Shawl Collar Peplum Top & Giveaway! [Closed]

So, from the Japanese Sewing Book "Basic Black", I made this Shawl Collar Peplum Top.

This is the original pattern from the book.  You can see here they gave the recommended fabric and the notions as well as the Sewing Steps.  The shaded areas means 'Wrong side facing up'.

The most complicated part of the sewing is the shawl collar which is illustrated nicely in the diagram given in the book.

Changes I made

1. Change the fabric from Dobby Check to Knit. Can you believe that I don't even have any black fabric at home! Finally I found some black and white stripe knit that I bought from Spotlight a few weeks ago.

The knit is quite thick so I decided to use this instead and it works out quite well. The only problem I have is the matching of the stripes which was a nightmare. It didn't quite match up at the back but I managed to do better at the side seams.  My eyes were swimming when I was cutting out the pieces.

2. The 2nd changes that I made was to cut a short rectangle to make it into a peplum top.  I just eye ball the length that I want and cut along the white stripe, using the full width of the fabric.  It made pleats instead of gathering the skirt to reduce the bulk at the waist.

I especially love the shawl collar.  The interfacing really makes the collar stands properly. I topstitch the collar to make it lay nicely.  I like it that it is not to low and add interest to a normal V neck peplum top.

As mentioned in my earlier post, the finished size for each design given in the book really helps me in choosing the right size.  I tally my measurements against those on the book, using Bust, Waist and Hip measurements.  The size is quite accurate I find.   

Next up I think I will try to make the Round collar jacket since I really need one for my office.

My birthday is in May so I will be having a Giveaway.  The kind people from Tuttle Publishing have given me 2 copies of the 'Basic Black' for the giveaway.  Isn't this amazing!  

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your email address.  You can leave any comments and I will pick 2 readers randomly and contact the winners by email.   

Giveaway details[Closed]

- 2 winners will be picked randomly

- Open till 31 May 2014

- Open to readers in Singapore and Malaysia only

Okay, that's it for now. I'll update another post soon on my birthday dress, pattern from another Japanese Sewing Book.  Stay tuned!