Master Pattern Book: Alabama Chanin Corset - Type:Tops  | | Viewed 196 times
| | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 11 people | | Reviewed by: | rutaliet | 
 | About rutaliet | | IL USA | | Member since: 8/10/08 | | Reviews written: 33 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 12 people | | patterns reviewed: 33 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/9/13 10:55 AM | | Last Updated: | 2/9/13 10:08 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | | | Fabric: | Cotton Jersey [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Since I already own the second and third Alabama Chanin books, I finally purchased the first, Alabama Stitch Book, and decided to try the corset pattern included with the book.
The top is longer in the back, which is very flattering, and very low cut in the front. Being small busted that is not really a problem for me.
SIZING: Based on the size chart, I should have cut a small for the bust and medium for the waist. I cut a medium overall. I did have to make some adjustments for the bust. The fit is very snug, but should be for this style.
INSTRUCTIONS: The instructions in the book are clear and detailed. Construction of this top is not difficult.
FABRIC: I had a small quantity of a cotton jersey left that I purchased years ago to use for making muslins for knit patterns. I have used this for many test projects and found that it deteriorates at the seams - holes start to form from the machine stitching. I believe I won't have this issue with the hand finished seams. Also, this fabric has poor recovery, so I cut a second base layer from old T-shirts. The finished result feels nice and firm and stable. The other benefit of a double layer of fabric is that I don't have to wear a bra (which I rarely do anyway).
Photo of another top using this fabric so you can see what I started with.
CHANGES: I had to take in about 1/2" in the princess seams starting at the armscye and ending just under the bust. Also took in about the same amount in the two back seams starting at the neck and ending just below the waist.
Front View
Side View
Back View
Binding Detail
Mirror Detail
EMBELLISHMENTS:
My intention from the start was to incorporate shisha mirror work into a garment so I could get some practice. Therefore, I selected a stencil design that I felt would be appropriate.
I found a suitable and simple stencil design in the Stencil It book, scanned it into Photoshop, enlarged it for the size of the mirrors, created the repeat I wanted, printed and taped it, and then cut out a stencil using a stencil cutter. Stencil
I used Jacquard fabric paint. The Russet color straight out of the bottle was the perfect color - no mixing needed - hooray !!
The mirrors were sewn on with 3 strands of cotton embroidery floss using the traditional shisha method that I learned from watching You Tube videos made by Indian ladies.
I haven't done much beading but thought this was a good project to incorporate beads into. The mirrors alone looked rather strange so the beading around them results in more of a design statement.
Although a stretch stitch is generally recommended for binding the neck and armholes, I decided to try non-stretch stitches. I used a simple zig zag stitch that I beaded to attach the neck binding. This was so quick and EASY !! However, I realized that beaded armholes would be uncomfortable so I just attached the armhole bindings with a running stitch to be consistent with the topstitching of the garment seams.
SUMMARY: Well, the end result is unusual to say the least. I feel that this will be a versatile top. It looks great with skinny jeans but I think can also be worn to a fancy affair. Alabama Chanin techniques have been such a great inspiration for me. |
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12 Comments
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Your ideas in this have turned out really well. And it's great you can wear it for daywear or for a fancy occassion.
2/9/13 10:58 AM
It's a neat project to begin with, but your embellishments have made it fabulous. Nice work!!
2/9/13 12:09 PM
That is beautiful--just the right mix of artistic elements and unique style to make it one of a kind and something that is hard to take your eyes off of! Love it. A garment worthy to hang in an upscale boutique, for sure. The color alone is gorgeous, but the beading and stitching and style lines make it fantastic.
2/9/13 1:07 PM
I love Alabama Chanin and just drool over the books. It's great to see a top done here; I'd love to get up the nerve to buy them and try out a few things. It's beautiful!
2/9/13 10:50 PM
Very beautiful. You have an artist's flair!
2/10/13 3:41 AM
The stencil with the circle motif duplicates the mirrors in a subtle way. The princess lines are flattering. Impressive!
2/10/13 8:56 AM
Wowza - this is stunning. Thanks for all the great details.
2/10/13 9:14 AM
This is beautiful. What inspiring work!!
2/10/13 9:22 AM
Lovely top! Your hand stitching is lovely and the fit is perfect.
2/10/13 10:36 AM
Oh, my goodness! This is a work of art! Gorgeous! Thanks for the introduction to this beautiful work!
2/10/13 5:44 PM
OMG this is an exquisite work of art. Your handwork is awe-inspiring. Makes me want to try this. Please show us more of your inspiring work.
2/11/13 10:45 AM
Wow, it really fits you well and very pretty too. Mine doesn't fit me well.
2/18/13 7:13 PM