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Dressmaking, finished garments, Sewing

The Copycat Crepe Top – (Part 1) + Giveaway!!!

19th February 2016

copycat crepe top

So last week heralded a couple of firsts for me.  Actually three to be precise! A week of learning new stuff you could say. Which after a week of battling with fit issues was a welcome change.  Sometimes, if something is getting on your wick, you just gotta park it and switch focus to shake off the fog I think. A change is as good as a rest after all. And after a week of what felt like pulling teeth, the week I spent doing this, went so smoothly I started looking around behind me to see where the sewing demon was hiding. Wondering when it was going to jump out and fluff my make right at the eleventh hour. Said demon must be off in the Bahamas somewhere. (Shedquarters is obviously too cold for that fiery little devil at this time of year 😉  )  Because nothing went wrong on this make and there was so much that could have!

So now you’re possibly wondering what my 3 firsts were? Well this top is actually a direct copy of a top I found in a charity shop. I didn’t like the colour and it was 1-2 sizes too big. But I really liked the style.  A crepe tee with a relaxed fit , simple scoop neck, and shirt tail hem.  I hadn’t seen a pattern exactly like this, so I decided to make a pattern of my own, copying the pattern pieces directly from that ready to wear top on the left (below)  I toiled it (middle below) and what do ya know? It worked.  But, still too big. Then people, I was really pushing my luck. I decided I would have a go at grading my new pattern to the correct size. And blow me, that only went and worked too! (below right)THE COPYCAT CREPE TOP

So that’s two firsts. Producing an exact copy of a rtw top AND grading. I was going to include all of that process in today’s post but there turned out to be waaaaay too much for one post. So next week I’ll be sharing 2 additional posts. One on the copying of the pattern. (now available here) One on the grading of it… (now available here)THE COPYCAT CREPE TOP

And what of my third first this week? Set in sleeves! Of course I’ve sewn set in sleeves before; but I hate them with a passion and I’m pretty rubbish and impatient with the traditional method. So this week I tried the method of inserting them flat (turns out pretty much everyone I know already does this) and oh my! I could have cried with happiness! Look at that sleeve head people! Gorgeous right?! Never again will I avoid sewing stuff with set in sleeves just because it’s a faff! (Yes I am that lazy!)sleeve head

There’s still a few tweaks I think I need to make to the final pattern. Namely some discreet darts in the front,  and, surprise surprise, a sway back adjustment! But on a top like this, designed to be a relaxed, chilled out fit I was more than happy to make it up as is, in some delicious Isobel poly viscose crepe from The Splendid Stitch. As well as the black it’s currently also available in the three colours on the right. (I’m hoping Amy will expand her colour range on this one!) The cream best shows the gorgeous texture. It is SO soft. Super easy to work with. Drapes beautifully and best of all, straight out of the machine and onto the hanger with super minimal creasing. That my friends, is my holy grail of a fabric!Splendid Stitch Isobel Poly Viscose Crepe

 

Giveaway details: Amy from The Splendid Stitch is offering you guys the chance to win either £30 to spend on fabric from her beautiful range (first prize) or a sewing pattern of your choice (second prize). To enter follow The Splendid Stitch on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or their blog. Each follow is an additional entry. Just leave me a comment here to let me know how many entries you made. Giveaway is open internationally (The Splendid Stitch is Glasgow based but ships worldwide) and closes midnight GMT on Monday 29th Feb. The winner will be selected at random and contacted directly by email. (Leave that in the comments too if it’s not easily accessible via your profile).

What’s more,  until the end of February, Amy is also offering you an extra 15% off your purchase when you enter the code PORTIA15 at checkout! Thankyou very much Amy!

Related

106 Comments

  1. Anne says

    19th February 2016 at 10:35 am

    Just liked the FB page of The Splendid Stitch. Thanks !

    Reply
  2. Jennifer Willis says

    19th February 2016 at 10:54 am

    You’ve spurred me on to try sewing sleeves in flat! Great giveaway too. I made four entries.

    Reply
  3. becslb says

    19th February 2016 at 10:57 am

    Loved the top! I’m following all 4

    Reply
  4. Jo says

    19th February 2016 at 11:00 am

    That crepe looks absolutely lush! I’ve never successfully cloned anything – totally jealous of how well yours turned out! So gratifying when it just works out isn’t it? I didn’t know The Splendid Stitch – she has some lovely stuff so I’ll chuck my name in for the giveaway – followed the blog, twitter and instagram. In it to win it hehe 🙂

    Reply
  5. Charlotte Forcer says

    19th February 2016 at 11:04 am

    Great tops. I love crepe! I’m following Amy on Facebook, Twitter, and instagram.

