Simplicity 1366 is really doing the rounds of the sewing blogosphere at the moment.  Anna has just blogged a beautiful version (that I was very tempted to steal when we were at Sewjourn until I remembered that she sews a smaller size than me) and I have made it twice before.  I really like the jumper version that I made, so when I came across some scraps of this unusual green/black/metallic gold knit in my stash that were just enough for another 1366, I decided that it was destiny.

Once again the length of the sleeves was rather random. I just cut another four inches or so – maybe it was five – then did a simple turn and zig zag hem. I sewed a straight size 12 otherwise. Unlike many I have left the length as per the pattern. I’m still getting used to letting contrasting layers peek out underneath.

I suspect that this is actually the “wrong” side of this fabric. The other side is much greener, but also much more metallic. For this top I was aiming at something a little more subtle. You can see the other side in the Vogue jacket that I blogged here. I used a strip of the same fabric like a bias facing around the neckline, stitching it to the right side then turning it to the inside and top stitching.

I suspect that without the sewing blogosphere many would have overlooked this top pattern, instead focusing on the rather dramatic skirt that is included in Simplicity 1366. There are still many more renditions of this in my future, including in woven with shorter sleeves for summer. Highly recommended.

Yes, it’s yet another repeat pattern.  Style Arc Molly.

This time it’s in a stretch poly/spandex crepe, possibly from Spotlight. Size 12, no alterations other than leaving the front tuck off. And on me instead of Ada who has a whole lot less of a winter coat:

The pants are Style Arc Barb in Style Arc bengaline. I wore this to work with a jacket over the top. Draws less attention to the muffin top.  These are end of the work day photos so you get the see the garments at their most worn.

The amount of ease in this top is perfect for me for work. Not oversized, not skin tight. If you have more waist and less stomach than I do – but more hip – you might want to shape it a bit more. The slight cowl is highly wearable.

Details of my first Molly top are here.

Remember, this blog is a sewing journal – so it’s not all about the readers!  I am compelled to record that I made yet another Deer & Doe Plantain tee.

Essentially the same as every other Plantain I have made; a blend of sizes from bust to waist to hip (essentially removing all waist shaping). I really like the scoop of the neckline on this tee. Fabric is a teal stretch poly/spandex crepe, possibly from Spotlight? A terrific layering piece as it is fitted but skims rather than clings.