The Valentina bodice is stunning in itself, so if you are looking for a top that is both cute, flattering and comfortable, you can hack the Valentina dress and only make the bodice.
To make this hack you need the Valentina dress sewing pattern and instructions. Follow the instructions in the booklet and deviate from the instructions when this blog post tell you to.
SHOP THE VALENTINA DRESS
6. SIDE BACK TO BODICE - LINING
Place the side front bodice and side back bodice right sides together. Sew using a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance, leaving a 7,5 cm (3") hole in one of the side seams. Make sure you back stitch at the hole opening so the stitches doesn't unravel.
Trim the seam allowance down to half its width, except at the hole you left.
Press the seams open.
Continue sewing at step 7 in the sewing instructions.
15. ELASTIC PANEL
Fold the elastic panel right sides together at the fold line. Sew the bottom opening closed using a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down to half its width.
Turn the elastic panel right sides out. Using a water/heat erasing pen or chalk, draw sewing lines between the notches. Sew on the sewing lines you just drew.
Finish sewing at step 15 in the sewing instructions.
16. ELASTIC PANEL TO BODICE
Slightly pull the fabric away from the edge. This will make it easier to sew and make the seam less bulky.
Put the lining out of the way. Pin the right side of the elastic panel to the right side of the side back bodice. Match up the top of the elastic panel with the seam line of the top of the bodice. The bottom of the elastic panel should be 1 cm (3/8") above the raw edge of the side back bodice bottom edge. Pin
Optional: sew the elastic panel to the bodice using a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance.
Fold the right side of the lining down over the right side of the bodice, sandwiching the elastic panel. Pin and sew using a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance.
Note: if you have already sewed the elastic panel to the main fabric, sew on top of your previous stitches.
Turn the bodice right side out.
Put the lining out of the way. Pin the right side of the elastic panel to the right side of the bodice. Match up the top of the elastic panel with the seam line of the top of the bodice. The bottom of the elastic panel should be 1 cm (3/8") above the raw edge of the side back bodice bottom edge. Pin.
Optional: sew the elastic panel to the bodice using a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance.
Fold the right side of the lining down over the right side of the bodice, sandwiching the elastic panel. Pin and sew using a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance.
Note: if you have already sewed the elastic panel to the main fabric, sew on top of your previous stitches.
Turn the bodice right side out. Press the seams you just sewed.
FINISH THE BOTTOM EDGE/HEM
Turn the bodice wrong side out and match up the bottom edge, right sides together, at one side of the elastic panel. The hem will be sewn in the round, pulling out the hem from the bodice as you are sewing. Continue until you get to the other side of the elastic panel, adjusting the fabric as you sew.
Turn the top right side out from the hole in the lining.
Press the bottom edge at the seam line.
Optional: topstitch the bottom edge.
SLIPSTITCH THE HOLE
Slipstitch the hole in the lining closed.
Note: If you fold the top with the hole at the top fold, it will be easier to slipstitch without catching the main fabric.
Congratulations on your new Valentina Top!