IndieSew - Lou Box Top

Yes, another top for summer and it is the perfect top for summer.  It is available at IndieSew and it is the Lou Box Top

I bought this beautiful floral cotton sateen from Mood Fabrics  with the idea of a floral blazer

 (see this post).  Make it Any Wear had the same idea, as she suggested it on a comment.  This fabric is too thin, more of a lawn, so the loss of the blazer idea was a gain for this Lou Box Top.

Plus, during this remodel and my new job, I have this motto for sewing....

KISS - Keep It Simple Sherry  (suppose to be Stupid but that is negative, so I will use my mom's name!)  The Lou Box Top is a simple sew but you can add variations to the top - 

the description

 This box shaped top features a bias bound neckline and both hem and neckline options. Plus, add a pocket or button loop back closure for some visual interest. Sew your Lou Box Top in a flowy chiffon and pair it with skinny jeans and heels for dinner at your favorite restaurant.

The pattern is oversized and I made the first one from the XS to Small size range but it was just a bit too small.  Really only at the arms and bust, the top wouldn't flow down over the bust.  I had several folds right at the top of the bust and frankly it looked not so good.  

Back to another try and I pulled out this floral, the drape of the fabric was perfect.  I cut this one out between the XS/S and the Medium.  Much better fit.  You can tell in this picture, the wind caught it and you can see the fullness just a bit.  Just adjust per your comfort level.

I wanted to add a bit of fun to the back of this top and went with an exposed zipper,  My inspiration was from this Lou Box Top by Marie-Fleurine.

A better look.

 

 Exposed zipper tutorial can be found here

One thing with loose tops, sometimes you can bend over and see right down to the waistband of your pants, right?  Well, I found a solution.  Add 1/8" elastic to the neckline.

See?  My neckline isn't falling away from the body.

The instructions have you finish the neckline with bias and stitch in place.  I just did my topstitching 1/4" from the neckline.  This edgestitching allows for a casing, insert your elastic at one side of the zipper to the other.  I then pulled the elastic just a bit, enough for the top to look like it has elastic in the casing but when you put it on, that spreads out.  Lastly, stitch in place and you are done.   The gathered fabric from the elastic wants to naturally pull to your body.

Disclosure:   Disclosure - I was provided the pattern as a part of the Indiesew blogger team  but the opinions are all mine.