This is my first go at a Simplicity “designed by Wendy, built by you” pattern, number 3964.  I made the shortest version – it comes in top, tunic and dress lengths – and used the 3/4 sleeve option.

I think that it looks better in real life than in the photos.  It’s a little maternity-esque (you know, when people wonder “is she pregnant or is that just the fashion”) but I like that sort of style.  Possibly because I never have much of a waist to show off anyway!  Because of the very bold fabric it is difficult to see the design detail of the front inset and yokes.

I thought I’d give it a try in a cheap fabric first – I’ll do it in something plain next time to really show off the design lines.  As well as the front inset and yokes, and associated gathers, there is a back yoke, once again with the back pieces gathered on to it, and the neck binding extends into ties at the back.  I like the gathered sleeve cap (so much easier to set in nicely than a flat cap) although hubby wasn’t keen on the sleeves at all.  Overall, it’s a comfy top that will be very practical for my lifestyle (remembering that all the tops I’m planning to wear in the near future need to be loose enough to lift up to feed the baby).  It took around 4 hours to make from cutting to complete.