16 Jun Bias Beauty, Kwik Sew Pattern 3308
I finished my last French Jacket in March just before our schools and businesses closed. Inspired by the cute bias halter tops Julie made from her French Jacket linings, (see page 117, A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing) I ordered extra lining fabric from B&J Fabrics to make one to wear with my jacket. The plan was to photograph the halter in front of the blue waters of Aruba in April.
The pattern is Kwik Sew 3308. Long since out of print, Julie was nice enough to make a copy for me. The beauty of the top lie in its bias cut which accentuates body lines and curves with a soft, gentle drape……….I’m all for a garment that hugs the small part of my waist and skims the hips.😉
I’ve made halter tops and dresses before cut on the grain. Below is a photo collage of a halter dress I made in 2016.
The dress is cut on the grain and gathered at the neckline, but there is fullness throughout the garment.
Not so with this pattern. There is a noticeable difference when a fabric drapes itself and contours to the shape of the body.
The pattern consists of one front piece, one back piece, the collar and facings. For now I’ve closed the back with snaps, but will replace the snaps with buttons once I find what I’m looking for.
It’s the perfect top to wear under a jacket.
This top was so simple to make requiring no special instructions or techniques ~ I hope to make more. Meanwhile, I’ve had no luck in searching for similar patterns, so please send me any leads you may have! In the process of bias top pattern searching, I’ve found several bias sewing tutorials for future sewing including these from SewGuide, SeamWork and Threads . I’ve never sewn Pamela’s Patterns before, but I noticed a tutorial for cutting her tank top pattern on the bias Here.
I hope to wear my new ensemble one of these days, but for now I’ll enjoy the enlightenment I’ve received from the blue bias anemones and coral.
Until soon. 🙂
♫ Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to …..Bermuda, Bahama……
Laura Casey
Posted at 07:39h, 16 JuneBeautiful silk top….cut on the bias makes all the difference.. I agree with all your statements regarding our recent and continuied protest….and the ongoing pandemic we’re experiencing.
Stay safe, my friend.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:49h, 16 JuneThank you, lovely lady!
Christine McMorran
Posted at 07:48h, 16 JuneThe top looks beautiful and the fit is wonderful. What would also look great would be to extend the length to make a fabulous full length dress. Well done and keep doing what you’re doing with all the love and hope that you can summon as it is this thinking that creates the better future we all dream of and wish for.
I am also convinced that your thoughts and prayers for a better world echo the thinking of the majority of people around the world and therefore equality for all will ultimately prevail.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:54h, 16 JuneHi Christine ~ Many thanks for your lovely comment. I could not move creatively forward without expressing myself.
My first thought upon completing the dress was the same as yours – extend the length and make a dress! 😊
Elizabeth Wellons
Posted at 09:48h, 16 JuneSo happy to see you back, Sarah. I also share your concerns about the state of our world and have found it difficult to tap back into my creative side. But perhaps with your encouragement, I will. Love this top! I copied Julie’s pattern when we were last together but haven’t made it yet. Maybe soon!
Cissie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:45h, 16 JuneHi Cissie! It was impossible for me to move on without expressing myself, not something I usually do on the blog.
This top would look so nice on you, and with all of your French Jackets you must make a few!😉
Connie Turner
Posted at 10:21h, 16 JuneThe fabric is so beautiful and so summery looking.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:47h, 16 JuneThank you, Connie. I ordered this fabric for my jacket without trying a sample. I loved it that much from looking at a small square!
Meg McKinney
Posted at 10:26h, 16 JuneWhat a delightful way to start today — or any day! — with this flattering halter top, made from extra lining fabric, from the Chanel-style jacket. Your blog is so informative, and interesting, as always. I haven’t made a halter top since, ummm, college, but your post today, made me think about it. And, when times are good for travel again — bon voyage!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:52h, 16 JuneWell you made my day, Meg 😊 I made.a halter about 10 years ago (Amy Butler Cabo Halter)but that’s it! I love the flattering style of the back in this pattern and believe it is appropriate for many ages, shapes and sizes.
It’s going to be a while before I bon voyage anywhere!
Linda Cobn
Posted at 10:37h, 16 JuneI was delighted to see your post ! Your words express so many of my thoughts. The bias cut top is beautiful. ! I am still encouraged to make my first Chanel jacket..I think there are several of us that are interested in the source of where you purchased the Chanel buttons..it was not clear if it was etsy?Could you repost that source? Thank you !!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:02h, 16 JuneThank you so much, Linda for your comment. I purchased the buttons for the Black/White jacket at East Coast Trimming. The buttons for the Blue Jacket are a little more complicated to buy. The website is https://fboom.wordpress.com. After you find the buttons you like, you email the administrator at . Good luck!
