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Lazy Daisy Jones

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Sewing A Wiksten Top I made Two!

You will probably think that as a keen home sewist I spent many hours during Lock-down with my sewing machine. Well, you would be wrong! I found it far too hot to sew during the months of lock-down. I have to admit to only making two tops this summer. Both of them simple to sew, both have been worn many times and both are from the same pattern. I chose to make a Wiksten top and loved it so much I made two!

sewing a wiksten top sewing review

Sewing The Wiksten Top

Wiksten by is a very simple pattern one of those ‘square dropped shoulder’ type shapes. I like it not because it is simple but because of the clever adaptations or ‘hacks’ you can add to it. Light to medium weight with some drape is recommended and I agree, some ease of movement is needed with the dropped shoulder.

sewing the wiksten shift top in linen

My First Wiksten Top

I used fabric from my stash, in this case a glorious lightweight blue cotton shirting. Perfect as I wanted to test the sizing and construction first, I was not too worried about fabric choices at this point. I chose a size 14 as I have wide shoulders and long arms. I sewed the simple version of the Wiksten top, with a plain back. The pockets I left out, as I wanted to wear the top under dungarees.

To cut a long story short I followed all the very simple instructions. The top is  wide in the body and cut to fit this way (ie. a square) The only other deviation from the original was that I top stitched both the shoulder seam and the sleeve seam, I thought it looked more cohesive . . .
A note for you: Wearing the one below with a Linen Navy all in one from Uniqlo I have a black one too, I lived in them all summer!

wearing the blue cotton wiksten

The Second Wiksten Top With Hacks

Now I knew the cut, shape and fit of the pattern I was able to make adjustments. I used 100% pure Linen, in white with a black/grey stripe. I chose to use the gathered back version for this one as it looks so pretty and made the rear view more interesting. This time lengthened the top and the sleeves a couple of inches too.

2 wiksten tops a sewing review

My biggest hack for this version was cutting the fabric to make sure all my hems had frayed edges. The stripes came in handy and became a design feature working vertically and horizontally! I love it when stripes work in different directions. If I had kept the stripes running all the same way I would have had to sew the selvedges back on and I really couldn’t be bothered.

selvedges frayed sleeves
black and white linen top
back view of wiksten top

Pattern PDF available here I found mine on Etsy as I like the real thing!

. . . & the next sew?

Out of necessity it will probably a new peg bag! Chunky needle-cord is catching my eye right now, so perhaps a long denim style skirt in a rust chunky cord? Or maybe a sweatshirt first I need some new ones for Autumn.
I love this Whittaker dress by Merchant and Mills

If you are a sewing fan, do have a look at my other Sewing Posts, on this page

Or check out the LDJ Home Page for all the latest posts.

 

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Lazy Daisy Jones, curated by Ashley, advocates for a sustainable slower lifestyle. Featuring simple good quality style, everyday skincare, plus handmade, restored and preloved interiors. If you think your brand will fit with this ethos then please do get in touch, I would love to hear from you!

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3 charity shop books, 
• Huge fan of @ottolenghi and this is a visually stunning issue from 2012
• That cat again 
• Poisonwood bible has been on my wtr list for ages! 
• Street Art stencils will be decorating the shed and defacing garden tables this spring!
Have you picked up any thrifty bargain books lately ? What are you reading ?
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#choosereused #secondhandfirst #secondhandstyle #bookreviewsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookstoread #wanttoread #wtr #bookstagramuk #bookworm #newbooksmell #bookshelf #booksandbotanicals #bookishpost #whattoreadnext #bookworm #whattoreadnow #bookJoy #charityshopbooks #charityshopfinds
3 charity shop books, 
• Huge fan of @ottolenghi and this is a visually stunning issue from 2012
• That cat again 
• Poisonwood bible has been on my wtr list for ages! 
• Street Art stencils will be decorating the shed and defacing garden tables this spring!
Have you picked up any thrifty bargain books lately ? What are you reading ?
.
.
.

#choosereused #secondhandfirst #secondhandstyle #bookreviewsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookstoread #wanttoread #wtr #bookstagramuk #bookworm #newbooksmell #bookshelf #booksandbotanicals #bookishpost #whattoreadnext #bookworm #whattoreadnow #bookJoy #charityshopbooks #charityshopfinds
3 charity shop books, 
• Huge fan of @ottolenghi and this is a visually stunning issue from 2012
• That cat again 
• Poisonwood bible has been on my wtr list for ages! 
• Street Art stencils will be decorating the shed and defacing garden tables this spring!
Have you picked up any thrifty bargain books lately ? What are you reading ?
.
.
.

