Hello everyone

It's another lovely monday in this beautiful community @needleworkmonday, a day set aside to showcase our beautiful creativity, I hope you all are having a great time doing what you love doing with your creative hands. It's my pleasure to share with you today the making of this simple top for my niece as a gift she can wear in the house.

Since school has been on holiday, my niece has been asking me to make something nice for her, she loves it when I sew for her especially when I make a mother and daughter outfit for her and her mother but then, I've been thinking of what to make for her as she has requested, one thing I love about her is that she is appreciative, she appreciate and uses every gift I give to her, I really wanted to make a complete short and top for her but unfortunately, the fabric I had was not enough so I decided to make the top first, then with time, I will look for a matching color fabric to make the short but for now, let me take you through the cutting and sewing process of the top, I'm sure you will like it.

I measured 10 x 9" on the African print fabric on fold and cut it out, I made it this size since I will be add elastic band to the back without zipper.

The 9" was for the length and 10" for the width on which I measured 7.5" and marked a straight line, then on the center, I went up by 2.5" from where I connected it to both sides to make the neckline and armhole.

It was cut out and used it to cut out the lining.

That was set aside for the front, for the back, I measured 7.5 x 10" and cut it out on fold on the fabric and lining.

For the straps, I measured 14 x 5" in two places it was folded and sewn after which it was turned inside out and ironed with the seam line in the middle.

The straps were place at the top of the front bodice right side to right side with the seam line on the strap facing up.

The lining was placed on it and I sew it round, leaving an opening by the side for it to be turned inside out.

After it was turned inside out, I marked a conventional dart on both sides and it was sewn.

I repeated same on the back pattern as I placed the straps on it and lining before it was sewn round and turned inside out.

I sew 0.5" on the up and down of the back pattern to make loop for elastic band.

I cut out 10" of elastic band and inserted it in the loop.

Finally, the two sides were sewn together and I have this beautiful top ready for my niece.

Front view

Back view

I believe my niece will love and appreciate this simple gift.

Thanks for your time, support, comment and encouragement.