    Reply
  6. /anne... says

    19th February 2016 at 11:18 am

    Just followed the Splendid Stitch blog, and on Instagram 🙂

    Reply
  7. Karen says

    19th February 2016 at 11:19 am

    Lovely top and that crepe is lush. I follow on IG and now Facebook K xXx

    Reply
  8. Anna browne says

    19th February 2016 at 11:29 am

    Followed on fb and Instagram. Great blog!

    Reply
  9. Carole says

    19th February 2016 at 11:31 am

    Following on Facebook, Instagram and blog. Splendid stitch has some beautiful fabrics. Fingers crossed

    Reply
  10. Louise Metcalf says

    19th February 2016 at 11:35 am

    Gorgeous crepe! I’m following Amy’s blog and instagram.

    Reply
  11. Katrine L. Johansen says

    19th February 2016 at 11:40 am

    I love tops that don’t need ironing- the crepe looks like a lovely fabric! The cream would make a lovely top partnered with my planned pants in black crepe.

    I follow Amy on IG, Facebook and the blog 🙂

    Reply
  12. Carmen says

    19th February 2016 at 11:52 am

    Lovely top! Following on IG.

    Reply
  13. Frankie says

    19th February 2016 at 12:14 pm

    I made two entries!!! Facebook and Insta!!! X

    Reply
  14. Tara Forrest says

    19th February 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Hi, I made 3 entries.

    Reply
  15. Bobbi says

    19th February 2016 at 12:24 pm

    I’m following their blog. That purple crepe is luscious!

    Reply
  16. Hils says

    19th February 2016 at 12:40 pm

    4 follows from me. Lovely top 🙂 inserting sleeves on the flat is amazing! Also took me way too long to try!

    Reply
  17. Carol Andrew says

    19th February 2016 at 12:49 pm

    I follow Amy on FB, Twitter, Instagram & Bloglovin

    Reply
  18. Zoë says

    19th February 2016 at 1:00 pm

    Blog and twitter follower 🙂

    Reply
  19. Vanessa says

    19th February 2016 at 1:27 pm

    Facebook, IG and bloglovin follower! Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  20. Angela Cooper says

    19th February 2016 at 1:58 pm

    Lovely colour crepe! Followed on Instagram, Twitter and the blog.

    Reply
  21. Angie says

    19th February 2016 at 2:08 pm

    I have followed Amy on fb, twitter and her
    blog … Fingers crossed …

    Reply
  22. Debbie Wilkes says

    19th February 2016 at 2:12 pm

    Hi I signed up for their newsletter – could not work out how to follow the blog! and also started following them on Instagram. Lovely top btw!

    Reply
  23. Gaynor says

    19th February 2016 at 2:36 pm

    Just followed Spledid Stich on Facebook and Instagram.

    Reply
  24. kalimak says

    19th February 2016 at 3:02 pm

    It looks great, Portia! And I’m incredibly impressed with your ability to photograph black! I have a black top I made a few months ago that defies photography to this day.

    I am now following The Splendid Stitch on IG — thanks for putting the store on my radar!

    Reply
  25. michela says

    19th February 2016 at 3:05 pm

    instagram and fb follower

    Reply
  26. Åsa Maria says

    19th February 2016 at 3:08 pm

    I’m following The Splendid Stitch on Facebook, Instagram and her blog ?

    Reply
  27. Chris Baillie says

    19th February 2016 at 3:22 pm

    Love the top. Great inspiration. Following The Splendid Stitch on Instagram & her blog. Thanks for a chance to win.

    Reply
  28. Jeri Savoie says

    19th February 2016 at 3:34 pm

    Nice top, worth the effort to get just what you are looking for. I have followed on Instagram, thanks for the chance to win something beautiful.