Lydia Weathersby
Posted at 10:44h, 16 JuneI always enjoy your posts! Thank you for sharing. Love the halter top!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:03h, 16 JuneThanks so much, Lydia!
Alania Sheeley
Posted at 11:34h, 16 JuneYour blouse is beautiful. I have made Pamela’s “Perfect Tank Top” and it is one of my favorites. I do plan on making it up in silk charmeause cut on the bias, but haven’t done so….yet! A similar pattern to the Kwik Sew option is Burda Style 6968; also, OOP. This one isn’t cut on the bias, but could be easily adapted to that technique. I’ve made it up twice in silk charmeause (view A) and once in a light weight cotton (view B); making changes to the hemline to mimic Julie’s blouses. I was happy with the results. I didn’t have enough fabric to cut the pieces on the bias. Making a muslin was the key in getting the fit I wanted. I have a full bust and small waist, too much fabric and the look can easily slide into “maternity”. I brought the bottom flare in so it is nearly straight down from the armhole. When not faced with fabric limitations, I plan to make both views up in bias cut pieces.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:06h, 16 JuneThank you so much, Alania. If there’s one person who knows how to work a pattern, it’s YOU! You must share these tops with me. I check out the Burda Style pattern and give Pamela’s pattern a try. 😊
Alania Sheeley
Posted at 17:30h, 16 JuneI think Rita has your cell phone number. I will get it from her (if that’s okay) and get the pictures to you.
Aimee Groshans
Posted at 11:42h, 16 JuneThanks for sharing your halter top, it is beautiful. Another pattern for a halter is from Silhouette Patterns: https://www.silhouettepatterns.com/html/patterns/p_619.htm
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:08h, 16 JuneThank you, Aimee for your comment and sharing the Silhouette link. ! I’ll check it out.😉
Janet Wayman
Posted at 11:57h, 16 JuneI would point out, very respectfully, that your blog readers come here for your sewing skills, fashion sense, and sunny outlook, not political commentary. Your blog posts are a welcome relief from stressful news. There is never a day when there isn’t suffering in the world; sometimes it’s just closer to home. That shouldn’t discourage you from making your contribution to the universe’s positive mental health. And you ARE making a contribution, as your commenters testify.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:13h, 16 JuneI so agree with you Janet! Commentary about anything other than sewing is not my usual modus operandi. I simply could not move forward as a happy go lucky sewing blogger oblivious to grave issues hitting so close to home.
I’m delighted to be sewing and blogging again. Many thanks for your important comment. 😉
Ellen W. Miller
Posted at 11:58h, 16 JuneIt’s so nice to see you in your beautiful bias top… in your back yard! I laughed and laughed at that. Xoxo
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:14h, 16 June😂😂 I had no choice but to make lemonade out of lemons! As much as I’ve missed traveling, it’s been nice to have this time at home.
Thanks so much for your comment, Ellen, and hope you are well!
Julie Starr
Posted at 12:27h, 16 JuneBeautifully done, Sarah! I felt confident you, too, would be added to the ranks of fans of this wonderful pattern. Other than Carolyn pajamas, I have made it more times than any other pattern in my stash. The choker collar style offers better coverage than the typical halter and is so flattering to any woman’s shoulders.
Thanks for your well spoken words addressing the difficult and confusing times in which we are living. I feel you have done a good job sharing what many struggle to express. I myself have taken a social media sabbatical, initially due to a staggering workload and my mothers COVID-19 diagnosis (from which she has thankfully recovered at 88 years old) and more recently due to the social injustice issues facing our country. While I’m still sewing quietly, lately it is my choice is to sit back and do much listening. Yesterday a friend of mine shared this quote, which I am taking to heart and vow to practice… “clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.” ❤️
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:51h, 16 JuneHow do I begin to respond to your lovely comment, Julie?
I’m delighted your mother has recovered from Covid-19. I miss you terribly on Instagram and hope you will begin sharing your wonderful makes again ~ whenever you’re ready.
It was important to me not to come across as oblivious and insensitive to the grave and oppressive issues surrounding my daily life. I’m delighted to be back on the sewing scene.
Thanks to you, I’ve been inspired to sew again. You’ve introduced me to so many great patterns that I’ll forever cherish! This Kwik Sew pattern is a true gem😊
Alice Elliot
Posted at 12:45h, 16 JuneThanks for the inspiration. Just the boot I need Your bias top is so pretty and flattering. Easy to see the difference cutting on the bias makes when competed to the red on grain dress.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:54h, 16 JuneMany thanks, Alice! The difference between the dresses is truly unbelievable. I look forward to sewing more clothes on the bias 😉
Deborah Penner
Posted at 13:00h, 16 JuneThanks for this stand on racism! We have had events in our small Kansas town to promote unity and lead primarily women. Love the halter suggestion. I have found this style to be generally flattering and have made a few. Will try to locate the pattern online. Perhaps we can convince the company to re-release this one as they have done with others.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:36h, 16 JuneMany thanks for your comment, Deborah – happy to hear your town is proactive 😊
I’ve had zero success in finding this pattern online, but I’d be delighted with Kwik Sew would put this gem back into production!
