Spring Top #2...and a slightly different ruffle tutorial

So this is my second top for the Made by Rae Spring Top Sewalong.  



I used New Look 6962, view B.  Here's how it all went down:

I had some Amy Butler "Tumble Roses" yardage that I'd been saving for something.  I had it in mind to do the neckline and band at the bottom in what was left of some pink polka dot Tutti Frutti from Jo-Ann's.  HOWEVER, much to my irritation, I did something backwards, and ended up with the neckline contrast on the inside.

aaargh!  well, it's a nice-looking facing, anyway.

and this is what the outside looked like.  Certainly not BAD, just not what I had in mind. 

 So, I thought, hey, how about a ruffle?  But I don't know...well, let's try something...this is where the tutorial begins, although it's my first one, and I don't claim to be any kind of tutorial expert...

First, I made two simple ruffles by putting the sewing machine tension high, the stitch length long (baste length), and sewing straight up the middle of the fabric strips.  Then I pulled on one of the threads to bunch them up a little more.  Laid them out and pinned where I wanted them to go on my top.  (One at a time.)  So far, so good. 

 Look at the bottom of the ruffles though.  They're raw.

You have to fold them under.

So, once the ruffle (one at a time) was folded under at the top & bottom and pinned in place, I stitched up one side (not the middle), letting the folds get folded up as I sewed along. Then I did this up the other side too.  THEN, took out the basting in the middle.

Sometimes the seam ripper can be used for good, not just evil!

Leaving me with this:

Pretty cool!  Now do the other side...and this is what you get!

Love it!

So then I finished the top.  I'll spare you the details of my mighty battle with the bias tape (from which I emerged the victor)...the only snag was this: the band around the bottom had to go.  Loved it in theory, but when I tried it on, it looked like an apron.

Not that I don't adore aprons.  But I don't want to wear one to a tee-ball game.  That's all.

Here are some pics of me, trying to get a good shot of myself in the mirror...

The conclusion: I totally love this top.  I think it's flattering, comfortable, and it looks awesome over jeans.  And what's not to love about anything involving Amy Butler fabric?

And we're linking!