Ok, I actually finished this *before* the Coppélia, making this top the very last thing I sewed for 2012 (finishing up on 12/30, no less!). I hate posting stuff out of order because I’m weird like that, but it is what it is!
Anyway, here she is – the La Sylphide, another sweet gem that Katie from Papercut Patterns sent me. I’m not sorry if I’m coming off as a bit of obsessed – I think this pattern line may be my new fave for 2013! Yay!
As you can see, my version is quite a bit different from the pattern cover – I really dude’d this one up with the plaid and pearl snaps. Yeehaw!!
This is technically a wearable muslin – I wanted to test the fit before I made my ~real~ version, hence why it’s a top instead of a dress. And if you think I’m wack for making a muslin with plaid… I guess I am kind of wack. But the shirt turned out really awesome, so no complaints here!
Size-wise, I cut the XS. The ONLY alteration I made was to suck in the center back by 1″. Again, this is a pretty typical alteration for me as I have a small back (I wear a 32 or 30 bra band, fyi). Everything else fit perfectly! So happy!
The pattern calls for a floaty/drapey fabric, which is what the samples are sewn with. They are totally lovely – and totally what I want to make my future dress with – but I’m actually really happy with how this cotton/poly plaid ended up looking with the pattern. It doesn’t have as much body as say, quilting cotton, but you can see there’s not a lot of drape to my top. It has a nice structure that really makes the peplum stand out. And the bow! I love how crisp the bow is in this fabric!
Sorry this picture is blurry. You can see my center back seam here. Well, sort of.
I’m pleased to report that the plaids matched up pretty well here. I probably could have done a better job with the peplum at the center front – but I was running low on fabrics, and I guess this is acceptable for a wearable muslin. I also think this would look much better with the tie cut on the bias, but again, low fabrics means we make do with what we have.
I am going to change my name to the Plaid Boss. Because, FUCK, I love plaid.
Don’t worry – the stuff under the bow matches too 🙂
I decided to go with pearl snaps instead of buttons for this guy. I was eager to try out the buttonholer of my new machine, but I also really love using hammers on my sewing projects. Plus, pearl snaps just really fit with this style of shirt, you know? The original pattern calls for 4 buttons on the top, but I was getting too much gape so I added a few more. I am also fully aware that the snaps are on the wrong sides. I thought I was being sneaky and clever by checking Landon’s shirts and doing my snaps the opposite way, but I forgot that pearl snaps are the opposite of buttons, so I ended up with a double negative button situation. Oops.
I love the way the sleeves are sewn here – there is light interfacing at the bottom, which with the top stitching makes a little built-in cuff. The sleeves are attached to the bodice in the flat, and then the side seams are sewn up after. It makes easing everything in much quicker!
Also, I’m sorry for the weird wrinkles. I took these pictures after a full day of wear, so the peplum is a little squashed at the back.
Pearl snaps are awesome because at the end of the day you get to rip your shirt off and pretend like you are the Hulk.
As a side note, did you notice my cute little tights!? DID YOU??
Rain and lightning! Aren’t they the cutest!? I love that the lightning cloud looks like the TCB bolt hahaha.
My friend Victoria just opened a Galaxy Cauldron Tights and she sent me a couple of pairs to try out. These are the Stormy Skies. I was pleasantly surprised at how thick they are – not as thin as those cheap $5 ones from Target (which was what I was expecting, tbh). There’s a bit of heft to them, and the design is my favorite thing ever right now. I guess you could also wear the print at the back, like calf tattoos, but I like them on the front. They make me so happy! I thought y’all would like them too 🙂
I guess that’s it! I’m fully infatuated with Papercut Patterns at this point and I can’t wait to make the full dress of this (and maybe some more plaid peplum tops, because of reasons).
LLADYBIRD 
Adorable! I think the plaid looks great! Another papercut pattern to put on my list! Can’t wait to see you do the full dress version. Too bad you can’t find a drapey silk plaid for the dress version 😉
Ooooooh, drapey silk would be so nice!!
Yes, I was going to ask about your tights – so cute! Also, what kind of shoes are you wearing? Those are just what I have been looking for! OK, on to the important stuff. This top is so cute. The style is really good for you, and like you, I love pearl snaps even though I don’t have but one shirt that has them. Is that a Southern thang?. Yee haw! I can say that since I live in Memphis. It’s great to have break away clothing!
Haha my shoes are actually from Target a couple of seasons ago… and they were SUPER cheap. They’re basically glorified house shoes, to be honest. I’m on the hunt for a nice pair of mary jane flats, though. My shoe Holy Grail I guess haha.
