Reinventing an Eyelet Top

I love the current eyelet trend and add ruffles?! I found a darling white eyelet top at Penney’s that is 100% cotton and it was when we had those few hot days after Easter, but before I had gotten out my summer clothing from their storage spot. I just needed a top to get through the week. Which is unlike me, but I’m unaccustomed to such heat in Ireland and just am not prepared. Which irks me. I love being prepared. So, I wore the top a lot in that week, but then saw photos of me in it. Eek! It made me look bigger than I am and the neckline was doing nothing for me. So, I decided to cut it up and make it something a little different. This is that creative adventure…

Materials

White sewing thread, my sewing machine, and fabric scissors.
1 sleeveless, belted white eyelet cotton top.
A bit of cotton fabric with eyelet elements from Vibes & Scribes, so I used that too. Here they are together.

And I needed a dose of bravery because I had no idea what I was doing.

Here is the before photo. Very boxy. But Volvos were boxy and they’re great, so I had hope.

It’s not doing a thing for me, but I like the fabric.

The eyelet fabric was very nice to start so I was hopeful that any result would be nice too.

Approach

Cutting into the top to separate half the front then play around with it from there. I removed the centre section of the front and took in the same amount in the back to reduce the size of the top. I left the top intact in the back and from my natural waist down because I wanted it simple and straight for that area.

Here I am showing where I’ll cut or dancing to Madonna’s Vogue.

Then I cut it. *deep breath*

And it was done. *exhale*

I also removed the belt loops.

I like faux wrap tops, real wrap tops, and v-necks because I feel they flatter me. So, I decided to do a faux wrap for this too.

I cut along the eyelet pattern for a soft decorative edge.

I placed the cut front piece across to create a wrap-like effect and pinned it.

Then I added the inset piece to one side. This was a random decision that worked out. Seriously, this top has a guardian angel because I was not on my game that day.

Each piece to sew was secured with pins. There were A LOT of pins because it involved adding an inset to one side, taking in the top in the back centre seam, and creating a wrap effect in the front.

I started sewing the places with the most pins to get it over with in case I needed to try it on along the way. With the back being a very simple alteration, I started there. Then I moved to adding the inset. The penultimate step was sewing up the wrap part and waist. Then finally the side seam.

You know that comic of mathematicians or scientists at a chalkboard with an obviously complex equation in front of them and then ‘Miracle occurs here’ – that’s how it was to sew this top. Somehow, it worked out in spite of my ineptitude and lack of strategy. Oddly, that’s also how I felt about dating. That worked out too.

Result

I’m very fond of the final top.

It definitely fits my shape better in a flattering and classic way. I can see myself wearing it over a camisole or tank with jeans or even as an added layer atop a sundress to shade my shoulders from the sun (or in church).