Delicate Details

By Martha Pullen

Dressed up or down, this elegant lace top will fetch extra glances.

RIBBONS AND LACE and all things delicate adorn this breezy blouse. Follow the tips and instructions below to create this heirloom-quality top.

MATERIALS

• 4 1/4 yards of ivory cotton netting (wash and air dry to preshrink)
• 3 1/4 yards of 2"-wide ivory Venice lace galloon (Lace A)
• 5 yards of 4"-wide ivory Venice lace edging (Lace B)
• 3 1/4 yards of 5/8"-wide ecru lace beading (Lace C)
• 4 1/2 yards of 5/8"-wide ecru cotton lace insertion (Lace D)
• 8 yards of 1/4"-wide ivory silk satin ribbon
• Lightweight ecru thread
• Heavyweight water-soluble stabilizer
• Size 70 universal machine needle
• McCall's 4658, view B (pattern pieces 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9) without the neck ruffle

Preshrink the cotton netting as it will lose up to 11" from selvage to selvage. Nylon netting may be substituted in yardages indicated on the pattern cover. Dying nylon netting isn't recommended. Be cautious when pressing nylon netting; high heat will melt the fibers.

All seams are 5/8" unless otherwise noted. Refer to Cotton Netting Tips for seam finishes.

Read the instructions prior to cutting or construction.

Referring to the layout guide (1), cut out one jacket back on the fold, two jacket fronts, two jacket sleeve fronts and backs (curved bottom version) and one neck binding.

From the February 2006 issue of Sew News magazine.