Gypsy Wine Summer Top

April 1st-15th 2013

Ready for something lovely? Take a sip of Gypsy Wine.

Made especially for the contest this month. I don't think I have ever decided on a project so quickly when I heard the theme of a project. Once I read the word vintage, I was READY. I have been aching to make a lacy, classy, vintage-y top for spring. And this contest was the perfect motivation.

I found the pattern, and I knew the yarn was already in my stash. This glorious unmarked silky synthetic came into my life at an antique mall. A bag of 9 skeins of this fingering weight beauty for $3. What they heyhey? Yes. I got it for $3. Crazier part? I only used two and a half skeins. Say whhhaaatttt??

This top is the embodiment of my Spring-Fever pitched obsessions: gypsies, lace, vintage, jewel tones, and feminine frills. It is everything I could have possibly wanted in a top. I swear, I might even sleep in this shirt.

In addition to being inspired by the word vintage itself, I was inspired by victorian bourdoir photos, 1920's-30's lace crochet, and (of course) gypsies. This top combines the variety of layers, textures, and motifs found in all of those inspirations. Think: swirling silks, wagons, beaded edges, beaches, tight picot, wind, scandalous meshes, firelight, stockings, spices, and adventure.

Am I taking it to far? No. You don't understand how much I love this shirt.

Here's the pattern, I followed it almost to the letter. There were a few modifications to make the top fit better, but I could not tell you what they are right now. I really don't remember. I'm delirious.
[link]
_{Be warned, the website is in Russian and looks a little sketchy, but the pattern is great. Just make sure you have an okay firewall. I am distrustful of everything...so.....}


Ps, what is that you say? Why, yes, I did get a spinning wheel last week. How could I NOT use it as a prop??