What does one do with a  remnant of less than a yard?

Detail

The Stash contained a lemon yellow sheer print that just cried out to be transformed into a summer top.  However, most patterns – even the simplest tank tops – require more fabric than the small 3/4 yard piece!

So the pattern search continued..

New Look 6937

The sleeveless option in New Look 6937 appeared promising. Oddly, the pattern indicated 1.5 yards of fabric were required for the body and and additional 5/8ths yard for the contrast neck band.  A total of more than 2 yards for a sleeveless top?

Fortunately, my mother and grandmother taught me to use those printed yardage requirements as “guidance, not gospel.”

Stash Couture Top from a Remnant

It was necessary to turn the fabric 90 degrees – but there was just enough fabric… once the top was shortened by an inch!

For the contrasting neck band, I used a white quilting weight cotton (but no where near 5/8ths of a yard!)

Although it does not show in the photos, the print of the fabric includes very small purple flowers that served as the inspiration for the hand work on the neckband.

Beads, floss, buttons and silk ribbon – all from The Stash – added that Stash Couture touch!

The handwork was completed prior to stitching down the neck band lining so the knots and threads would be hidden.

Handwork Detail at Center Front

The front of the pattern was revised slightly – the pleats were made wider and moved toward the center – and stitched down for approximately 5″.  The placket was overlapped, and a small amount of gathering was improvised along the vertical portion of the placket to improve fit.

The top works well for the already very hot Arizona weather – and kudos to New Look for designing the neckband just right to hide straps!

Stash Couture New Look 6937