It’s been a while! When last we discussed the Top Draftalong, I’d finally finished all that fitting malarkey (Hurrah!) and traced my pattern onto card to create my block. (Where are you at?) So I thought I’d share with you my thoughts on the first round of actual drafting. The fun part! First of all, excuse the quality of these sketches. They’re just some roughs I threw down on paper while Elliott was busy in the ball pit at our local indoor play centre. Part of my multi tasking/fitting it all in plan 😉
I’ve opted to keep it simple (baby steps!) and with summer and Me Made May on the horizon, (I’m still pondering that one) some simple lightweight tops in a nice drapey fabric, will fit the bill just nicely.
Style 1
Sleeveless, slightly flared/A line top with bust darts, scoop neck to front, lower scoop neck to back. Graduated hemline, scoops up at the front and down at the back (no builders bum!) and maybe a button back…
Style 2
Slightly flared/A line top with bust darts, bateau neck to front and back. Kimono sleeves. Hemline scoops up at the front and down at the back and maybe a button back…
Style 3
Gently fitted top with bust darts, Peter Pan collar, kimono sleeves and maybe a button back…
My thinking is that the kimono sleeve is a great first foray into self drafting as it is drafted as a simple extension of the shoulder line rather than a seperate pattern piece. A little like the self drafted top tutorial I posted a while ago. Plus it’s one of my personal faves. A good alternative to a sleeveless top if, like me, you’re a little self conscious of your upper arms being on show. I’m a big fan of button backs but have steered clear of them on commercial patterns in the past because of my sway back issues. But since I’ve now fixed that on my toile/block, I’m hoping I can sucessfully revisit the idea. The button back will involve drafting facings, so while we’re at it we may as well go down the route of learning to draft the neckline facings too. I’m thinking for the first round of drafting, a combo of styles 1 & 2. Anyone wanting a sleeveless top can skip the kimono sleeve drafting. Similarly, anyone wanting a plain backed garment can skip the drafting of the button placket. Then for the second round perhaps we can move onto style 3 and drafting the collar.
What say you? Any thoughts or preferences peops?
