Easy and Cute - Knit Tops with Simplicity 2181

I have Ms. Sheila  to blame for my interest in this top. She made a few of these using S1849.  Her tops are very flattering and cute.  So I decided to give this style a try.  When I told Andrea  I was going to buy the pattern, she suggested that I purchased S2181 because it had three additional styles.  For my first version, I used a remnant from my stash to work out the fitting issues.  Those I will discuss later.  Here is my review.

Pattern Description: Simplicity gives the vaguest descriptions.  So I'll give mine.  All views are "V" neck pullovers knit tops with sleeve variations.  View A; loose-fitting top with gathers and drape about the front and at the shoulders.  The sleeves are kimono style with dropped shoulders.  Views B and C have a side twist overlay across the front, 3/4 length sleeves or sleeveless.  View D and E have twist drape across the front, sleeves or with flounce sleeves.


Pattern Sizing:  6 - 24;  I used size 14 with a lot of modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?   Yes it did, except for shorter sleeves.

Were the instructions easy to follow? No problem or confusion with the instructions.  This top can be made in a few hours once the fit issues are worked out.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I have many likes for this top and they are:

 - Figure flattering.  I think it works well with my body type.
 - Easy to make.
 - The side twist.
 - The construction of the front and back facing.

Dislikes -

 - lack of center back seam.  I need one for easier fitting for my sway back.


Fabric Used:  Chocolate jersey from Vogue Fabrics; Green rayon/polyester knit from JoAnn's; and red and cream ITY knit from Vogues Fabrics.  Black tricot for the front facing of the chocolate version.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: It was a challenge to come up with the best approach for making the FBA.  I envisioned how the FBA should be incorporated into the flat issue pattern.   Then I tried to make it without the darts. I would love to make a simple knit top without them.  But I don't think it's possible if the top is going to fir well across the bust area.  I tried easing the excess into the side seam.  That didn't look pretty. 

For my first and second versions I tried the easing approach.  The red/cream print I added the darts to the front and eased the excess for the twist overlay and the front facing.  This approach reduced the bulk of three darts at each side.  And looked the best.  If you decide to make this top, keep in mind the stretch, thickness and texture of the fabric.  These elements will play a role in how large and how small of a FBA is needed.

For the back, I added a center back seam and did my usual sway back and prominent shoulder blade adjustments.

The first version helped me identify further adjustments in the twist overlay pieces.  Initially, I did not add enough width.  The twist overlay pulled the back forward and caused the front to bunch up underneath the overlay.  This is easily resolved by added 1 inch more to the side seams of the upper overlay and 1/2 inch to the lower overlay to compensate for the added width in the bust area.
All photos are on Flickr.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I plan to try View E. And I do recommend this pattern to others.  Beginners should be able to sew this top with no problems.

Conclusion:  This is a flattering top and a perfect solution for beefy up your wardrobe with a little style.  It's easy to sew and is flattering on most body types.

Here's a video by Sandra Betzina on Placing a Pattern on Knit Fabric.

Up next..,  Fancy Pants

Happy Sewing!
C

Happy 4th of July! Happy 5th Blogiversary to Me!

Happy 4th of July!

It's also my 5th blogiversary!  I can't believe it has been that long since I started this journey.  It has been a joy to share with you.    In the beginning I wondered if I would have enough to say about sewing and crafting.  It was important to me to provide useful information and inspire someone along the way.

What this blog has also done for me is chronicled my sewing projects.  In all the years of sewing, I think I've gained the most techniques over the past five years.  There are several of you who have encouraged me to try different styles.  I fit and alter patterns better; I've adopted new techniques for buttonholes, welt pockets, and hand-picked zippers.  My fellow sewing bloggers have allowed me to travel with them across the globe to Africa, France, and Australia.  And I made delicious food following your family recipes.  It's been great.

Blogging has served me well and I don't intend to stop anytime soon.  Thank you for your encouragement and inspiration. 

Enjoy your holiday festivities!  And Happy 5th Blogiversary to me!

C

Vogue 1250 - The Classic

This is my third dress made using Vogue 1250.  The first one is starting to show signs of wear.  It's in frequent rotation.  I wear it about once every two weeks. It's so easy to throw on and go.  So I needed another to replace it.  This new dress was made about two weeks ago, and I've already worn it twice.  These little numbers are "effortless fashion" that look good and wear well.
 

It took even less time (1 1/2 hours) than the first two.  All sewn by machine.  This is one of those dresses that you can make over and over again using different print and/or color fabrics.  You can pair it with a tailored jacket or comfort cardigan, you look great.