Ooh this is great – I think using slightly less drapey fabric on the shirt really works – I like how the peplum has more body because of it! I’m going to have to check out Papercut patterns methinks – both the patterns you’ve sewn up so far are lovely!
What a cute top! Love it on you. Tights are way too fun.
Never mind the (admittedly ace) tights – where are your shoes from? They are great. Lovely top, too.
The shoes are from Target a couple of seasons ago. I’m afraid they are actually quite cheap, though – like glorified house shoes.
Lookin’ good! I like the way the peplum stands out, Miss Cowgirl Princess.
PLLaidy Bird doesn’t really have the same ring to it, Miss Plaid Boss lol!! Seriously though, STOP BEING SO CUTE AND AMAZING!!!!! No just kidding. Never stop. I loooooove this shirt in plaid! What an awesome twist on a men’s classic 🙂
i LOVE that you did that top in a plaid. what turned me off from the pattern photo was that it was just too…much. there is something f-ing awesome and subversive about doing that super-feminine pattern in the plaid…not to mention pairing it with that denim mini and those tights. SWEET.
I love her photos but I know what you mean – sometimes all that sweetness and pastels stands in the way of imaging the pattern in any other fabric. I really pushed outside my comfort zone with this, and I’m super happy with the end result.
Oh, this is great! Really, really. I love everything about it. It’s cool to know that this type of fabric works so well with the pattern, too. Thanks.
So, here’s a serious question for you: are you really going to keep getting cuter and cuter? Great make, also.
Nice dude shirt. But, really, no fba? just the back alteration? I have a super large bust but my rib cage is 33″ and I need a 32band bra. Curious.
Really! I don’t have a really huge bust, though. I wear a 32DD or 30DD depending on brand and last I measured, my ribcage right below the bust is like 29″ and my full bust is something like 34.5″-35″.
oh, I for some reason thought you always did an FBA. Thanks for the numbers. It helps. still nice shit. (not a typo) Nice shit.
I used to, but lately I’ve noticed that patterns have been allowing a bit more ease in the area so I can usually avoid it. Not to mention I’ve lost some weight over the past year, so my bust is smaller (it was 36″ before). FBAs do still happen from time to time, though 🙂
Argh. I’m going to have to buy a pattern from them if you keep posting all these cute things! I’m such a sucker for plaid…and wow, I need the galaxy tights from that store like nobody’s business!
How did I miss this pattern when it was released? I love it! I made something for a friend with metal eyelets last year and it was so fun getting to hammer stuff!
At some point you’re going to notice this missing from your closet because I’m STEALING it. kthx
This is so freakin’ cute! I love it! You know I’m all about dudin’ up girlie clothes, so never let me peep in your closet or this will be gone, baby, gone! Great job, dood!
My goodness…I love your sewing! And how do you keep your sewing space so neat and tidy? I am amazed!
Lady, you rock this plaid. Awesome! I have a soft plaid fabric in my stash that I was saving to make Rob something but might keep in to myself 🙂
Oh, I love this! I *did* order this pattern during my Papercut splurge last week and I plan on it being the first one I make up. It’s good to know you didn’t have to do a FBA and it fits you so nicely. I am 30FF (European sizing) so I may not get by so easily 😦
I absolutely love this style and can’t wait to see the dress you make up!
I love this top. Pearl snaps were exactly right! I am really loving elbow-length sleeves right now.
I ❤ plaid so freaking much, but I don't have the patience to cut it out. So I bow before your incredible plaid-matching patience and badassery. 😉 Cute shirt, and I too love me some pearl snaps, because as you said, ripping my hubby's shirt off at the end of the day is probably one of the most awesome things ever…..oh wait, that's not what you meant. 😉
So lovely! I love the tights too! May I ask about the shoes you’re wearing? So cute
They are actually just cheapie shoes from Target a couple of seasons ago. I mean, so cheap that they might actually be houseshoes haha 🙂
This shirt is adorable! I wish I could finish things as quickly as you do. I sew less admittedly, but that’s because everything I make needs so many adjustments. I’m stuck on a dress bodice currently, and still haven’t figured out the Thurlows. Oh well. I’ll have to live vicariously through you!
Eeep, how cute!!! You really are the queen of plaid! Can’t wait to see the dress ;o)
this is super cute! i had it in the back of my mind to make a top almost exactly like this with the peplum even. you beat me to it, and now i know it looks awesome!
Fabulous! I love it with the plaid and the bow, it keeps it from being too cutesy I think! Or maybe I just love plaid as much as you. Did you know I have 5 plaid jackets? Well I do. lol
Love that top! I am definitely going to have to get this pattern for daughters 1&2 now. And those tights….. 😮
Damn, lady, that plaid is fucking awesome. Great job aligning the plaids. The back darts look great, as does the alignment in the front. I don’t dig peplums on the whole, but this actually looks pretty adorable.
