finished project: 1920’s top and skirt

I finished my Shunpike top and skirt! Though not exactly in time. We got to the auction an hour late and missed all the performances, because guess who was sewing her outfit?

The efficacy of sewing an outfit specially for an event which one misses because one was sewing one’s outfit was called into question during the automobile ride to said event.

Nevertheless, we made it, and socialized with friends for a little while, spent some money, and (most importantly) got some compliments on the outfit. My husband, especially, liked how low-cut the top was.

You see, this is the first BurdaStyle top I’ve ever made, and I didn’t realize my shirt size is different than my skirt size. DUH. Only the day after the auction did I put two and two together, that the top came out really big because I totally made the wrong size. Ah well, I worked with it. Because the v-neck dropped so low, I had no choice but to go sans brassiere. Oh my! I’ve never let the girls venture out in public so freely before, except for once on a beach in France. They had quite the adventurous night, and I rather liked the feel of it, especially against the satin lining of the top. I may have to try that again.

To make sure the top wouldn’t reveal anything illegal, I put double-sided tape on the ladies, and it worked quite well. I’ve read about Hollywood stars doing this, and never fancied myself the type, but old girls can learn new tricks.

I had to belt the top, because it was so big it looked like a maternity top, so I used a strip of gold bias tape I had purchased for the project. It was a stroke of good luck that I bought it; I didn’t need it for anything, but thought it might come in handy.

After I got home, I realized I could have tucked the top in for the same shape and a little less fuss. When New Year’s Eve rolls around, I believe I’ll have another opportunity to wear this get-up, at which time I’ll tuck, and maybe even make a fur stole. (I intended to make one for Shunpike–alas, I ran out of time.)

P.S. That’s not a real cigarette, it’s gum. I do not condone smoking, and have never understood the attraction, and yet as I held it, I felt very lady-like. Holding your hand that way gives you an excuse to have your pinky out, always a nice look.