The sewing-mind works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it?
The image that started it all.
I scrolled past this darling top on Instagram several days ago, and I was smitten. I can say with reasonable certainly, had I stumbled across this top several years ago, I would have clicked over to the Anthropologie site, added my size to the cart, checked out, and gone on about my life, likely forgetting all about the purchase until it arrived on my doorstep.
But that’s not what happened this time. This time, my sewing-mind started scanning through the catalog of sewing patterns that lives inside my head and immediately called up this tutorial for a long-sleeved Scout Tee, the back yoke and lower sleeve details of the Aster blouse, and the button back of the Beatrix. An obsession was born.
As soon as humanly possible, I got out my TNT Scout Tee pattern and got to work. Here’s what I did:
- -added a back yoke (that bias plaid, baby!)
- -split the lower back and added button plackets
- -lengthened the back and added curve to the hem
- -lengthened sleeves and added cuffs (more bias!)
- -raised and widened the neckline and drafted a facing
- -added a chest pocket
After sewing up a quick muslin to check the changes I had made to the construction (I knew the fit would be spot on since I started with my trusty Scout pattern), I got to cutting.
Two days later, I had my top. I also had: opportunity to recognize my creativity and ability; empowerment in engineering & constructing; delight in the details; passion for the process; and satisfaction with myself. And joy – this was a truly joyful project.
All before my forgotten package would have even been scheduled to arrive.
