Meet my first Alice! The sewing part of the blogging world seems full of Tessuti Alice Tops (and dresses). Yet here we are, Summer is well and truly over and I’ve just made by first. There’s always next Summer.
The Alice is a smock style top, lovely, floaty and super comfortable. The little cap sleeve is very sweet and feminine. Turns out that I have a Country Road top very similar to the Alice Top. Very on trend Tessuti!
Let’s talk about the fabric. I’m not very adventurous or confident when it comes to choosing fabric and thought I’d make the Alice Top using the same fabric for the entire top. Then I saw some lovely Alice Tops with contrast yokes. I was inspired! The fabric I used for the yoke was a linen I found at Spotlight. I am so pleased I didn’t make the whole Alice from this fabric, it would have been too busy. The fabric for the sleeve and main part of the top is a linen I got on sale at The Fabric Store. This was the first time I had made anything from linen. It’s slippery!
Now, sizing. Those that have made the Alice Top, including Elizabeth, Amanda and Rachel, have consistently commented that the sizing is generous. Despite this, I made the x-small, basically because I refused to believe I could be an xx-small. While the Alice Top is meant to be floaty, I really should have heeded the advice of those that had gone before me! My x-small is a little too roomy under the arms (no-one needs to see glimpses of my bra) and it sort of swamps my body. Next time I’ll make the xx-small.
Other things of interest about the Alice Top. Upon reflection, I think a shorter length would be better on me. I’m basically average height but the tunic length doesn’t work so well for me. A length that finishes closer to my hip would be more flattering. I’m a little paranoid but I think this length (and probably the size too) had a bit of a ‘maternity’ vibe to it. It would be a great top to hide a growing bump in the early stage of pregnancy, but that is not a look I am going for!
The Alice Top pattern includes fabulous detailed instructions and pictures. It all came together without any fuss, but I agree with the Tessuti skill rating of ‘advanced beginner’ or above. If I’d made the Alice Top any earlier my skills wouldn’t have coped and it would have been a disaster! I didn’t make any changes to the pattern but I chose not to interface the sleeves as I wanted a softer finish. I’ll absolutely be making another Alice Top, it’s comfy and versatile.
My very patient friend Skye took these photos for me. Yes, we’re at a park. The big lads were running around and were expert photo bombers. The littlest lad sat in the pram messily devouring cruskits while I ‘posed’. Skye had a tough job, I was a hopeless and tense subject. Plus, clearly I was having a bad hair day! Good work Skye, sorry it was such a tough gig!
I think my next selfish sewing project will be the new Tessuti Georgie Top. But first I need to find the right fabric. What’s your next sewing project?
One last thing, I’d love you to follow Life on Wallace on Instagram if photos are your thing!
Lovely top Claire. I love the little cap sleeves. I am not convinced it will suit my shape but think I might give it a go with a shorter hem line. I think I need to create myself a little sewing space like Elizabeth did on her blog. Also, I love your curly hair. I would say amazing hair day captured above!
Thanks Michelle, I’d love to see your sewing creations on your own blog!
Great top, I might have to give it a go too!
Absolutely Lise, you’d ace it!
It’s lovely Claire. You are very clever. I am very impressed with the way you have placed the pattern – very professional.
Thanks Margaret, you are very kind!
BEautiful top! Great fabric choices. The yoke contrasts with the main fabric wonderfully. well done!
Thanks Elizabeth, I’m still a very new sewing so I get a bit anxious about fabric choice! Coincidentally, I have some of the fabric that you made your Alice out of (Fabric Store) in my stash! Very pretty but I can’t settle on what to make with it.
This is such a sweet top. I have always wanted to learn how to sew. I struggle to sew on a button so I have a long way to go. I remember using Mums sewing machine as a kid to makes skirts and scrunchies. Ha! Jx
Thanks Jess, honestly If I can sew, you can too!
Such a beautiful top. I am a competent sewer & know my way around fabrics, however I rarely make clothing for myself. If I was going to, this top would make it on to the project list. Thank you for joining me at #TIK
Thanks Hayley and thanks for having me at #TIK. You should absolutely make yourself an Alice!
It’s stunning, Claire! Looks gorgeous on you. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the Georgie pattern!
Thanks Em, I’m still on the hunt for fabric for my Georgie!
That is such a cute top! I will be honest and say I barely know how to set the sewing machine up so I will never be making anything like this, my husband on the other hand is a wizz. haha
A husband that can sew? That’s brilliant, no requests to hem trousers!