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Gorgeous, Erica!
As always great great job.I love how good your pleads look on the top.I have this pattern also.I haven't made it yet,but the straps look like I might have a little trouble with.I am going to try and make it before the summer is over.
I'm fascinated by two things. 1. The tissue fit process. I either need to hire a sewing friend or buy a dress form. 2. The use of a different size for the front and the back. It looks beautiful, but this was also interesting and helpful.
It's gorgeous! The choice of the dupioni is interesting. I have that pattern but have decided to wait until I have a lighter (more flowing) fabric in my stash. I never thought it would work with a fabric that has more body, but it turns out I'm wrong 
What a beautiful, versatile piece to have in your wardrobe. You could wear it with jeans or out at night with black or white pants. Great color.
Looks wonderful girl!!!!
Bravo! I only wish we could see the garment on you rather than the body double.
fabulous, I wouldn't have attempted it with the dupioni because of the way it raveals but once again,, you totally took it to the next level
love it
That top is so sharp! I really like your choice of color and fabric.
Beautiful top! Looks wonderful!
Beautiful top. It was interesting the way you used a smaller size for the back and larger for the front. I'll have to try that. Your fitting tips are invaluable. Thanks for sharing.
Once, again, BEAUTIFUL job!!!
It turned out great, Erica. Love the color. I just purchased a couple of those tops from Anthropologie yesterday.
Erica, I have this pattern, too. Now, looking at how your top came out, I may make the dress of that (view A) in the same fabric in either fushia or orange with a reverse colored sash.....hmmmmm.....
Erica,
Gorgeous! as usual. I'm interested in the waist stay. I've been trying to research them lately, and the link you provided was one of the ones that my search brought up, but when I read it initially, I was confused, and now too, I'm confused since it says that it provides support for the skirt!!! Other research indicates it's good for formal attire, especially strapless dresses. That's sort of my objective. I made a dress for dd, that has shirring/puffing/gathering across the bust - I altered a pattern to get the effect, so didn't anticipate the problem I might end up with. So, now I have this problem with the lining kind of sticking out at the top of the bodice -- it has spaghetti straps (as a side note, I had the same problem with dd#1's prom dress last year) I DID understitch it as much as possible, so I'm thinking maybe a waist stay would help?????
Designdreamer4,
I have a question. What fabric did you use for your lining? I know that I have trouble getting that polyester lining fabric to do what I want it to do and I'm limited with the amount of heat I can use since it's synthetic. On this top I just made, I used the cotton batiste and I could really heat it up and give it a good steam press and it cooperated wonderfully. And also, I would suggest a waist stay in a strapless garment because the weight of the skirt will pull the bodice down which creates the insecurity and will have you pulling and tugging on the top everytime you move.
Like Cidell, I too, am intrigued by the tissue fit process. I'm not sewing yet but I may buy a sewing machine next week if Tuesday Morning has them available as the sales person says they get them the first of each month. Could you explain the tissue fit process further or reference where you may have described that process in your blog?
Are you knitting or crocheting at all anymore?????
How cute is that top! You have such an eye for a good pattern. And the construction details are awesome, too.
Gorgeous. And thanks for the info on the waist stay, I need to look into that technique.
The top is beautiful and sophisticated. Very nice Erica.
Erica - the top is very, very cute but you know I like them best when I can see them on you. Also this is part of the SWAP, so I am interested in seeing how it works with your bottom pieces and will it go under your jacket?
As usual another hit in my book. Your top is beautiful. By the way, I don't know is you have a Joann Fabrics near you, but in New Jersey this week Simplicity Patterns are 99 cents.
Now THIS is couture. Your sense of style and detail really inspire. I want to learn fitting and finishing techniques. I suggestested you write a book a while ago, but howsa bouta DVD series?
Beautiful!!! I am definitely going to have to sew this pattern up sometime soon.
yup, it was poly, and yes, I too have considered using batiste thinking not only would it behave better, but perhaps not slip around on the body so much, but gosh darn, batiste seems to be getting harder and harder to find, at least at JoAnns, and the only Hancocks left around here is too far away. So now I'm confused as to why you used a stay on your garment.
I used a waist stay so that the skirt part of the top would hang and feel better.
HOTNESS HOTNESS HOTNESS! That is soooooooo rich! I could do so much with that piece! Go head girl go head git down!
You did a gorgeous job, as usual! I love seeing your S.W.A.P. progress.
Hey Erica,
I love your work as always, and just have a question about the material. Assuming you pre-shrunk the cotton, but did you pre-treat the silk in anyway? Are you planning to dry-clean or hand wash it?
I am trying to step up my materials, and shy away from the cheapos I've always used in the past. It would never have occured to be to use silk as the fashion fabric, but line with cotton. Yet thinking about it, it starts to make more sense. If you ever have time, can you write a little about how you choose fabrics, and the logic behind picking the correct lining, etc.?
Caro
Hi Caroline,
I did pre-shrink the cotton and I also handwashed the silk and dried it in the dryer. I plan to just handwash it and let it hang dry. The reason I chose to line the silk with cotton is because (1) I wanted to stick with natural fibers; (2) I wanted something that would feel comfortable next to my skin... that's always a selling point.
You are amazing you know that? I LOVE this top.
Wow, Erica! You are definitely my sewing inspiration. This top is beautiful!
Wow everything you said was in another language for me! LOL
BUT I love the fashion item - chocolate is the new black and I love it! :o)
I've recently discovered this website and concluded that you're awesome! This latest top is beautiful. Why don't you try out for Project Runway? Or at least start selling this top? 
Gorgeous and stylish top Erica !!!
Thanks for the cleaning tips for the silk fabric - I have been pondering washing a length of silk too.
Erica that is beautiful! Have you thought about entering Project Runway?
Jan & Erica C.,
I've thought about Project Runway and laughed it off! You have to know how to sketch, create from scratch, drape and all of that. That's not me just yet! LOL
Silk dupioni is my favorite fabric, although I've haven't sewn it yet! Your top is a casual design made in a dress fabric and it works!! I'm going to have to get some dupioni.
Wow! That is totally fabulous (of course)!
I found your site through ClutchMagonline and I absolutely love it! Being the budget conscious diva that I am, there is nothing more budget friendly than DIY. Loves it!
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