Cafe au Lait - Part 2

Pattern: McCall's 3489 (copyright date 1955)

Size: size 12 (bust 31", waist 25", hip 33")

Fabric: coffee silk dupioni from Fabricland








Project Photo:
















Comments: Since I had already made the muslin for this top, all systems were a go to make the SWAP version. As usual, I underlined/lined this top with silk organza using my TNT method (see the inside of the top in the above right photo). The back of this top is created using a single pattern piece. The front however has two pattern pieces - a lower bodice piece and an upper bodice/neckline piece. The neckline is interesting, as the upper bodice/neckline piece is pleated once horizontally to create a boat neckline.

There are armhole facings, which give this area a nice, crisp finish, especially after they were tacked down, by hand, to the silk organza underlining of the bodice.

There is a side zipper that is installed upside down so that the left side seam opens completely. This is a nice feature that allows the wearer to easily get in and out of the top. Although the instructions called for a traditional zipper, I chose to use an invisible zipper instead.

The bottom is curved front and back, creating a pseudo-shirt tail hem. This is a nice finish which creates a top that looks nice tucked or untucked.

Conclusion: This is a great vintage top. I love the high neck and the fitted waist. It looks really nice with the matching skirt. The two pieces together have such a quintessential 50s look, without looking like a costume. I was originally concerned that this outfit would look too matchy-matchy bridesmaidy, but it doesn't (IMHO). I love that I can wear the top and skirt together or separately - it really expands my wearing options. This outfit also looks quite nice with the Rucci jacket over it.