After my success with my Green Paisley Gypsy Top, I decided to make two more using the Butterick B4684 pattern. Again, I used view A, with the elastic under the bust as in view D, and finding the position of the elastic was a doddle with my method of turning it inside out and drawing on it. Perfect!
For the Black and White Gypsy Top, I used some fabric from B&M Fabrics on Leeds Kirkgate market. I think this is where much of my stash fabric has come from, but now I’ve signed up to their Facebook page I can also see when they get new fabric in. There is a great selection in the market and in their new shop on the outside of the market building. They are really friendly and very happy to help. I managed to avoid my problems last time hemming around a curve by using some biased binding along the bottom edge. It was much easier and gave a much better finish.
I tried to make this in one day, but I ran out of black lace and had to order more from Minerva Crafts. It arrived quickly though, so I was able to finish it within the week.
The Purple Gingham Gypsy Top was made to wear instead of my several RTW plaid shirts when playing with my band ‘The Skiffle Skunks’. It has a nice country feel and is comfortable to wear while playing and singing. I didn’t have any appropriate biased binding to use, so I did a scrappy hem on the bottom edge. It looks okay from the outside, but I know there is a mess inside. Next time I make this top, I might use it as a good reason to try making my own biased binding for the first time.
I think that there will be more of these TNT patterns in my future, especially for gigging in.
Jx