When I first bought my sewing machine I took a series of three beginning sewing classes. The projects got progressively more difficult (apron, robe, two-piece pajamas), but they all had one thing in common: none of that stuff is worn out of the house. And I’m pretty sure it’s no coincidence – probably a good idea for beginners to stick with garments that nobody sees.
Anyway, that was then, and this is now. Not to say that I’m all pro now or anything, but I made myself a shirt!
And I wore it outside!
Okay, just the backyard so far, but I have every intention of wearing it out and about.
The pattern is the Tova top/dress from Wiksten. It’s a beautifully crafted (and packaged) pattern – spendy as far as patterns go, but since my annual clothing budget hovers somewhere around $0.00 (I’m not kidding about this, I never buy clothes), I was able to justify it pretty easily. I was so excited about finally getting my hands on the pattern that I traced it the day it arrived in the mail. Then it languished in the corner through KCWC and Halloween until I could give it my undivided attention.
The fabric is a super soft, lightweight organic cotton, checked on one side and striped on the other. It feels like voile and has a similar drape. I’d been eyeing it at Fabric Depot for months, but didn’t have anything specific in mind for it, so I held off. When I bought the Tova pattern I knew I finally had a project for this fabric…though I did have a moment of doubt when Lila saw me cutting out the pattern pieces and exclaimed, “Hey! That looks like daddy’s underwear!”
I know pattern sizing can be really weird, so I was pleasantly surprised and more than a little relieved when I tried this on for the first time and didn’t have to make a single adjustment – I made an x-small and the sizing was perfect. And I’m fully prepared for the next pattern I try to result in a completely ill-fitting garment, just as payback for this one. Or better yet, maybe I’ll keep making this shirt over and over again…
probablyactually.wordpress.com 
me encanta su camisa ,quedo tan bonita y sencilla ,que intentare hacer algo parecido.
when i first saw the title i thought it said, “my love.” hehe. and thought wow, you love it that much:) it’s super cute on you, and great fabric choice. i might have to reconsider buying the pattern now…maybe a christmas present to myself?
It is beautiful. You have come a long way from aprons and robes! Fantastic job. I hope I get to see this lovely loveliness very soon! 😉
I LOVE it.
it looks fantastic. I think you’ve inspired me to branch out of my comfort zone and actually try my hand at this!
Tova pattern + grey check = my idea of perfection! Looks beautiful and I’d be proud to where it anywhere!
i just made my first tova, too! was posting on the flickr pool and saw yours.
LOVE your fabric choice! any idea who makes that fabric?
WELL DONE!
i love yours, too! that print is perfect. i don’t remember who made this fabric, but next time i’m in the store i’ll look on the bolt and let you know!
It’s gorgeous! You did a great job with the shirt.
This looks so fantastic on you! Seriously – fantastic!
Those Wiksten patterns are fantastic! You should try the tank next (although I guess you’re heading to winter), but I think that there is something unique about the cut and the construction that makes them special. I love your fabric choice too. It sounds as though it would be as good to wear as it looks!
Love it!! You’ve definitely tugged at my wallet to spring for the pattern and delicious fabric.
really nice choice of fabric.
Ohhhh! I really like this one! Very nice on you!
Looks great on you! p.s. lovin your girl’s comment. Sometimes kids can be soooo encouraging (not).
It looks fantastic! You’ve inspired me to get a move on and make my own Tova… the pattern has been languishing on the shelf for ages.
this is a great top! Love your fabric choice…. looks perfect with jeans!
I love your tova! I have been admiring this pattern for a while and this one is so perfect- love the fabric you used and it looks great on you!
This top is beautiful! I saw this post and was so inspired I had to buy the pattern today (along with the tank). Hope I can make mine looks as good as yours!
I love it to bits!
Your Tova is gorgeous, love the fabric choice you made. I’m working on one at the moment, hoping to get it done in the next day or two!
Kate
Just found your blog when doing a pinterest search for the Tova. Yours top is my favorite. I love the fabric and it’s organic?! Even more lovely. I try to only use organic fabrics when I sew, but finding prints that suit my style isn’t always an easy task. Where did you buy yours at the time?
I have the wiksten tank and have made it using knit fabric and it’s so perfect. I’ve made two now and plan to make more. 🙂
thanks! i bought it locally at a store called fabric depot, but i don’t remember who made it!
I checked fabricdepot.com, which I suspect is the same thing…no luck. I just bought nearly 7 yards of the only flannel plaid fabric I’ve been able to find and I’m thinking about using some of it to make a Tova. We’ll see. 🙂 Thank you!