    Reply
  29. Ellie Pepperell says

    19th February 2016 at 3:37 pm

    Well done on the hat trick of firsts. Love the top. Going to investigate the flat method of inserting sleeves. Following splendid stitch on fb, ig and Twitter. X

    Reply
  30. Silvercloud says

    19th February 2016 at 4:01 pm

    Several worn to bits RTW items in my “to do” basket that I intend to take a part and copy, so your tutorials will hopefully spur me on! Great fabric choices at the Splendid Stitch – followed on FB and signed up to her blog. Thanks for the opportunity! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Colette B says

    19th February 2016 at 5:47 pm

    Love the top! Just followed on Twitter and blog – fingers crossed!!

    Reply
  32. Lisa G says

    19th February 2016 at 6:53 pm

    Love it! How do you sew the sleeves in flat? Am I the only one that needs a tutorial on this?!

    Thanks! 🙂 Lisa

    Reply
    • Portia Lawrie says

      19th February 2016 at 7:39 pm

      Sew only the shoulder seams. Then ease on your sleeves with the armoles open and flat. Then sew the sleeve/underarm and side seams in one pass! Try it!

      Reply
      • Lisa G says

        23rd February 2016 at 11:47 am

        Oh, okay! That’s the way I was taught to do it by my sewing teacher :-). I still struggle with the excess…especially in a Hawaiian-style shirt I’m trying to make for my husband. I used his favorite one to make a pattern, but cannot get the sleeve right!!

        Thanks for the response, and for all the great info in your blog. I’m glad I discovered it!!

        Reply
  33. Kathleen Vits says

    19th February 2016 at 7:07 pm

    Facebook page liked x

    Reply
  34. Elaine says

    19th February 2016 at 7:09 pm

    I’m following the blog and on Instagram.

    Love your success with the copycat top

    Reply
  35. Ann Marshall says

    19th February 2016 at 7:13 pm

    Great tops Portia. I have followed The Splendid Stitch on Fb and her blog. What great fabrics! Thank you for hosting this giveaway. Regards Ann

    Reply
  36. drP says

    19th February 2016 at 7:23 pm

    Lovely!
    2 for me, blog and fb

    Reply
  37. jane d says

    19th February 2016 at 8:47 pm

    I follow on Facebook!

    Reply
  38. jane d says

    19th February 2016 at 8:48 pm

    I follow on Twitter!

    Reply
  39. jane d says

    19th February 2016 at 8:49 pm

    I follow the blog!

    Reply
  40. Helen says

    19th February 2016 at 8:55 pm

    Great, what a success, and what a lovely week for you. The top looks fab! I already follow Splendid Stitch but I now also follow them on FB and Twitter. Thanks for the giveaway! X

    Reply
  41. Gill says

    19th February 2016 at 9:28 pm

    FB and blog

    Reply
  42. Carlee McTavish says

    19th February 2016 at 10:19 pm

    Lovely top! I’ve followed on facebook and twitter. 🙂

    Reply
  43. Alexa says

    19th February 2016 at 11:11 pm

    Congrats on your super successful week. I’m following the blog, on IG and FB. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  44. Judy says

    19th February 2016 at 11:14 pm

    I followed Amy on FB, Twitter, Instagram & her blog.

    Reply
  45. Kat @ House of Lane says

    20th February 2016 at 1:02 am

    Ha ha oh you sound just like me when I realised you could sew in a sleeve flat. Best sewing day ever! Sleeves are so much easier now. Love the top and can’t wait to see the next two posts on your process.

    Reply
  46. Pauline says

    20th February 2016 at 3:54 am

    Hi I follow on Facebook, Twitter and signed up for your blog newsletter. I love the CopyCat Crepe top!
    Pauline

    Reply
  47. tamara says

    20th February 2016 at 5:17 am

    2

    Reply
  48. Trine says

    20th February 2016 at 6:30 am

    Love your tops – and crepe fabric ♡
    One entry for me please (IG)

    Reply
  49. charlottepb says

    20th February 2016 at 8:26 am

    That is a perfect sleeve!
    Thanks for a great give away. I am a follow by blog and fb.

    Reply
  50. Carolle Murray says

    20th February 2016 at 8:38 am

    Beautiful fabric!
    I follow Amy on all four platforms.

    Reply
  51. Sue says

    20th February 2016 at 8:50 am

    Love the blog and the things you make. Liked on Facebook and followed the other three.

    Reply
  52. Hannah says

    20th February 2016 at 9:06 am

    Gorgeous top and make it look so easy! 3 entries made.

    Reply
  53. Jillian Tees says

    20th February 2016 at 9:20 am

    Liked and signed up to the blog, thanks for the info, she gives a good rundown on her fabrics, very helpful.

