Two Finished Tops

First off, I would like to thank Nan (Nan, I can't link to your page since you're anonymous) for her tube tip. I'm going to try it as it sounds like an excellent solution to my problem.

She wrote:

"Try this...it should work with even really skinny tubes. First, on your serger with no fabric, run a chain of thread as long plus a few inches extra as the tube you want.Do not cut the chain from the serger. I know its a bit of waste of thread but...then place the tube of fabric you want to be serged under the serger foot (right sides togther) and lay the chain of thread inside the tube as you are serging it. You do not want to cut off the chain or serge into the chain so serge slowly and make adjustments as needed until you get the hang of it. Once you reach the end of the fabric you can remove everything from the serger and you should have a tail hanging out and the chain is enclosed in the tube. Gently pull on the tail of the chain and the tube of fabric will slowly work its way inside out and you should have a nicely turned tube.Hope this helps! I got this tip from Sewing with Nancy ages ago and it works like a charm.

Nan"

I'm going to try that method when I get the chance!

For those two finished tops (well, almost because I ran out of hot-fix crystals), the back neckband on the black/blue one is almost done with embellishing, and I thought it could get done with one pack. So, it will have to wait until the end of this week when I get more crystals. I hate when little things hold me up like this.

Here are several pics of the "almost finished" embellished one:

Here you can see a closeup of the crystals. They look so much better in sunlight though.

I'll include the full scoop of the top in a review soon including alterations.

Now, here's a pic of the top from the July 2008 issue of Threads on p. 57. I really like it and am going to make matching capris in the cream-colored linen as in the front band. When I do the review, I'll include a pic of the back. I forgot to have my daughter that pic.

Here's a closeup of the front:

And also a pic of how swing-ey the front is:

Oh, my tale of woe! The tops I've been making are NOT bra friendly. I might have to try those stick-on ones.

Details will be in my reviews.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post...The bloggers who broke me down!