#choosereused #secondhandfirst #secondhandstyle #bookreviewsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookstoread #wanttoread #wtr #bookstagramuk #bookworm #newbooksmell #bookshelf #booksandbotanicals #bookishpost #whattoreadnext #bookworm #whattoreadnow #bookJoy #charityshopbooks #charityshopfinds
3 charity shop books, 
• Huge fan of @ottolenghi and this is a visually stunning issue from 2012
• That cat again 
• Poisonwood bible has been on my wtr list for ages! 
• Street Art stencils will be decorating the shed and defacing garden tables this spring!
Have you picked up any thrifty bargain books lately ? What are you reading ?
.
.
.

#choosereused #secondhandfirst #secondhandstyle #bookreviewsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookstoread #wanttoread #wtr #bookstagramuk #bookworm #newbooksmell #bookshelf #booksandbotanicals #bookishpost #whattoreadnext #bookworm #whattoreadnow #bookJoy #charityshopbooks #charityshopfinds
3 charity shop books, • Huge fan of @ottolenghi and this is a visually stunning issue from 2012 • That cat again • Poisonwood bible has been on my wtr list for ages! • Street Art stencils will be decorating the shed and defacing garden tables this spring! Have you picked up any thrifty bargain books lately ? What are you reading ? . . . #choosereused #secondhandfirst #secondhandstyle #bookreviewsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookstoread #wanttoread #wtr #bookstagramuk #bookworm #newbooksmell #bookshelf #booksandbotanicals #bookishpost #whattoreadnext #bookworm #whattoreadnow #bookJoy #charityshopbooks #charityshopfinds
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3 charity shop books, • Huge fan of @ottolenghi and this is a visually stunning issue from 2012 • That cat again • Poisonwood bible has been on my wtr list for ages! • Street Art stencils will be decorating the shed and defacing garden tables this spring! Have you picked up any thrifty bargain books lately ? What are you reading ? . . . #choosereused #secondhandfirst #secondhandstyle #bookreviewsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookstoread #wanttoread #wtr #bookstagramuk #bookworm #newbooksmell #bookshelf #booksandbotanicals #bookishpost #whattoreadnext #bookworm #whattoreadnow #bookJoy #charityshopbooks #charityshopfinds
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Latest project beginnings . . . . . . . . #crochetblanket #crochetafghan #crochetblanketpattern #yarnstagram #ourmakerlife #ganchillo #bhooked #yarntherapy #mylifeinyarn #yarnfriendsrock #moderncrochet #crochetgeek #crochetismyyoga #crochetgram #crochetmakesmehappy #crochetaddict #crocheteveryday #crochetgirlpower #yarnhoarder #crochethappy #crochetlifecreativelife #crochetlifestyle
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£15 in the final markdowns. It would be rude not too! I had my eye on them for ages. I will be wearing these in place of my wellies and trainers ie. most days! Coat is a charity shop treasure it’s kin from @johnlewis sweater dress is an  oldie from last year from @hm again it was from the conscious range. 🤎
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£15 in the final markdowns. It would be rude not too! I had my eye on them for ages. I will be wearing these in place of my wellies and trainers ie. most days! Coat is a charity shop treasure it’s kin from @johnlewis sweater dress is an oldie from last year from @hm again it was from the conscious range. 🤎 . . . . . . #hmxme #stylereels #artinaging #inspirationirl #keeponevolving #agediversity #disruptaging #agelessstyle #simplestyle #styleover50 #knowyourstyle #stylebeyondage #midlifeinstyle #midlifeminimalist #midlifeblogger #midlifejourney #artinaging #inspirationirl #keeponevolving #agediversity #disruptaging
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Hello February! Happy as Larry with an armful of new fabric, bargain priced fabric, those lace fabrics were £1 pm 😳From local store @hansonsfabricsandcrafts Day made 🙌🏻
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Big hello to new followers , let me reintroduce myself . . . I’m Ashley 👋🏻 a fabric and yarn obsessed midlife ‘gal’ 
Former air stewardess, costume maker and retail store manager. 
An empty nester with son at University, (he’s not too far away 😭) I feathered a new nest with 2 cats who live happily with our two dogs. 
My partner and I are keen on restoring pre loved vintage items of furniture lighting etc into unique pieces for our home. He does the hard work I draw the sketches and point at things. 
