Astoria Tops By Colette Patterns' Seamwork Magazine

Hello. I hope you're enjoying the bank holiday weekend.  Hubby and I had a fun time yesterday taking photographs - outside was too sunny and inside was a bit dark. We did get some useable ones though, so here's the first of my new tops.

I do love my Cath Kidston skirts but as they have elasticated waists (which I like to cover) it's awkward finding tops to wear with them that sit nicely. I thought Colette's Astoria top would be perfect as it's quite short and fitted at the waist.

It's made out of black Ponte Roma which was really easy to work with - I probably should have started my jersey sewing with this rather than the slinky stuff. 

Hubby thinks I'm too old for them but I think they're fab. They have a gorgeous garden gnome one at the moment which may have to join my collection..........

I made the size as small as it comes for this one. It's perfect with the skirts but too short with jeans - even I think I'm too old for flashing my tummy!

So I made another one to wear with them. This time it's in grey Ponte Roma and I lengthened the sleeves and body by 2". 

The sleeves are hemmed and the neck topstitched with my Janome Coverpro that I got for Christmas. I'm slowly getting the hang of it and I love it. It gives the garment a professional finish even for a beginner like me.

It's a great pattern and I'll definitely be making some more.

I can never resist adding pictures of Maya so here's another photo that Hubby took yesterday.  

One last thing, as I've been sharing photos of myself I'll share some news too - I've decided to ditch the hair dye. I am sick of having it done and it never looks as nice as my natural colour did, so I'm going to let it grow and see what happens.  It's a good job I like wearing hats as I think I'll have one on permanently for the next year or so............or I may cut it shorter..............or I may hate it and dye it again.

Can grey haired ladies still wear Cath Kidston skirts?  You bet!

I'd better crack on. I have Clarity samples to make and with Hubby on leave I keep getting distracted. Don't forget that Paul Church is on Hochanda tomorrow (27th March) with More Clarity.  11-12am, 3-4pm and 5-6pm. 

Happy Easter

Lynne

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