The Cabin Top

Blueprints for Sewing patterns are simple, flattering, comfortable, and classic with an artistic edge. They emphasize functionality and simplicity and feature thoughtful embellishments and adaptable cuts. Each pattern takes its inspiration from an architectural style.

The Cabin Top takes its inspiration from the simplicity of a cabin - a humble structure, built to provide shelter from the elements.  Spending time in a cabin "allows the mind to wander," says pattern maker, Taylor.  Thus, the Cabin top is a simple and functional top that will allow you to make it uniquely your own through fabric choice.

The Cabin is a basic, flattering shape, enhanced with French darts and a box pleat in the back. The neckline, sleeves, and hemline are finished with bias tape, either out of a package or self made.

I chose a vibrant black and white geometric rayon challis print to work up in this pattern, as an active print goes well with this simple design.  Laurel used basic single fold bias tape to finish the edges, turning it completely to the under side so it does not show (as opposed to binding the edges with bias that will show, like for contrast). The pattern calls for the bias tape to act as a binding around the neckline, sleeves and hemline, so the black binding would show through this tow colored print.  Because this fabric was so "silky", we opted to make it more dressy by using the tape like a facing to hold the shape of the neckline.

The back features a narrow yoke at the shoulders. We cut the yoke on the fabric's crossgrain to give greater interest to the back of this top and show off its seams.  The box pleat in the back is secured with a tiny stitched triangle. 

French darts create a beautiful semi-fitted slim silhouette.

Just to show you how you can make this simple style your very own, let's look at Laurel's version of the Cabin Top. She chose three fabrics, all in rayon. She made her own bias tape and chose to use it as a binding to help "ground" the business of the two other fabric choices and yet contrasting so that the overall artistically look she is going for is achieved. She also added some design elements just to have all the fabrics play off each other.

A triangle of contrasting fabric  int he front, mimicking the back, and the cutest buttons... 

...the small triangle of fabric in the back in the contrasting print...

  

....makes for a uniquely artistic Cabin Top!

We can also see this top in a color block of solid fabrics  The solid colors would really highlight the pattern's design. So many possibilities!

Colette and Zanikan hanging out in the sewing studio. 

Creatively yours,

Suzan