Meow pussycats! I’m hoping this top and the little animation below will give me honorary cat lady status!
I needed a big cup of tea after this project. I turned what should have been an easy top into a two week (on and off) task! but I have to say this was one of my most enjoyable, completely inappropriate, fun makes I’ve done.
The Fabric:
Both of these fabrics were complete impulse purchases. I think that’s no surprise! Cat fabric isn’t usually on the list but if in the shop has it in stock, how could you not buy it!! The fabric with all the cats on it was from a Sew Over It fabric sale and the leopard print was bought at Anna Ka Bazaar. I had an ‘OMG I’m turning into my mother moment’ when buying the leopard print fabric because for YEARS I’ve been laughing at her for wearing the it (it is her favourite print of all time and if there’s something leopard print in the shop, she’s buying it!)…..but now I completely understand the leopard print calling. Both fabrics are cotton, so they were lovely to sew with 🙂
The Changes:
This pattern came from Love Sewing magazine. It came as an outfit with a crop top and a high waisted skirt. It is lovely and very elegant looking, Gabby does a brilliant complete version here. I kept the top pretty much the same except I added 2 inches to the length of the top. I really should have added a bit more because if I put my arms up, my top goes right up with it!
For the appliquéd meow I tested out some fonts on word and guesstimated the size I wanted, it only took two print outs to get it right. The word placement wasn’t done very precise either! I just put them on the top and what looked right, I pinned down, then sewed.
The Fit:
I did this project to learn and try out doing appliqué…AND making the ultimate cat top :p Knowing this was going to be a house top, I didn’t bother with doing anything to the improve/change the fit. I think it fits nicely on my shoulders and around my chest.
If I do make this top again I will try to decrease the size of the armholes. You can see my bra and a bit too much of my armpits in this top.
The Size:
I sewed up a UK size 10, no adjustments.
This project leaves me longing for my more adventurous days, where I would wear a top like this to wear outside the house! I have been so inspired by the chic and minimal look, which is a style I have been trying to emulate but somehow… I think have a few more adventurous days left in me 🙂
I want to say a big thank you to my husband for making the animation for me. I’m not the easiest director to work with!! ;P
You’re not alone there!! haha If I ever wear this top out I’m gonna need a cardigan! I’m not sure how other people fixed theirs but I did see other people use bias binding on the neck and armholes…that might help?? 🙂
Great top, I made a version of this but it is sitting in the naughty pile as you can see all my bra!
Well I’m happy you found me! I’m so happy you liked the gifts! I thought the fabrics would suit your style. I’ll think up a meet up occasion. Have a happy New Year 🙂
Hi Meg. I found out by having a look at all the blogs on Sewchet and found the one called Megan. Not too challenging!! I opened the present and I am very pleased with it! Let’s meet up anyway – you are very cool.
WHAT!?! how did you find out?? Did I snoop too much of your blog? Firstly I’m so sorry I didn’t make anything!! I’m so ashamed after seeing loads of people going all out with the handmade stuff!! We live so close I almost came to your door with the parcel. Hope you enjoy anyway and we live so close if you ever want to meet for tea/cake and I can give you something belated 😛
Hello Meg – I have been following you on IG for a while, but have only had a look at your blog since I realised you are my SECRET Santa (no so secret now, eh?). Anyway thank you for the parcel which I have blogged about. There will a second post once it is opened!
Yes, all the way! 😀
Thank you!! I’m fully team cat haha glad you’re with me too 🙂
I love the top, so cute! I love cats as well so this top is a total winner for me. Great animation, too!
Thank you!! I’m always getting sidetracked, this top was a big sidetrack haha I’m definitely going to commit a bit more with the adventureous fashion side 🙂
Love it, so cute!! And the animation is great! I have the top on my list to do, but I seem to get sidetracked all the time haha! I think you should pursuit more adventure if you can.
Thank you! I think I will wear it out!! I’m planning sewing up some high waisted trousers to go with it so my belly won’t be too much on show 🙂
Thank you! x
This top looks great! You should definitely wear it outside the house!
Love the animation! x
The top looks great, I like simple shapes too and when you look around they seem to be preferred by most people, maybe because they’re so comfortable to wear? Haha I’m beginning to think sewists have to have compulsory cats, animated or real!!
My husband thinks I’m an evil dictator haha …lets just say I demand a lot from my blog helpers and this working relationship can only happen rarely :p
Applique is so much simpler them I thought it would be! Except for that ‘o’ which almost killed me! All that pivoting was too much for me! but apart from that once you find the right stitch on your machine it’s just like regular sewing with a zigzag stitch, just slower 🙂
Thank you!
The weather is such a sewing blocker! I’m in the dilemma that everything I want to sew is for summer! Plus getting pictures is a nightmare haha
Meg, that is so funny! Does your husband think you are bonkers? It’s a sweet top – looks as if you found the appliqué quite straight- forward? I have never done any. So much still to learn!
Amazing animation! Shame it’s so cold that it can’t be worn outside for now
Thank you!! I’m glad you don’t think I’m completely crazy for loving the fabric so much I had to capture it in animation haha xx
the best fabric is always the crazy kind!! 🙂
Aww I love the animation – you look so cute hah!
That fabric is flippin’ awesome!