Rae's Spring Top: Teal with Lace

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Wow! Thanks for all of the comments on yesterday's ivory knit top! It really goes to show that I can never predict how something will go over. Honestly I thought it would be too underwhelming, being so basic. I even thought about not posting it. Hah. Well, I tell you what: I am definitely going to make another one and put a waistband on it so I have two! Didn't even occur to me to wear it with a belt (sans waistband)! You guys are awesome. 

So here's my next top:
Sewing with solids initially seems a little boring to me but there are really so many options to add interest with trim that can completely transform it. The solid teal color with the white lace is really stunning I think (same reason I love this top). Using lace (or even ric-rack or piping) really adds a lot of bang with very little extra effort to a solid garment. While I like combining these types of trims with prints sometimes, I often find that adding trims to printed fabric can get unnecessarily busy really fast. By the way, you can find really great solids at all of the fabric shops sponsors in the sponsor section here on (click here to go to my blog if you're in a reader).

I had to clip the stitching between each lace section in order to make it lay flat. I tested it on a small piece of lace first to make sure this wouldn't ravel the lace.

This top is the same two-piece pattern as my Liberty top I posted on Monday. I used neckline facings instead of the placket, and shirred the empire waist and added the narrow sash instead of using ties. One thing I will say about the addition of shirring though is that it does make the top more maternity-esque than the other top because the gathers are distributed across the front. It's OK though, I cut this top narrow enough that it's not too baggy in front. 

Aaaaaand....POCKETS!

Easy-peasy!
Don't forget to VOTE every day this week for your favorite tops! You can access the current vote from the left sidebar of my blog! Today's vote ends tomorrow morning at 8 AM EST. Note: Thursday's vote will be held from 9 AM - 9 PM EST.