Nursing Summer Tops - Sorbetto and Burda

First of all: I'm really sorry about the poor quality of the pictures. I would redo the whole photoshoot if I could but I can't for the world fit into these tops anymore since I'm 4 months pregnant. Yay, the word is out. That being said, they will come in handy next summer when I'll probably be breastfeeding our little one.

I made these tops at the end of last summer and didn't feel like blogging about them once fall set in. I suppose they could be an inspiration now to all the young mums out there in Sewing Land.

The first top is the classic Sorbetto, by Colette patterns. I inserted an invisible zip just behind the right side of the front pleat. Really easy and you can't see it at all! You just have to cut the front pattern piece in two to the left or right side of the pleat and add a seam allowance for the zip.
I know that a front zip won't make sense to everyone, but my breastfeeding bra's open at the front.

I altered the pattern a little. I lengthened the top and made the armholes a little wider. I also took the back in just a little bit to prevent gaping. I used a pretty raspberry pre-made bias binding to finish the neckline and armholes.

The second top is view D of a Burda pattern (Burda Young 7051), of which I'd already made view B.

 

Okay, I should learn how to pose more naturally!

I was happy with the fit of B so I thought I wouldn't have to alter the pattern of D much. Boy, was I wrong.
It was as if I was sewing a whole different pattern. I had to alter the armholes, the back and the side seams to get a fit that I liked. I also inserted an invisible zip on the Center Front and a hook and eye closure at the top. This helps keeping the top modest enough when breastfeeding (it doesn't fall completely open). I chose a fabric with the Pantone Fall colours Acai en Koi.

The only issue I have with this top is that the fabric pulls a little where the zip ends. I think it has to do with the fact that I cut this top on the bias to create a kind of chevron feel.

Otherwise i'm very happy with both tops and how comfortable they are to wear and to nurse a little one!

Floral Burda Top

I made myself a floral top to celebrate the somewhat late arrival of Spring, although it feels more like winter right now...

It's top 102B from Burda Magazine 02/2011. I've been planning to make this top for ages and finally did it. I'm so glad! It's very comfortable and looks great with my self drafted black pencil skirt.

The fabric is a floral knit. It's very lightweight, so I decided to line the whole top (instead of lining only the top part). I also lengthened this top quite a bit. It's really very very short if you don't and I wanted to be able to wear it with more than just this black skirt. I added at least 10 to 15cm.
I used a twin needle for the hem and it worked like magic! So happy :-)

And one last sour face picture to show you the real length.