Café au Lait Knit Top - embellish or leave as is?

[SewRuthieSews]

I adapted my self drafted (traced from RTW) dropped shoulder knit top pattern to have a slightly less dropped shoulder and a wider sleeve so that I can use it to recut oversized men's tees to a more flattering shape.
(All the normal set in sleeve patterns wouldn't fit on due to the smaller armhole clashing).
To check this would work, I then cut out and sewed it up in a beige knit.

I tried it on at the fit is fine (with the expected drag lines from a dolman sleeve).

Left as it is its a very versatile item for my capsule travel wardrobe - works with everything, can be easily layered, but it is very plain.

At the moment the side seams are only machine tacked together, as I was undecided about some sort of embellishment, which would be easier to do if the front could be laid flat.

Options going through my mind are

1. Self fabric embellishment e.g. lines of gathered fabric


2. Machine embroidery - but the fabric is too thin and would need excessive stabilisation.

3. Hand embroidery e.g. simple design in embroidery floss.


4. Design with fabric paint e.g. stencilled butterfly or other motif done with fabric paint.


5. Beaded embellishment - though needs a firm foundation and may not be very practical for travel.


6. Applique

Please do vote and or comment. Thanks.

[Gernella]

Of all the tops I have the ones that have had minimal emelishment around the neck are the ones I like best, (all purchased) sometimes it can be too much on the whole body.  I've tried myself around neckline and sleeves (different fabric) and that has worked well.   Sometimes colour and fabric determines whether it's overkill.

[Lowena]

Embroidery on a top screams EWM to me!  and you're far too young for " that look "
Versatility is all and it's a very useful style and colour for layering.

[Diane]

I agree with @Lowena ”step away from the embroidery” 

[Greybird]

Will it not go with your new scarf? Or another scarf? Or some beads? Or with some patterned trousers? I never like to limit what something will go with by applying something to it which it doesn't necessarily need.

[SewRuthieSews]

Will it not go with your new scarf? Or another scarf? Or some beads? Or with some patterned trousers? I never like to limit what something will go with by applying something to it which it doesn't necessarily need.

yes I think so, here it is with the scarf.

[Diane]

@SewRuthieSews That looks perfect 

[Lowena]

It does 

[Helen M]

Keep it plain, let whatever else you are wearing do the 'talking'!

[realale]

I'd be inclined to leave it as is and use it as a 'background' item - i.e. never worn on its own. It can be worn under an open shirt or jacket; with a scarf or statement jewellery etc.
PS @Lowena I can assure you non of my embroidered tops even hint at EWM!! 

[Lowena]

Hmmm.. @realale in your eyes maybe 

[realale]

Hmmm.. @realale in your eyes maybe 

Have you ever seen beer related designs/slogans on EWM tops? 

[Lowena]

Surely they're on the rail between their ice cream cone design and bunnies chasing butterflies .... Along from the bondage wear with clamps and chains... @Catllar alert  They're trying to change their image doncha know 
Sorry Ruthie, I won't hijack your post any more 

[Ohsewsimple]

Machine embroidery doesn’t have to be dense @SewRuthieSews.  A light open design would work I do quite a bit for my grandsons and it’s the stabilising that’s the important thing.  I use a fusible mesh to stop any stretch and then use a medium cutaway.  There’s not a lot left on the back when I’ve finished.

I do like the idea of self fabric embellishments too. 

[Catllar]

I've come up with several options Elderly Wonderful Me, Excentric Woman of Magic, nope give up, waz it mean???

Leave as it is.- the top I mean.