I guess simple, summer knit dresses is becoming signature wear for me.  Yeah simple knit dresses for the summer are perfect for anytime.  And this is one of my favorites. 

Pictured with my second  cardigan (Simplicity 2424) and a broach made by my DD.  I've worn this outfit to church and to work.


For this version I made a small FBA and added a center back seam.

So, if you need to beef up you summer wardrobe with a few more cute, simple knit dresses,  Vogue 1250 is the perfect solution.  I'm off to work!

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

The List - Palmer Pletsch Fit Sewing Vacation

Happy Monday!

I'm really excited about the Palmer-Pletsch Fit Sewing Vacation. This will be the very first time I've ever attended a sew/fit seminar.  People come from all parts of the world to attend the Palmer-Pletsch seminars and workshops. You can imagine my excitement.

 I received a packet in the mail disclosing the details of my upcoming adventure.  Included in  the packet is a list of supplies and materials to bring, along with itinerary and other relevant information.  We also need to bring patterns to use during the fit lessons.  This is going to be a fantastic vacation.  And yes, I will share the experience.  Stay tuned for that and other happenings in my little world.

Last week I promised a few reviews on projects finished and in the works.  Well reviews aren't complete and some projects aren't either.  Good thing is this week I can work on finishing up some of the projects.  Today I'm feeling less stressed and more relaxed.  So, I can enjoy my evenings.  Perfect mix for getting something finished.

Happy Sewing!
C

 

Sewing with Knits - Ann Steeves of Gorgeous Fabrics

Happy Monday!  It's a beautiful day in Chi-Town.  Over the weekend I was able to sew.  But I'm not ready to post reviews.  Those will come later.

In the meantime, the vendor presentations continue.  This afternoon will be the first of eight to be held this week.  I am bound and determine to stay in touch with all of you.  So this morning I decided to take a minutes to read a few reviews of Patternreview.com.  Heatherrique provided a link to Ann's video on Sewing with Knits.  Ann gives some important tips on what needles to use and how to sew flawless seams.  Enjoy!

Happy Sewing!
C

Thank you!

Dear Readers,

Thank you for continuing to visit and comment on my sewing adventures.  I have quite a busy summer ahead of me.  We are looking a several vendor products for electronic research administration.  That means all day meetings, only one telecommute day, little sewing and blogging time.  I'm not too happy about it either.  At the end of the day, I'm too tired to eat.

I hope you will continue to read and comment.  Coming soon, Rhonda's three in one top and some fancy pants.  Thanks, again!

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Lovin' Vogue 1291

Vogue 1291 is a winner! When Vogue first released this pattern, I thought I would take a pass. When I saw BernieGee's top, I quickly changed my mind and added this to the top of my list.

This top is easy to make and very stylish. Don't pass it up. Everyone can wear this style, and you have so many fabric options, woven or knit.

Vogue describes this as a loose fitting, pullover top. A, B have bias neck band, front sleeve overlapping back sleeve forming shoulder opening, no shoulder seams and narrow hems. It's a Sandra Betzina top.

The sizes listed A through J, which is comparable to sizes 10 - 28. This cute top can be made in knit or woven fabric. If you decide to make it in a woven, select one size larger then normal and install a short zipper at the waist.

 My first version does look like the the photos on the pattern envelope, except I turned under the neck band and stitched it down.

The instructions were easy and provided a few helpful tips on how to construction using different fabrics. I have a few likes:
- It's stylish; unique silhouette
- Forgiving and easy to wear
- Sews up with no problems
- Can be easily made using woven or knit fabric

The above photo shows how it looks unzipped.

 One great top. No dislikes.

The fabric used is a rayon challis that I purchased at Vogue in Evanston while shopping with Carolyn.

 I made a few pattern adjustments. And I'm not sure how to explain the FBA. Initially, I made adjustments to the front sleeve and front. But when it came time to sew the front and back sleeve together, I realized I didn't add length to the circumstance of the back sleeve. So I ended up easing some of the length (front) into the back sleeve, I moved the seam about a inch past the circle, and the rest I trimmed off. It wasn't a hard fit, but I will adjust the back sleeve for the next woven top. The pictures of the adjustments can be found in my Flickr set.

I also made a small prominent shoulder blade adjustment. And I turned the neck band inside the neckline and stitch it down.

Next week I plan to make another top. This top is a excellent complement to contour waist bottoms as the hem of the top lays nicely about the upper hip.

 If you don't have this pattern already, I recommend you pick it up at the next JoAnn or Hancock pattern sale. It's worth it. This is a great top. I love, love it. You should try it!

 Happy Sewing!
C