This top has been a while in the making. I had this idea that I could take two squares and four rectangles of fabric and make a top. That is true; I could, but what I got was a very boxy, unflattering top. After various gathering attempts, I finally realized that a piece of elastic would pretty much solve my problem, creating an empire-waisted summer top out of almost 2 squares (front & back) and 4 rectangles (top band and straps).
The almost is the front body piece – it has a slight angle to provide some shaping. Other than that, it’s a really simple top and this final version I made in an evening.
The striped fabric is a thrifted sheet (my favorite fabric source). The top band & straps are made from a cotton fat quarter I had in my stash, I think from Hancock Fabrics a year or so ago. To create the empire waist, I zig-zagged a piece of 1/4″ elastic to the inside of the shirt.
Now that I’ve got a pattern figured out for it, I want to make myself more tops – maybe next with sleeves?
