Ropes & Sway Top: Tutorial

 Spring in New England is the friend that texts you “I’m on my way!” – when in reality, she’s really putting finishing touches on her flouncy curls in her apartment bathroom.

Please, winter, I beg you – no more winter coats, fleece lined boots or woolen mittens. April snow storms are no longer a funny fool’s joke. In order to soothe my wintery woes, I’ve resorted to paroosing the aisles of my favorite stores, where springy collections are already on display. One trend i’ve noticed is interesting necklines, one imparticular being a rope cinch. Being a crafty seamstress, I immediately noticed how easy this would be to try at home. Originally, I thought this top would be a great summer beach throw-on, simply because the rope had a wonderfully nautical aspect. However, last week we had a fleeting, but sinful,seventy degree day and I knew I had to try out my newest creation. Made from a soft, guazy cotton it paired perfect with my favorite dark wash denims.

 

I had the pleasure of spending this surprisingly spring-like day with my mom, my aunt and of course my baby brother, Buckley. We traveled to the highest point of our small, New England town, fondly named Grand Hill, in the hopes of spying some fresh leaves on the horizon. While residual autumn crunched on our heels, we were able to see some playful colors budding from the treetops. I also loved that the slight breeze confirmed my original assumption, that this top would be perfect for a hot day at the beach.

 

Materials

You’ll need:

• 1 yard of cotton fabric (lightweight)
• 1 yard cotton rope (I used 1/2 inch in diameter)
• Matching thread
• scissors

 

 

1/2. The length of your fabric will be where the fabric hits your hips, measure and cut. Next, cut the fabric in half across the width, so you have two peices that are longer than they are wide.

3. Cut one of the peices in half again, so you’ll have 2 small squares and 1 rectangle of fabric.

4. Sew the two smaller squares up the middle, stopping 3/4 of the way up the back – this will be the back of your shirt, where the fabric will part to accommodate your rope bow. Next, fold about 1″ of fabric down from the top edge and sew across – creating a sheath for the rope. Do this across the top of both peices.

5. Pin and Sew up the length of the shirt, the gap you leave will correspond to the desired size of your arm hole.

6. Turn garment right side out and slip the rop around the top of the shirt, pulling together and tying in the back.

 

 

 

 

& if you’re not so crafty, you can get the same look here:

What are all of you looking forward to wearing this spring?

love and mine