Inspired by... Part 1: The Floral Applique Striped Top.

I am finally back from my trip to Africa! I was there mostly to celebrate my Mom's 80th birthday. I had a great time but it's good to be back. It was the second time that I was travelling without the kids and they were really sad to see me go. 
I was very productive before I left since I was participating in the PR's Mini Wardrobe Contest. I am especially proud that I finished everything a few days before the contest deadline and only used my fabric and pattern stash.
The first piece of the wardrobe is my favorite. It has everything that I like: stripes and flowers. I am a huge fan of Sachin an Babi. Their 2014 resort collection is absolutely amazing. I knew I had to make the stripe and floral top. My inspiration for the contest started with this top.

I used McCalls 6571. I love this pattern. I love boatneck tops. Don't know why I waited so long to make it. It is definitely going in my favorite patterns' bin. 

McCalls 6571

I made a 10 grading to a 12 at the hip. The pattern includes lots of fitting tips and adjustments for full bust, sway back, rounded shoulder, etc. As a PR reviewer mentionned, it is important to add the facing the way they instruct because the facing is incorporated into the armscye seam and makes a clean finish.
I had some medium weight stripe viscose blend knit in my stash that was perfect for the top and a floral mystery fabric that I bought from Fabrics R'Us in San Jose earlier this year. I believe it's rayon challis. 

I did the swayback adjustments per instructions. I cut a 3/4 sleeves. I cut out the flowers and appliqued them unto the striped fabric using Steam a Seam Lite an iron-on fusible fabric web. Then I tried all kinds of zigzag settings on my machine and finished the edges with the zigzag stitch I liked best. 
I wonder if I could have used something lighter than the Steam a Seam light because the top is a little stiff on the sides. I had to topstitch it down at the sides so it would lay flat. 
The top itself went together pretty fast after I was done with the applique. It is truly a great pattern.

Top worn with tuxedo shorts

Top worn with yellow Burda skirt.

I really like how this top turned out. It is going to get a lot of wear. I sewed another one already and will post it as soon as I get pictures taken.

I got 4th place in the Mini Wardrobe Contest. I will be posting the rest of the wardrobe soon.