Last weekend was my birthday. I decided to forego paperwork and blogging to enjoy the pleasant September weather, go out to lunch at a favorite downtown trattoria, and do some “me-sewing.” The result was a new, one-day Wiksten top.
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| Wiksten top made with yarn dyed wovens [Diamond Textiles] and scrappy triangles. |
Reusing a pattern
I’ve used the Wiksten pattern two or three times before, so the pattern pieces were already modified and fitted to me. For this new version, I made two other changes to my existing (modified) pattern pieces: lowering the front neckline slightly so it would more easily slip over my head, and adding an inch to the length.
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| Lengthened bodice pattern piece. |
Fabrics and pattern hacks
I had some light colored yarn dyed wovens [by Diamond Textiles] that were already pre-washed and suited for a casual summer top. I mixed two dobby wovens that had inherent texture and I believe I used the “wrong” side of the check fabric because I thought it was more interesting. That is one of the beauties of yarn dyed wovens—you can choose the “right side” or the “other right side” of the fabric for your project.
A handful of HSTs [half square triangles] were picked from my scrap box and strip pieced. This patchwork strip was inserted into the bodice front—to add a bit of color.
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| Patchwork insert on the bodice front. |
Vents were put in at the side seams—an easy detail to add to this top. The neck facing was cut from a cotton print which made this a fun, scrappy make. The sleeves were hemmed by hand. The 3/4” bottom hem was sewn by machine. The hem stitches are camouflaged by the woven fabric.
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| Wiksten top flat view. |
The Wiksten is a fast make. Even with my modifications, I finished this version in a day. The original pattern has options for a shift dress, a longer 3/4 sleeve, a gathered back version with a yoke, and pockets. It’s a good base pattern for hacks. It has a boxy, casual look but I read a hack where someone has added darts.
Another Wiksten has been added to my wardrobe! One day under the needle… and the next day ready to wear.
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| On the deck outside my studio wearing my one-day Wiksten. |
