I Copied My Friend's Top Because It Was CUTE | making a #cottagecore top

Hello everyone and welcome to a new video!

This video is in the strain of 'I saw it, I wanted it, I made it'. I go into quite a lot of detail about how to handle making something based on a garment you saw, and the particular construction steps of this top, as I find the square neckline and puffy sleeves a very flattering look. I hope the construction is clear enough for any new stitchers out there - but ask any questions in the comments and I can try to help!

I think my friend's top was originally from Mango, and I did make some changes. I chose not to do the rouching, in favour of straight square neckline (which I'm really digging haha). The top was cut from 1 meter of medium weight linen bought from eBay a few years ago for £8 p/m. All in all, I'm very happy with my version, I think it's very cute! Please excuse the end footage, I'd been out in London all day in a heatwave and I was a bit worse for wear lol

The patterns mentioned are:

I still hope to make a properly cute dress with one of these patterns in the future! Have you ever seen a friend wear something and tried to copy it?

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Instagram (perhaps overactive stories): @catscostumery

Music is from Epidemic Sound.

[beeticket]

“I do not sew with stretch - it confuses me and I don’t like it. So instead today we’ll be using some linen” was the moment I realized I am spiritually aligned with you

[waterbitten]

I'm still in love with the mustard top you're wearing in the intro! 😍

[sephestra.]

**me watching you do the ladder stitch method of darting** 🤯 "that's effing voodoo"

[makeda]

**sees something cute on someone** Wow, same **aggressively adds to sewing list** That top is super adorable~

[rebeccaharden]

it came out so nice. I love the yellow skirt as well. thank you for sharing with us.

[vincentbriggs]

It's so nice to be able to copy clothes you want! It is cute, and looks comfortable :)
When sewing on shirt sleeves I find it much much much easier to sew the sleeve on first, finish that seam, and then do the side and sleeve seam all in one go. (Which only works if the side and sleeve seam line up at the underarm, but they usually do)

[rebeccacuthbertson]

1. This shirt (and final reveal outfit) is cute as hell!!
2. This pattern company looks like it has a bunch of cute patterns, so thank you for sharing!
3. You played fabric chicken and TOTALLY WON HOW COOL IS THAT!!
4. You explain some technical finishing things so clearly (like, for example, pulling up the bobbin thread for gathering stitches!! and that sleeve setting trick!!) that you just a- blew my mind and b- made my future sewing self so happy. So thank you so so much Cat!

[jeannedz]

Ooh it's now the second time that I see that pumpkin pin cushion, the temptation to get one is real ! The top is very cute !

[michellecornum]

Very nice, and appropriately timed. Right now, I am in the process of copying several garments. Most of the time, at the moment, my sewing room sounds like

[mrs.knecro]

This came out so cute! Also the fact that all you had left were little bits of trimming left from your meter of fabric is crazy!!

[adedow]

The ladder stitch method is new and I am very intrigued! I'll be trying this out!

[angelamay]

Looks great! I was just thinking, if your cuffs are too tight, you could open them up and thread a ribbon through to give some extra room. Tie cute bows on each side! Or you could sew a button and a loop closure for some extra space as well.

[emilyhuffman]

How have I never seen that ladder stitch trick for darts?!? Bloody brilliant!

[mione]

Omg. That ladder stitch for darts is such a great idea. How have I never thought of that?

[sarahwatts]

At first I thought you were going to dye it, but I'm warming up to that sort of buff color. Lovely!

[saymyname]

Uhm... you're mockups are so good you could actually sometimes wear them outside. You should try to find some inexpensive fabric you like so you always have an additional piece of clothes when you sew something 👗!

PS: I like this red top very much on you. It might go well with the red sneakers 😁! I think these gentle-warm colours look awesome on you any time!

[rachelmyers]

That ladder stitch dart trick is magical!!

[jackiejames]

It's really cute. I'm gonna have to try sewing sleeves the way you suggested. Thanks.

[SewlockHolmes]

Super cute! It's always a joy to watch you sew! Also, thank you for that sleeve sewing tip! I've been making skirts and other sleeveless garments simply because sleeves scare me but maybe it's time to take the plunge...

[canucknancy]

The tip about sewing from the sleeve side makes so much sense. I'll definitely do that on my next project. The blouse turned out beautifully.