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‘tiny happy’ was a journal of my handmade life from 2006-2025.

simple, linen

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I made this simple garment with the office in mind. It was actually something I had been looking for when out shopping: a plain black linen top. It was a happy moment when I realised I could just make one and there was even some linen waiting on the shelf (love it when that happens- but it is rare.)

I copied the gathered-yoke bodice from a dress I made years ago and used some tissue-weight linen which was extremely difficult to work with, I have to admit. I had to suck it up and make French seams to stop the whole thing from completely unravelling. Here's hoping it holds together for a while- and the weather does too so I can happily wear it before the autumn!

I'm going through a passionate '80s Peter Gabriel phase' at the moment. This is my favourite song right now- I think it's beautiful but I don't understand the cabbage-themed video clip at all.

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10 responses to “simple, linen”

  1. Ginny Avatar
    Ginny

    I think he might have just been growing a lot of cabbages?? http://thequietus.com/articles/07003-peter-gabriel-interview
    Your linen top is lovely. So simple and unfussy.

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  2. Sally Avatar
    Sally

    Thanks for sharing that song. I then relistened to several old ones I used to have on high rotation – Don’t Give Up with Kate Bush, Red Rain…lovely!!!

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  3. anissa Avatar
    anissa

    Looks like the perfect top Melissa…I love it when the pattern comes to me AND the fabric is right there in my stash?! I am indulging in my love of ikat fabric at the moment. x

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  4. Suse Avatar
    Suse

    I made a simple black linen top this week too, the Port Elizabeth pattern, and had to do felled seams to stop the fraying. Wore it to work yesterday!
    Yours is particularly lovely with the gathering.

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  5. Tash Avatar
    Tash

    Hi Melissa,
    I love the top and envy your ability to sew at the drop of a hat! Also love Peter Gabriel – my Gabriel phase was in 2003, just after I met Mr VP, and Solsbury Hill was definitely on rotation, as well as a lot of Genesis stuff too. Good times!

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  6. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    aha! thank you ginny- great link.

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  7. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    easily done… one leads to another…

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  8. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    nice, suse! i’ll look up that pattern.

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  9. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    ooh- ikat. look forward to seeing them anissa!

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  10. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    cheers tash- PG is a favourite everywhere : )

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