Helen O McCleneghen
Posted at 14:26h, 16 JuneSarah-
Love your work. Have you really looked at the BLM website to see what that actually advocate for?
Helen
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:43h, 16 JuneThank you, Helen. Yes, BLM is dedicated to non-violent civil disobedience in protest to police brutality. I do not approve of or support violence of any type whatsoever. It is my hope and dream to live in peace, love and harmony.
Libby Paul
Posted at 14:33h, 16 JuneYour thoughts on chaos and turbulent times are all so true; however, you manage to find peace and beauty in the world we all love.
As the world turns, you are creating lovely styles, with passion and positivity in your spirit. Your post inspires me to move forward and follow my heart.
Libby
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:49h, 16 JuneSo lovely, Libby. My creative energy has been stymied for weeks upon weeks. I had to give myself permission to be creative all over again. I’m happy to be sewing again! Thank you so much for your comment. ❤️❤️
Judy Pineda
Posted at 15:39h, 16 JuneThank you for sharing your commitment to both an equitable world filled with creative beauty! That top looks FABULOUS on you!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:07h, 16 JuneJudy ~ Love how you phrased this comment ❤️ Many thanks! I too LOVE this top.
Lisa Jones
Posted at 18:43h, 16 JuneStunning!! What a beautiful outfit. I may have to try this top!!! You nailed it with the fit!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:19h, 16 JuneHi Lisa! I simply love the cut of the pattern. Many thanks for your comment 😊
PATRICIA H. Flournoy
Posted at 19:24h, 16 JuneW O W…Absolutely wonderful! I love it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:35h, 16 JuneT H A N K. Y O U. ! ! 😊 It was a fun make, Patricia!
Suzanne Egger
Posted at 21:30h, 16 JuneI so agree – I told people in March that you can bore a sewist. If I didn’t sew I dont know what I would have done. We were locked in in Arizona on March 13, 2020, came back to California on April 20. Have not left the house but have completed three shirts, a vest, and four quilts. You cant bore a sewist.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:40h, 17 JuneYou’ve made four quilts during this time? You are a dynamo!
thedementedfairy
Posted at 04:58h, 17 JuneBeautiful top, gorgeous fabric, lovely pics. Glad to see you back! My own sewing and blogging have settled to near-zero, BUT I have been sewing scrubs for the NHS, 76 so far. I had hoped to get 100 done by my birthday tomorrow [60 is a big number], but have now been laid low by Bell’s palsy …hopefully only temporarily.
The BLM storm has led to some difficult online conversations, an shown way too many people up to be strongly resistant to changing their world view. Relationships have changed and ended. I hope the current horrors are the birth pains of a better world.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:47h, 17 JuneOh you poor thing…… I hope your bell’s palsy clears up soon. I know people who have had it, and fortunately it is temporary.
Happy 60th Birthday ! I’m impressed with your dedication to sewing scrubs – no wonder you’re not blogging 😉
I too hope we’re led to a better world of peace, love and harmony. Take care and many thanks for your comment.
Andrea Birkan
Posted at 08:00h, 17 JuneI love your top. I have always admired Julie’s tops. I have a similar Burda pattern but it’s not cut in the bias. I have also had no desire to do anything creative since losing my son Jaron, but the last few weeks I decided I needed to start doing something to keep me from fixating on this terrible loss so I also started doing some sewing. My concentration isn’t the best so I do a little and stop. I hope over time my creativity will return because I know that’s what Jaron would want me to do! I hope we get to sew together again soon. Please stay safe and stay healthy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:32h, 17 JuneAndrea, I am so very happy to hear from you. I imagine that easing back into life after the loss of Jaron is difficult. I hope sewing will bring you comfort and that your beautiful creative spirit will return. Thank you so much for taking the time to write.❤️
Karen Helm
Posted at 10:50h, 17 JuneBeautiful, Sarah! You wear so many colors well, but none more than this blue. Here’s to happy dreaming and happy wearings of this lovely combo.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:33h, 17 JuneThank you so much, Karen! I have to remind myself that other colors besides blue exist 😂 Hope you are well and able to enjoy your lovely summer home.
Vanessa
Posted at 12:09h, 17 JuneI absolutely love this top on you! It hangs beautifully, and the fabric is gorgeous.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:34h, 17 JuneThank you, Vanessa! I agree with you about the drape of this top – bias makes all the difference!