Also, those tights! omg! They’re also adorable.
Love This! I love plaid too, but there really is nothing €hate more than spending so much time laying patterns on fabric. I just fin it so frustrating!!
I like that you gave it a manly touch, I’ll be honest here and say that I’m a little jealous of your pearl snaps, though I do feel more like a stripper than the hulk when I take off a snap shirt. Maybe it’s because I have absolutely no muscles.
Amazing top, super amazing tights. The end.
I am in love with that top! And I think it rocks with the pearly snaps and the plaid. I mean, you are in Nashville, so let the snaps and plaids commence. I need to get my mitts on this pattern, its’ adorable 🙂
Ooh, cute! I love a peplum.
You rock that top. And seriously, I just finished the petrouchka, and its just as freakin awesome. Try it. Now. You won’t regret it.
Wow! This top is so adorable. I saw this on pinterest and had to get a better look. The plaid is awesome, with a bow and peplum it is brilliant.
I would have never guessed that this was a papercut dress pattern! such a cute alteration to make it as a dudette top! 😛 loving the red plaid! 😀 and those tights are super awesome! I would so order but being 5’10 and mainly legs (lol) one size does not work for me unfortunately. but love those clouds. v adorable and good luck to ur friend!
Love it! Nice to see it looks just as great in a casual fabric as it does on the pattern cover.
LOVELY!!!! Just lovely… plaid all the way I say 😀 The watson jacket is lush too!! xx
Total winner!! I am so in love with Papercut Pattern’s new line! This dress is totally adorbs and I love it as a top too. The plaid makes it kinda toughgirl cute. All around love.
Lauren you are super creative taking such a girly pattern & duding it! I am all gleeful seeing this as my first La Sylphide – it’s one of my pattern crushes & your take on it is genius.
(BTW I’ve tried leaving comments on your recent makes (Tiramisu, Copelia etc ) but the post comment button was missing from my ipad view, so sorry I seemed quiet – I was hindered by technology, but very much saying “ra ra” & all that
‘Pearl snaps are awesome because at the end of the day you get to rip your shirt off and pretend like you are the Hulk.’ Brilliant.
The top is AWESOME, and really flattering on you!
Loving your plaid version of the shirt! That is a great style for you. And the tights are the perfect accessory.
GAH your making me want that pattern soooo baaadly!
The shirt is super cute. I think the unexpectedness of the plaid (maybe even because it is *that* plaid in particular) definitely makes it work. Also, I love your shoes. I’m not a big *shoe person* or anything but grey maryjanes… yeah 🙂
I am completely obsessed with this shirt mostly because it combines 3 of my favorite elements- plaid, pearl buttons and bows! Jesus Christ! Its so perfect!
Thanks for introducing these patterns, I just logged on and they are so cute! I am really loving the Watson Coat and am selfishly hoping and wishing you attempt that too!? I am no where near the required expert level, so would love to live through someone else’s experience. Either way, I am looking forward to more Papercute patterns in 2013!! WooooT!!
Love it! What a great wearable muslin – I think they’re the best type of muslins.
Ever since I started to read your blog: oh gawd how I notice the mismatched plaids on others in their rtw clothing!!!! and Happy New Year!
Good lord, this is adorable. Sigh. I want all of their patterns now, you’ve made me an addict, and I simply don’t need another pattern in my life and yet….This is gorgeous, I love the stiffness of the fabric, really cute. An adorable lumberjack.
Aaaah, the tie in the front! And the plaid! And the peplum! Cute as a button, the shape and style of this top is really just YES. Plus those tights are out-of-control…I need to get more creative with my leg covering options in skirts! TCB for life.
This looks amazing! And is the first thing I’ve seen that makes me interested in Papercut patterns. This collection’s pastels and bored, doe-eyed, slumpy-backed, toes-pointed-in, models that look like something out of a Vogue magazine does nothing for me, which makes me feel traitorous because I’m sure there’s a law that requires me to support an indie pattern company out of my own tiny island nation. But I’m going to have a closer look at the line drawings and think to myself “WWLD?” I do love a peplum.
That top is so adorable! The contrast of the girly fit of the pattern with that fabric is perfect. The bow and the peplum look so cute on you, and I love the pearl snaps.
Somehow I missed this! And its so cool. I’m about to make up this pattern and was all set on the dress but now your top looks so amazing. Looks like really great fit too. Thanks for the info on the sizing, always helpful.