Esme Top in Nani Iro fabric

I’m a complete sucker for a good sewing book.  I like the feel of books, the heft and the promise of lots and lots of projects.  So, I was really excited to see that Lotta Jansdotter’s latest, Everyday Style* was at my local bookstore. I love Lotta’s fabric and her organic, fresh fabric prints and the book is as inventive and stunning as she is. That said, I know she isn’t much of a garment pattern designer and she has even admitted to not being all that into sewing.  As a result, I was hesitant to embrace the garments in the book.  I mean…would they look good on me? Lotta looks stunning in everything but I can’t pull off the same natural scandinavian beauty-in-the-woods look. My unease was settled, though, when I realized that she had recruited friends to help with the pattern design for the garments.  And, in fact, throughout the book she profiles her friends and they contribute projects.  It’s a great idea for a craft book! I mean, if you have talented friends…why not?! All of this is to say, I jumped into making the Esme Top! And, after making a muslin to test for fit, I cut into beautiful Nani Iro fabric to do it.

I really like the fit of this top.  It sits well on my shoulders and isn’t tight across the back.  I like the boatneck style and how the wide hem mimics the stitching at the neckline.

Because of the box shape at the hem and the corresponding wideness of my hips (Hey, we all have our thing.) I need to wear a straight skirt with this top.  Skinny jeans with this top turn my body into a massive diamond shape. I don’t dig it.

But with the skirt, it’s all good.  The fabric is so delightful. Totally scrumptious.  I got it a long time age from Miss Matatabi. Not sure if she still carries this print, I’m sure it is several seasons ago.  It is double gauze so it’s soft and crinkles up a little with wear.  In all the right ways, of course. I also tend to wear my Madre Beads with this top.  I don’t quite understand why but this lime green necklace just works so well with so many things.  I don’t need to wear them but they do add just the right accent.

By the way! It is Day 6 of Me Made May! Have you signed up? I’ve committed to wearing one handmade garment every day this month.  With all of the sewing I do, you would think this would be easy but, as I’m learning, I don’t always make things that I actually wear.  So, again this year I’m using the challenge to assess wearability.  My Esme Top, I’m happy to report fits the bill.

Yay for wearability! Sadly, it’s been pretty rainy and cold so far this May but the people who know the weather tell me it will be warming up soon.  I’ve got a lot more handmade options when the sun comes out. So, I am eagerly awaiting this change of temperature.  If you are signed up for Me Made May, leave a comment so we can follow along with each other’s progress! It’s so inspiring to see so many people participating! It’s over 650 at this point! So much handmade out there!

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