    Reply
  54. Katrina downie says

    20th February 2016 at 1:07 pm

    Followed u on Twitter Hun

    Reply
  55. claire woods says

    20th February 2016 at 1:09 pm

    Entries made on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

    Reply
  56. Catriona says

    20th February 2016 at 1:51 pm

    Following on IG, looks like a great website.

    Reply
  57. Valerie Boudier says

    20th February 2016 at 3:10 pm

    liked on Facebook valerie.boudier@ntlworld.com

    Reply
  58. Valerie Boudier says

    20th February 2016 at 3:11 pm

    Following blog on Bloglovin’ valerie.boudier@ntlworld.com

    Reply
  59. Redhedhels says

    20th February 2016 at 3:19 pm

    Love this top. Followed the Splendid stitch blog and on Instagram too. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  60. Maria Fletcher says

    20th February 2016 at 4:31 pm

    Hi Portia, I follow your blog…and I’ve signed up to follow The Splendid Stitch blog. I don’t have Twitter or Instagram :o(
    Love the crepe!

    Reply
  61. Rebecca Woodward says

    20th February 2016 at 5:32 pm

    Love the top! I made 4 entries

    Reply
  62. William Gould says

    20th February 2016 at 10:22 pm

    My non-social networking wife would love this, so I’ve followed on Facebook and Twitter, and she’s signed up to your blog via email! So that is THREE ENTRIES!

    Reply
    • Portia Lawrie says

      21st February 2016 at 7:30 am

      Ha ha! Love it Bill! A follow by proxy!Lol 🙂

      Reply
  63. Emily Clark says

    20th February 2016 at 11:42 pm

    I’ve followed on facebook 🙂

    Reply
  64. Elizabeth C. says

    21st February 2016 at 2:53 am

    What a great top!! Followed on Facebook and instagram.

    Reply
  65. Camilla says

    21st February 2016 at 1:16 pm

    Looking forward to reading how you graded your top. I have followed the blog and IG.

    Reply
  66. Lesley Bambridge says

    21st February 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Thank you so much. I am following on Twitter, FaceBook and Instagram : )

    Reply
  67. Ewa says

    21st February 2016 at 6:45 pm

    I am also remaking some of my favourite RTW tops and it’s been going well.
    I followed on instagram and twitter (2).

    Reply
  68. Caroline Flynn says

    21st February 2016 at 7:50 pm

    I’ve entered on FB and IG

    Reply
  69. Lisa says

    21st February 2016 at 8:45 pm

    I followed on Instagram! 🙂

    Reply
  70. Fooniks says

    22nd February 2016 at 5:39 am

    Awesome blouse. Looking forward to the next posts. Loved seeing your progress on IG. And I am following Amy on IG, Facebook and Twitter

    Reply
  71. Kimberley Hunt says

    22nd February 2016 at 12:49 pm

    Just discovered the wealth of info in your blog, loving it! Have followed The Splendid Stitch on FB & their blog. Looking forward to your post on grading the pattern.

    Reply
  72. jenny says

    22nd February 2016 at 2:31 pm

    I’m following the blog & on IG. Great top by the way.

    Reply
  73. Emm Bunn says

    22nd February 2016 at 3:08 pm

    Hi. Love it thanks.
    Must find out – what is that fab bobbly cream linen type fabric you have in the photo where you shiw d your wonderful inset sleeve? Where can I buy it?

    Reply
    • Portia Lawrie says

      22nd February 2016 at 3:40 pm

      I bought it in one of the many fabric shops on Walthamstow High Street. Afraid I can’t remember which one. This type of fabric is called swiss dot if that helps with your search! 🙂

      Reply
  74. Johanna Ali says

    22nd February 2016 at 4:49 pm

    Awesome! I’ve followed all social media listed!

    Reply
  75. Chuleenan says

    23rd February 2016 at 7:00 am

    Lovely top! I love that cream fabric – gorgeous. Congrats on your fitting success! Thanks for that excellent tip on the sleeve. I followed Spendid Stitch on all four (Bloglovin to follow the blog).

    Reply
  76. sara valentin-byers says

    23rd February 2016 at 11:00 am

    Hi! I followed Splendid Stitch on Facebook, Twitter and Bloglovin. And i also subscribed to the newsletter. I only live an hour away from Glasgow so I must pay them a wee visit soon!