I post about my handmade life, sewing and crochet projects, our home restorations and occasionally the clothes and beauty products I wear and use as a midlife woman .
I find it very hard to be niche as I have too much to say! 
I have also been writing my blog Lazy Daisy Jones (link in bio) for almost 10 years. 
I very much enjoy connecting with other midlife girls on insta and proving it’s not just for the under 30’s . 
Leave me a comment if you are over 35 and any of this resonates with you Hellooooo x
ashleyycramp
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Hello February! Happy as Larry with an armful of new fabric, bargain priced fabric, those lace fabrics were £1 pm 😳From local store @hansonsfabricsandcrafts Day made 🙌🏻 . Big hello to new followers , let me reintroduce myself . . . I’m Ashley 👋🏻 a fabric and yarn obsessed midlife ‘gal’ Former air stewardess, costume maker and retail store manager. An empty nester with son at University, (he’s not too far away 😭) I feathered a new nest with 2 cats who live happily with our two dogs. My partner and I are keen on restoring pre loved vintage items of furniture lighting etc into unique pieces for our home. He does the hard work I draw the sketches and point at things. I post about my handmade life, sewing and crochet projects, our home restorations and occasionally the clothes and beauty products I wear and use as a midlife woman . I find it very hard to be niche as I have too much to say! I have also been writing my blog Lazy Daisy Jones (link in bio) for almost 10 years. I very much enjoy connecting with other midlife girls on insta and proving it’s not just for the under 30’s . Leave me a comment if you are over 35 and any of this resonates with you Hellooooo x
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2nd year of his commercial photography degreeand a selection of my boy’s @jacobcramp work can be found in @pierjournal issue 2.
I think he takes timeless portraits. He only uses film and develops his own film too. I won’t mention what he thinks about digital photography ( 😳) 
He is also becoming an very good cook. He cooks for us when he visits. 
I can’t wait to see what the future brings for him. 
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Proud Muvva ! 2nd year of his commercial photography degreeand a selection of my boy’s @jacobcramp work can be found in @pierjournal issue 2. I think he takes timeless portraits. He only uses film and develops his own film too. I won’t mention what he thinks about digital photography ( 😳) He is also becoming an very good cook. He cooks for us when he visits. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for him. . . . #myhouseandhome #myhouselikethis #mynestandburrow #autumnmood #howivintagehome #mycuratedaesthetic #handmadehomedecor #shadowsandshade #moreismoredecor #vintageroom #textilesandtextures #jacobcrampphotography #documentaryphotographer #analoguecommunity #pierjournal #photographystudent #lenscultureportrait #reportagephotography
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Me, my dog, a bowl of crochet monsters, coffee brewing and chocolate digestives in the tin. Welcome to my world. I’m so rock ‘n roll it hurts!
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Book is where the patterns for the monsters can be found, save for reference it’s a good one.
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#crochetbookmark #crochetbook @gmcpublications #yarnstagram #ourmakerlife #ganchillo #bhooked #makeitwearit #yarntherapy #mylifeinyarn #yarnfriendsrock
#moderncrochet
#grinandshareit #usethosescraps#crochetgeek #crochetismyyoga #crochetgram #crochetmakesmehappy #crochetaddict
#crocheteveryday #crochetgirlpower #yarnhoarder #crochethappy #crochetlifecreativelife #crochetlifestyle#hookedoncrochet #stitchandhustle #amigurumicrochet
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Me, my dog, a bowl of crochet monsters, coffee brewing and chocolate digestives in the tin. Welcome to my world. I’m so rock ‘n roll it hurts! . Book is where the patterns for the monsters can be found, save for reference it’s a good one. . . . #crochetbookmark #crochetbook @gmcpublications #yarnstagram #ourmakerlife #ganchillo #bhooked #makeitwearit #yarntherapy #mylifeinyarn #yarnfriendsrock #moderncrochet #grinandshareit #usethosescraps#crochetgeek #crochetismyyoga #crochetgram #crochetmakesmehappy #crochetaddict #crocheteveryday #crochetgirlpower #yarnhoarder #crochethappy #crochetlifecreativelife #crochetlifestyle#hookedoncrochet #stitchandhustle #amigurumicrochet
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