Simplicity 1371 - Cute Little Top

Surprisingly, I was able to cut a top and head wrap from the African waxed print fabric remnant.  It was just enough to cut Simplicity 1371, view B. This is a top I planned to make a few years ago.  I started out trying to match the  diamond motifs.  In some areas the match up was close, but not quite.  So, for this It was impossible to match the print, as the diamond motifs were many different sizes.

Top B is a princess seam fitted top with halter like straps and side zipper.  This is the only view I've made thus far.  The pattern comes in sizes 4 to 20.  I used size 16 with modifications.  The drawing and the photos are true illustrations for how the top looks.

The instructions were easy to follow, and I saw nothing confusing in them.  In the guide sheet, the back straps are attached straight instead of a slight angle. They should be angled so they lie flat against the back.

I like the style of the top, especially the neckline.  The princess seams also make it easy to make adjustments, which I almost always need to make.  I do not have any dislike.

Changes:

• FBA - I made my usually FBA slightly different.  At the fullest of the bust area I made two slashes instead of one for a better fit.
• Swayback adjustment making a tuck at the lower back and adding that same amount at the bottom of the back pattern pieces.
• I installed a back zipper instead of the recommended side zipper.

S1371 - Sorry the pattern is a little crinkled, the iron was too hot.

I will definitely make this again.  This is my wearable muslin.  I really didn't want any of the African waxed clothe to go to waste.

This pattern is not difficult, but may require some adjustment as this top fits close to the body.  It's a cute top and I do recommend it to others.

Happy Sewing!
C

All Legs with Cynthia Rowley's Simplcity 1372 Leggings

For weeks I've been promising my darling daughter I'd make her something. Finally, last week I made two pair of leggings using the Cynthia Rowley Simplicity 1372. This is the very first time I've used this pattern.


The leggings are quite simple. They have an exposed zipper in the back. I'm seeing a lot of leggings and yoga pant patterns with zippers. That seemed odd to me until I had a conversation with Andrea about it. She explained that for some ladies their waist is significantly smaller than the hips. So the added zipper gives more room to put the pants on. My response, "Awww..," DD was able to slide them on without opening the zipper. So the zipper is just decoration for her. The second pair has no zipper; keeping it super easy.

The pattern comes in sizes 6 to 22. I used size 10. They are not skin tight as pictured and have a bit of wiggle room in them even after grading them down from the hips to the ankle. Depending on the size of your legs you may or may not have this issue.

The instructions were super simple. This pattern goes together quickly. So if you looking for instant gratification, try it. No real dislike. Next time I will slim down the legs a little more.

The orange fabric is jersey knit from New Rainbow Fabrics. It has about 30 percent stretch with great recovery. The second pair are made of a synthetic python embossed stretch leather. Also from New Rainbow Fabrics. It's soft and drafts very close to the body.  It has about 25 percent stretch and great recovery. Both fabrics were pre-washed (I always forget to mention whether or not I pre-washed the fabric.). After washing I tossed the jersey in the dryer; the stretch leather hung to dry.

The only changes made was I lengthen the leg about an inch. I could have gone two. Oh well, next time. As I said, for the stretch leather pair I omitted the zipper.

The plan is to make several more pairs for her. I recommend it to all level sewists.

Happy Sewing!
C