Pamela Smith
Posted at 06:44h, 19 JuneDearest Sarah please keep smiling and posing wearing your lovely creations . The World need people like you
life does go on and I too fully agree with the words of your post,
Yes of course Black Lives Matter , but for me all lives matter black , white, , yellow skin, coffee skin, red skin etc .There is only one race and that is THE HUMAN RACE and we must all learn to be tolerant of colour or creed or religious beliefs and like you let’s hope Love will conquer all.
Back to your beautiful creations oh what a gorgeous colour on your top and jacket and I love the last picture of you with your eyes closed , a perfect picture of contemplation.
Stay safe stay Happy keep smiling and KEEP sewing . God Bless Pamela from Wales UK
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:18h, 22 JunePamela,
Many thanks for your thoughtful comment 😉 Indeed ALL lives matter equally. It’s nice to be sewing again and this color blue looks good on everyone! Hopefully it won’t be quite so long in between sewing projects!
JoyvMays
Posted at 16:00h, 19 JuneLove your halter top. I have not had a chance to read all comments but suggest kwik sew 3691. Similar in style but not a halter. The collar is on the bias and the pattern is still available at McCall’s on line. Not sure if it is still in the store. I can’t wear halters for work so this one is a better option for me at 62 years old.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:21h, 22 JuneThank you for the pattern suggestion, Joy! I find it interesting that Kwik Sew refers to it as a tunic 😉 My top is not for the office but oh how I love this pattern.
Send me a pic should you make 3361!
Carolyn Rogers
Posted at 20:23h, 22 JuneThis top is gorgeous as usual, I have this pattern and made it once for a friend in silk satin, beautiful shape and drape. Also Marfy have a free download pattern that’s very similar, I’ve made that one twice too, a crepe twill and a silk satin lined.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:45h, 27 JuneI can only imagine how beautiful this top is in satin, Carolyn! Many thanks for the Marfy tip and your comment 😊
Radolin
Posted at 20:34h, 22 JuneThank you for acknowledging the times we are in and sharing your beliefs. I love the quality and style of your work and now I feel even more connected to it.
First time commenter here but I’ve been visiting for a few years–and purchased your recent book.!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:47h, 27 JuneHi Radolin ~ Thanks so much for taking the time to comment AND for buying A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing! I could not continue to blog without addressing our current state. 😉
Denise
Posted at 12:31h, 24 JuneHi Sarah,
I have just downloaded Burda 07/2019 #117 which appears to be very similiar to this pattern. I hope that helps.
Denise
X
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:49h, 27 JuneMany thanks, Denise! I check out the Burda pattern.😉
celestial
Posted at 12:51h, 24 JuneI continue to think that this Chanel jacket is the most beautiful thing I have seen in the past quarter century, and the silk shell underneath is an added bonus. It is so interesting to hear how differently bias behaves than straight of grain.
This is your blog and you are free to express anything and everything you wish, Your comments on world events are measured, thoughtful, and kind; there should be no objection anywhere to what you post. Our country has been roiling turmoil for most of 2020 and it seems to be getting worse, not better. Everyone is under great stress, acknowledged or otherwise and we do not handle stress well at all today. Seeing your gorgeous clothing and beautiful smile is a great stress reliever for many. I find the blue pool in your back yard every bit as beautiful as the beaches in Aruba and it makes swimming look like a pleasure. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do for the sewing community and the world in general. You are truly a gem.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:56h, 27 JuneAh, Celestial ~~ YOU are a gem! What a lovely, kind and thorough comment….The jacket exceeded my expectations with the help of Mary and Helen.
It was my decision in 2011 to keep Goodbye Valentino about sewing, but I could not continue to post happy pictures without acknowledging our current state of affairs.
I’m so honored to know my posts bring you joy 😉 My backyard pool is a far cry from Aruba but I’m lucky to have it!
Many thanks for your comment.
MaryEllen Pendleton
Posted at 18:11h, 26 JuneThank you Sarah for once again expressing so eloquently what I &. Many have been feeling . . It’s been such a challenging , sad year & it has been hard to focus on sewing personal items . I made many masks which did satisfy my need to help in some way . The world has changed & hopefully our “new”. normal will include love & support for all who have suffered the most through illness , racism & lack of understanding .
Your blouse & jacket are amazingly beautiful- such a great inspiration!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:01h, 27 JuneMary Ellen, You made a massive number of masks, and I was impressed. What a gift to those in need!
I pray that science and good judgment conquers the pandemic and that love and understanding bring and end to racial injustice.
Many thanks for your comment ~ The jacket was a challenge but the top was a piece of cake😊😊
Lara Bowditch
Posted at 12:11h, 29 Junea lovely finish on this top. New Look has a top that could be modified NL 6657, or Burda Style polyester top a, b 117/07/19 is a perfect match.
Hayley
Posted at 11:39h, 14 JulyBeautiful top, and lovely words too. Black lives matter x