Hmm, sew pattern(s) please

[Templeton]

Blessings everyone,

I was just curious if anyone had any ideas as for making an apron (hippy) style top... but with a closed back and at least 1.5 inch straps...

I have seen some very cute ones, but I have a particular standard for modesty and thus far, all the really cute ones lack something or other.

Be blessed, Friends.

Always in His guidance,
_Templeton_

 

[pmcleanj]

Blessings everyone,

I was just curious if anyone had any ideas as for making an apron (hippy) style top... but with a closed back and at least 1.5 inch straps...

I have seen some very cute ones, but I have a particular standard for modesty and thus far, all the really cute ones lack something or other.

Be blessed, Friends.

Always in His guidance,
_Templeton_

Hmmm. I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean what, in 1969, we would have called a "halter top" -- it tied around the neck, covered the front and grew wider as it went down, and tied with strings around the waist? That basic design can't be done with a closed back, although you could adapt it to *look* like a halter top from the front, and has a zippered scoop-neck at the back. I have a vintage 1970's pattern that is cut quite high at the back so that when you cross the ties and tie it in front, you're covered up to the bottom of your shoulder blades -- would that meet your standards?


If you have a link to a pattern of one of the ones you found that are close, perhaps that would help. There's a haltar top on this link -- is that what you were thinking of? http://www.sewfunseweasy.com/6992.htm

 

[Templeton]

Blessings!

I guess I ought to have been more descriptive in the first place. The top is basically like one piece (although most are patchworked to make one piece), there are straps that are kinda wide and they go ever the shoulders, although some do cross at the top. Then down the back, the top laces up, but leaves it still quite open. I would just say, make it bigger and lace it up tighter, but I'm afraid that that will sacrifice the effect. My favorite one I have ever seen is at Bee Ye Glad Threads. http://www.beeyeglad.com/shinetop.htm
Another form of this can be found at: http://www.hippiethreads.com/patchworkaprontop.htm


BTW, I hope I didnt sound leagalistic with my standards or anything, obviously its not the rules that are what counts, but the heart. I have guidlelines I like to follow to keeep my heart in check...(and prevent others from stumbling..)

Anyways Blessed Always,

In His Wonderous Song,
_Templeton_

 

[pmcleanj]

That is really cute. Not like anything I ever saw the hippies wearing 35 years ago, though -- is there a new hippy movement that I don't know about?

It occurs to me that I did have a top faintly like this in about 1974 or '75. I may still have the pattern. It was closed on the back at the top, and open down the back of the skirt. If I still have it (and the scanner is working) I'll post a picture from the pattern envelope.

But yes, you should be able to just add an inch or two to each of the back-bodice edges, and have a narrower opening down the back. Leave the skirt edges where they are, or you will have to add additional width to the skirt for ease so it doesn't bind against your legs when you sit down -- and probably a dart over the hip at the back to take up the ease at the waist. That adds a lot of complexity to the pattern.

 

[Templeton]

Blessings,

Awesome. I dunno if there is any new hippy movement :oP I'm just a young'n. It's not a dress... so I dont think I'll have difficulties with leg binding.... unless you just mean the lower back thingy would be to tight...

I am not a very matured seamstress... But praise God, my sister is! I think I will try it, and if it ends up looking decent, I will post a picture somewhere so ya can see. Otherwise, I will hide my failure in the back of my closet. Lol.

Anyways, thanks very much for the advice. You rock.

Be greatly blessed

In His Song,
_Templeton_

 

[pmcleanj]

What I meant about the back binding was, if you bring the skirt portion further around behind when you bring the bodice portion around, it will have to go around your hips and buttocks. That will cause diagonal wrinkles near the waist, extending back and down from the side fronts to the side. The fall of the fabric won't be as nice, but since most teens have fairly narrow hips, it should be okay. But, when you sit down, it has a much bigger circumference to fit around, even if you're very slim. With the apron hanging just in front, it easily rides forward and lies smoothely across your lap. But if you were to extend it further to the back, the only way it could ride forward would be to pull along the sides, straining along the back waist and lower front. Try wrapping a towel around your waist with a back opening, and sitting down -- you'll see the pull lines I'm talking about.

I can hardly wait to see your finished product! I bet it will look very nice.

 

[Templeton]

I think I understand what you're talking about... But you're creative, having a visual aid. So how do I go about fix it exactly? You mentioned darts? Ugh, sounds like this is getting pretty intense. What if I shorten it enough so it just goes to my waist and not over my hips at all? Or would that be too short? I dunno anymore.

Thank-you so much for your input. You're such a blessing!

Always In His Truth,
_Templeton_

 

[pmcleanj]

I'm trying to figure out how to explain the darts without a picture. I did draw a picture with text using Courier font. But it doesn't look right when I post it: apparently the posting software filters out the extra whitespace. Does anyone know how to get it to stop doing that?

 

[Templeton]

I dont know! Sorry.

In His Song,
Templeton:
His Ransomed Bride