Have you ever bought a garment that turned out to be an absolute favorite, and then were heartbroken once it was too worn out to wear anymore?  Or maybe you wished you had it in a different color, different length, etc.

I got this top at Macy’s a few years back and just love it.  It’s a simple sleeveless knit top, but there’s something about it… it’s super comfortable, fits well and looks kinda classy.  Of course, all that sparkly stuff around the neckline is rather fun, too.

Anyhow, I decided I wanted to make a pattern from it so it can be made over and over.

Nancy Zieman did a series on her TV show a while back called Copy Cat patterns.  She showed how to use paper and a tracing wheel to copy the pattern right off a garment without taking it apart.

I could not find the original TV series anywhere online, but these two videos give you the general idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKRrq42-fME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IehB8MwLcT0

I used the last little bit of raspberry knit (also used in this draped top, this faux shrug top, this skirt and this dress.) Phew, got my money’s worth out of that fabric!

It had to be quite a bit shorter than the original as it was the very last of that fabric, but it’s long enough.

Do you think I should add some sparklies around the neckline like in the original?

The trickiest part was figuring which steps to sew first. Once that was  sorted, I made sure to write down the directions for next time.

So, my challenge to you is to try copying a favorite garment from your closet.  You’ll be glad you did.  🙂

Happy creating, ya’ll!

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