  9. How beautifully you've sewn that Tana lawn top! The fabric suits the pattern so well...it's great to see that the pattern will also work with other fabrics. Thank you for the link to the pattern.

    Gosh...it's been years since I have sewn any clothing, although once upon a time I made just about everything I wore (and still have a collection of the resulting left over fabrics.) Knitting sort of took over my free time. Also, my current employer grants us a monthly clothing allowance that actually allows me more clothes than I need...resulting in regular donations to charity thrift shops.

    Your post has encouraged me to give my lovely little Janome an opportunity to shine again. Many thanks. xo

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  10. Such a wonderful combo of pattern and the gorgeous fabric you are one talented lady...and you wear it so elegantly:-)

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  11. It is very pretty.... a perfect summery top.

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  12. The Tova seems to be kind of like the Wiksten Tank - seemingly simple but ever loved. Great fabric and lovely construction! (FYI - the Merchant & Mills dress is about to be cut out!)

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  13. What a gorgeous smock! You're sew very talented x

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  14. oh so pretty, you look beautiful in your top kate! i love your tova smock, in liberty, lucky, i LOVE liberty fabric! i have made the dress, and now remember the placket, those square corners were a bit fiddly. enjoy!

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  15. Absolutely lovely Kate! It came together so beautifully . Enjoy your sunshine , we have just had the coldest April 16th on record , sigh.

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  16. Beautiful, I love how this fits you! I've been tempted to turn my tova dress (which I don't often wear) into a tova top which would probably get more action. Your lovely version makes me even more tempted...

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  17. It's beautiful, and looks fabulous on you :)

    Glorious sunshine here the past few days ... it's rare that Easter is this warm in North Wales!

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  18. That's it, I'm going to sew another one up right now!

    This is lovely!!!

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  19. I always enjoy seeing this pattern, but what a great fabric for it! Happy spring!

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  20. Gosh this is lovely, and Alice at Backstitch is holding a workshop to learn how to make it I believe! I have to enrol.

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There's nothing like a comment to stop me feeling like I'm talking to myself. If you leave one here I'll pop one back here too, so don't forget to come back and continue the conversation ..

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