Reversible top

Just cut the top twice and make a 'lining' out of one: then all the reversibility is in the finish... Use snaps with nice coloured tops on both sides rather than buttons, or make it a pull on style. I'm using this with a customer: I'm lining it, and it wouldn't be hard to make it reversible by using snaps rather than buttons:

A one-yard piece doesn't give you many options, for instance a top with princess seams probably requires more than that. It would help to know what *width* your fabric is, and what *size* you are.

However, Simplicity 8523

the sleeveless version, view B, takes one yard of 60" wide fabric for sizes 8 through 16.If you cut the lining from the same pattern pieces (no facings needed), and know how to "bag" a lining, you could make it reversible. Good luck,

Beverly

in the sleeveless version, view B, takes one yard of 60" wide fabric for > sizes 8 through 16.>> If you cut the lining from the same pattern pieces (no facings needed), > and know how to "bag" a lining, you could make it reversible.>

Thanks. B or F certainly seem like what I want to do. I have just measured and I have actually about a 1 1/2 yards of fabric X 60", and other slightly bigger so I should have enough. I am size 16 at the top, 18 through the hips.

One problem - I do not know how to "bag" a lining, and can't find any instructions in the couple of books I have bought. Any pointers please. I have sewn before but find it a lot easier to just follow instructions. I guess I just haven't much creativity. I hate those things that say "the only limit is your imagination"!!!

Helena

> in the sleeveless version, view B, takes one yard of 60" wide >> fabric for sizes 8 through 16.>>>> If you cut the lining from the same pattern pieces (no facings >> needed), and know how to "bag" a lining, you could make it >> reversible.

I have to ask: these sizes are based on *your* *actual*

*measurements*, and the pattern sizing, right? You have not indicated in any of your messages how much sewing you do, so please don't be offended by my asking this question. Many people new to sewing make the mistake of purchasing patterns and buying yardage, based on their Ready-to-Wear size, and THAT WILL NOT WORK.

This is a little hard to describe without pictures, but: This is a good pattern to try this because it has a center back seam. For your top, cut the front and back pieces from you fashion fabric. Cut identical pieces from the lining fabric.

Sew the darts, press down.

Sew, the shoulder seams of both segments, press open.

Sew the neckline seam, right side of fashion fabric to right side of lining fabric, clip the curves, grade the seams, and understitch.

Sew the armhole seams, right side of fashion fabric to right side of lining fabric, clip the curves, grade the seams, understitch as far up both the front and back of the armhole seam as you can.

Pull the two back pieces through the shoulder areas, turning the garment right side out.

Sew the fashion fabric side seams,front to back, right sides together, press open.

Sew the lining fabric side seams right sides together, press open.

Sew the back seams right sides together, this is a little tricky as the pattern has a back neck opening, I'm not sure how best to describe this, but you sew the center back seam of the two back pieces, fashion fabric-to-fashion fabric, right sides together, then lining fabric-to-lining, right sides together, up to the dot for the opening, then the fashion fabric to the lining fabric from the dot, to the neckline seam on both sides of the opening. Ugh, this probably doesn't make sense, but...

Press tthe CB seams open.

Now: turn both parts of the garment inside out, and stitch the bottom together, EXCEPT FOR ABOUT 3 INCHES AT ONE OF THE SIDE SEAMS.

Pull the garment through the opening you just left at the side seam, press seam allowances in the opening and slip stitch closed. Making it truly reversible requires precision stitching, and omitting the "understitching". Good luck with that. ;-\

Yikes, I realize this probably seems impossible, I'll try to find an online site with some diagrams.

You probably have enough fabric to make the version with sleeves, and unlined... ;-}

Beverly

"BEI Design" wrote in message news:wpidnWXblb15wyzZnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com...

'Scuse the self-follow-up, but I found a description for lining a sleeveless dress or top:

2/3 of the way down that page. It's not strictly speaking a fully lined garment, because they use facings with lining pieces attached, but it's a similar technique. No pics, sorry. Beverly

Another possibility is to underline the garment and sew it together with pre-graded flat-felled seams. Only the lining would show on one side, and only the fashion fabric would show on the other.

I can think of three possibilities for finishing the edges: easiest would be binding with something that harmonizes with both fabrics.

Another would be unpicking the ends of the seams, tucking the raw edges in between the layers, and re-stitching.

The third is to sew each underlining piece to each fashion-fabric piece at what is going to be the free edge with the right sides together, turn and press into underlining position, then assemble.

Variation on above: turn under the hem allowance on the ornate fabric, turn under an eighth of an inch more than the hem allowance on the plain fabric, baste into underlining position with an eighth-inch "piping" of the ornate fabric showing on the plain-fabric side, secure hem somehow, assemble.

Joy Beeson

>> in the sleeveless version, view B, takes one yard of 60" wide fabric for >>> sizes 8 through 16.>>>>>> If you cut the lining from the same pattern pieces (no facings needed), >>> and know how to "bag" a lining, you could make it reversible.>>>

My actual measurements relate to size 18/20 on the patterns but I have always used 16/18 in patterns..

Sewing experience - Not a lot. I made three dresses 40 years ago when I was posted abroad. I made a few simple clothes for my daughter when she was young. One jump suit for myself for a fancy dress. One cape for which I went to classes. This was lovely and the second time I wore it I caught it in the door of a car and ruined it. So you can see, not much experience.

I bought a sewing machine 5 years ago planning to take up sewing more in my retirement (old one went to my daughter). So now I have actually retired I want to take up sewing. I have several pieces of material pickup up in sales at our local factory shop/charity shops etc so I can afford to use up these as practice without worrying too much about whether they come out perfect.

Also, having just gone on to insulin, I need something to take my mind off it at the moment.

Thanks for the instructions. I will go and buy the pattern and try my luck. Also I'll look out for the snaps Kate mentioned as I have not seen them.

Helena

> in the sleeveless version, view B, takes one yard of 60" wide fabric for >> sizes 8 through 16.>>>> If you cut the lining from the same pattern pieces (no facings needed), >> and know how to "bag" a lining, you could make it reversible.>>

I have instructions with some photos on my personal website( link below, nothing for sale there)for making a bagged waistcoat or vest, you could transfer the method to your top. The goal is to make the bottom of the back the last thing that you sew together

Claire in Montréal France.

Ok, then, just wanted to be sure you didn't spend a lot of time and effort, only to have the garment not fit *you*.

Ok, JMHO: A reversible top made with silk is not a real good resuming/beginning effort. You'll probably end up very frustrated, and wonder why you took sewing up again. ;-\

Good luck! Both my DH and my DMIL were diabetics, and although it's tough, it can be managed. Deadliest effect, according to DH's doctor was hypoglycemia. DH once went so low he had convulsions. We were a *whole* lot more careful after that episode.

Those snaps would be great if you were making a reversible jacket, however for the top you have in mind, I don't think you'd need them.

But, really, I urge you to tackle something a little less advanced than a reversible top to start. That pattern, made up with facings or sleeves would be a nice first project. Then after mastering that, you could give the whole reversible thing a try.

Beverly

Very nice, Claire, and so much easier to explain with pictures.

Beverly