The weather has gotten SO hot and humid these days that most of my knitting has been put aside while my mind turns to sewing. I've been very much inspired by Yoshimi who sews really well and has great taste in her outfits. Then I'm introduced to the world of Japanese sewing patterns apart from the Japanese sewing books (check out those links on Yoshimi's sidebar), and bought the Leia pattern from TAMANEGI-KOBO without thinking much about my own abilities. See, it has a curved yoke which is beyond my current skills level which didn't strike me then, all I thought of was: 'no zipper'. Yoshimi then went and made a lovely Leia and I realise that more practice might be the key to better sewing.
I decided to do something easier and chose this top from the Nani Iro book (ISBN: 978-4579111831), the one on the cover. The fabric is also from Nani Iro but from her 2009 collection.
There is only 1.5m of it left in Yuzayawa Shinjuku when I visited with Olga and Joujouka last Dec, so I made a shorter version instead of the full length dress-style like in the book. I think I like it better this way and would wear it more often.
I think I definitely need more practice as my mom saw it and immediately knew I sewed it myself. So more fabric came home with me last weekend. After a doctor's visit on Kowloon side, I couldn't resist 'passing by' Shamshiupo and picked up these fabrics for some much needed practice.
I already have some projects lined up for these fabrics. Easy, roomy cotton tops and breezy linen pants (with elastic bands for now) all with the coming sunny holiday in Penang end of the month in mind.
Cute top, Siow Chin. By the way, I like what your mum said about "practice". I'm adopting the word :) cos I've just realised that all my sewing is really practising! Have fun practising on your lovely fabrics. I'm looking forward to seeing them.
Posted by: erin | Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 04:19 PM
I think this top is beautiful - it will be so useful. Well done!
Posted by: Audrey | Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 04:24 PM
This top is lovely. I like your fabrics and looking forward to see your new tops and pants .
Welcome to Malaysia ! Don,t forget to enjoy all kinds of delicious food in Penang. Enjoy your holidays !
Posted by: PY | Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 05:11 PM
This is a great top! Great job indeed. I like it shorter too. Oh, I wish we could have a sewing session, so that I can help you to know that sewing Leia is actually easy.
Posted by: yoshimi | Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 07:30 PM
Your top looks great! I've gotta try sewing one of these days ...
Posted by: Leah | Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 12:06 AM
Love the top SC, and it will look the part in Penang. We are off to Phuket in July, but nearly went to Penang (the decider was the need to change flights if we went to Penang). I love Penang - the seafood, the curries, the noodles.
Posted by: Ingrid | Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 06:06 AM
Those are not difficult curves, Siow Chin. I know you can do it! Just go rather slowly. Zippers depend a lot on the fabric you use, plus those do need lots of practice in general. I rarely get them as perfect as I'd like. It's good you have your mother to keep you from becoming complacent about a so-so job.
Posted by: Chloe | Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 10:17 AM
I love this top so much! I like the shorter length and the fabric is very pretty.
Posted by: monica | Monday, June 21, 2010 at 04:49 AM
Hi! Your tunic is beautiful. I am looking at the pattern pieces for J and can only find two on the page. Did you have the same problem? I can find the "skirt" piece and the "bodice" piece, but where is the piece for the facing that goes around the neck? If you understand what I am saying, I would be very grateful for any help. Thanks.
Posted by: Martha | Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 05:58 PM
I found your blog searching for knitting and after looking at your wonderful sewing thought your good taste reminds me of Yoshimi! You sew quite well.
Posted by: lorrwill | Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 01:37 PM