Paris Style – Striped Parisian Top

Last year, I started sewing for myself.  It takes a good deal more time to find patterns, fabrics, and a fit that work well for women’s garment sewing than it does for the kiddos.  I have been revisiting some tried and true patterns and would encourage you to do the same.  After sewing a bit for yourself, take a look at the pieces in your closet and think about which ones you’re wearing over and over again – then try sewing them in a new fabric.  One of my favorite garments was this Parisian top that I sewed for Pattern Anthology last spring.  I made a new version for my trip to Paris last fall – could not stop thinking about how fun it would be to wear a Parisian top in Paris.  ha!

This time, I made the top with a striped cotton jersey knit from Riley Blake. The 1-inch striped knit was perfect for an adult garment and the top is SO comfortable to wear.  I used some leftover black peachskin from this dress to make a crisp collar.

This shirt really just fits like a dream.  It’s loose in all the right places, but isn’t baggy – keeps some shape and looks good.  The tiny bit of ruching on the shoulders just give that feminine touch that I love so much.  Gathering at the shoulders and the classic collar turn an otherwise casual shirt into something that is wearable for …well, for the streets of Paris.

I’m going to rave for just a minute about this fabric, in particular.  It’s thick – which is nice when you’re wearing it – I don’t feel like anything is showing through and the top just feels substantial.  I’d also like to take a moment and point out that perfect stripe matching there on the shoulder.  I layed out the sleeve pattern and bodice pattern together to make sure that the underarm seam fell in the same spots on the fabric – resulting in good match-up for the finished shirt.

SO!  Striped Parisian in Paris – perhaps a little cliche!  But, you gotta love it!  If you haven’t sewn this top yet, it’s a great one to start your year off with.  It sews up really fast!!  And it’s super stylish!  Also, get some of the knit!!

Inquire about the Parisian Top sewing pattern at Andrea’s Notebook.

Find the Riley Blake Designs Knits here.

Happy Sewing!