    Reply
  77. Ruth says

    23rd February 2016 at 2:59 pm

    Great copy of the RTW top! I already follow Amy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so count me in for the giveaway – thank you for the chance!

    Reply
  78. Zina Hardy says

    23rd February 2016 at 8:29 pm

    Hello and thank you for the opportunity to win. I’m following you on fb, Twitter, Instagram and the blog. Zspain73@yahoo.com

    Reply
  79. Louise Macardle says

    23rd February 2016 at 11:46 pm

    Hi love your blog Portia. I’m now following The Sumptuous Stitch”s blog too. Thanks
    Louise

    Reply
  80. Olivia says

    24th February 2016 at 7:44 am

    Inserting sleeves flat is the way forward. I’m never going back! I’m following Splendid Stitch on FB, IG and the blog.

    Reply
  81. Amy says

    24th February 2016 at 9:16 am

    Amazing. I. I feeling more inspired to get back to my sewing 🙂 I’ve made 3 entries, Thanks!

    Reply
  82. Sandie says

    24th February 2016 at 12:16 pm

    Just found you from Bloglovin, and have also followed you on Facebook, as well as the Splendid Stitch. Nice to see a blog who gives you step by step deconstruction advice as well as construction!

    Reply
    • Portia Lawrie says

      24th February 2016 at 4:20 pm

      Welcome Sandie….and thank you!!

      Reply
  83. Rebecca roberts says

    24th February 2016 at 6:34 pm

    Followed on facebook twitter instgram fab giveaway x

    Reply
  84. Andrea says

    25th February 2016 at 11:15 am

    Followed on FB & Twitter. Good to find a UK-based company, most blogs end up being stateside.

    Reply
  85. Veronica says

    25th February 2016 at 11:28 am

    I agree with you Portia, Amy should include more colors of that fabulous crepe!
    I’m following on Twitter, Facebook and Feedly.
    Greetings from Belgium,
    Veronica

    Reply
  86. Ailsa Harvey says

    25th February 2016 at 7:11 pm

    Am following the splendid stitch on instagram ?

    Reply
  87. Deborah Jones says

    25th February 2016 at 8:06 pm

    I follow Amy on facebook and instagram – love love love her fabrics.

    Reply
  88. Louise says

    25th February 2016 at 10:39 pm

    Love the top – really nice fabric

    2 entries for me please – twitter and instagram

    notsewsimple at gmail dotcom

    thanks!
    Louise

    Reply
  89. Nicole Huennekens says

    25th February 2016 at 11:09 pm

    I Liked FB, Followed Instagram and Subscribed to the blog!

    Reply
  90. erin says

    26th February 2016 at 6:14 am

    Followed on Instagram! thanks!

    Reply
  91. Sandra says

    26th February 2016 at 10:29 am

    I’m following the Splendid Stitch on Facebook, Instagram and Bloglovin. Love that shop!

    Reply
  92. Brenda Auterson says

    26th February 2016 at 2:19 pm

    Hi, I just liked the Splendid Stitch Facebook.
    I really like your crepe T-shirt.
    And so clever to add a strip to your other top. It actually improved it.

    Reply
  93. Nicola Bostock says

    26th February 2016 at 2:20 pm

    Following on Facebook, thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  94. Lisa says

    26th February 2016 at 4:57 pm

    Facebook and blog followed 🙂

    Reply
  95. Begum Sen says

    26th February 2016 at 6:01 pm

    Nice discovery for me! I follow the blog.

    Reply
  96. Claire Sutherland says

    26th February 2016 at 10:11 pm

    I am following all 4 ways. Great to hear about a Glasgow based company as I live just outside Glasgow. Love your tops x
    Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  97. Felicity says

    27th February 2016 at 5:56 am

    Im following on instagram twitter facebook blog and pinterest great job with the top

    Reply
  98. Hayley says

    27th February 2016 at 5:57 pm

    Love the blog! Following on fb, Instagram and blog

    Reply
  99. Amy Beckett says

    28th February 2016 at 11:16 am

    Love the top – Followed on fb , tw and inst

    Reply
  100. Victoria says

    29th February 2016 at 4:48 pm

    Love it!! Following all!!
    Greetings from Colombia!

    Reply
  101. Heather Sutherland says

    29th February 2016 at 9:44 pm

    Gorgeous top. Love the fabrics you have used and thanks for the giveaway x

    Reply

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