When I was at Sewjourn in November my friend Kathryn sewed up a gorgeous version of Simplicity 1463.  Since I had some spare fabric with me, I quickly borrowed her pattern pieces and gave it a go as well!

There really isn’t much to this pattern. Front piece, back piece, cuffs, neckband. That’s it. It does however take more fabric than you’d expect, because those sleeves are cut on.

Simplicity describe this pattern as follows: Make a scoop neck, high-low top with banded sleeves or great crossing back interest, and three V-neck tops with lace flutter sleeves, studs or a peekaboo lace neckline. Simplicity sewing pattern from Designs by Karen Z.  I sewed view A, the scoop neck top.  I do fancy giving view C a go at some stage, but I don’t yet own the pattern!

The fabric is a lovely stretchy probably poly/spandex knit that I picked up at Restash last year. I did make sure that I centred the bold pattern on both the front and back pattern pieces. Size wise, I think I sewed the Small. I was happy with the fit through the body, but BOY those cuffs were TIGHT! Even in such stretchy fabric! I’d definitely make them larger if I sewed this again.

This was really fast to make. Construction was on the overlocker, with hems secured via Vliexofix and twin needling on the sewing machine. I used the twin needle to secure the neckband as well.

Sadly, this top has moved to the wardrobe in the spare bedroom too. The cuffs are just too tight to make it comfortable enough for me. My arms aren’t especially large, so watch out for that if you are making this top. Otherwise, I recommend the pattern.

Before I sewed my DCF Challenge version of Simplicity 1318 (blogged last year), I sewed a wearable muslin to get a better idea of what size to choose.  This is a pattern that has been well used in the sewing community.  Both the reviews and the finished garment measurements printed on the pattern pieces indicated that there was plenty of ease.  I just wanted to check before I cut into my challenge fabric, so used some leftover Thai cotton double gauze to see if my guess on sizing was right.

I didn’t have much fabric, so this is view A, the short version without added bands. It was incredibly fast to sew.

I used the overlocker to finish the raw edges but did most construction on the sewing machine.  I wanted to be able to pivot nicely where the sleeve joins the side seams, and to be able to press the seams open.  Narrow hems were turned twice around the front edges and neckline and topstitched in place.  The bottom hem and sleeve hems were wider but treated the same way.

There’s really not much to this jacket. I have however discovered that I reach more for longer-line jackets than cropped ones, and this has already been transferred into the wardrobe in the spare bedroom.

Oh, and size wise? This is size Small, despite my measurements suggesting Medium. Always check those measurements on the pattern pieces and take your own ease preferences into account!

Well, you deserve a medal just for reading that title.  Hot Patterns have such long names to their patterns.

I’d seen lots of women my age and older in off the shoulder blouses and dresses, so decided that it was worth a try and not necessarily to be left to the teen. This pattern appealed to me because of the way that the band was flat at the front and just elasticised at the back (a bit like the Style Arc Cara top). It also has some darts and sleeve interest.

The sleeves have ties at the bottom and are narrow hemmed. They are cut in halves, so it’s not as difficult to get around that curve at the top of the tie to turn the hem before sewing the sleeve halves together.  Tunic length is one of my favourite lengths for tops, and this has a nice curved hemline with the back slightly longer than the front.

The darts at the front mean that you don’t have a whole lot of blousing over the boobs. They run from the neckline downwards, and the blouse sits smoothly. I did need to try it on to adjust the elastic to the right length to stay on me comfortably.

Hot Patterns describe the Metropolitan Urban Gypsy Blouse as follows: When you’re in the mood to wear something pretty with a cool-girl vibe, reach for one of these beauties, perfect for light to medium weight crisp or fluid fabrics, like crepe, voile, chambray, ahirting, gauze, charmeuse or rayon; these also work gorgeously in knits like silk(y) jersey, rayon, linen or modal. Loose-fit, pull-on, off-the-shoulder blouses have a neckband that’s fitted at the front and elasticated through the sides and back; the bodice has a gentle A-line cut with bust darts. Choose your favorite raglan sleeve length; 3/4 with a tied cuff, or just above the elbow with a deep elasticated cuff. Blouses finish with a narrow shirt-tail hem at the upper thigh. Chest patch pockets are optional; we’ve also included an optional internal stretchy shelf bra as well as halter straps for easy wearing.  You’ll be amazed at how wearable these stunning blouses really are…tuck them into a high-waist tailored skirt or pant, wear them untucked over a skinny, flared or palazzo pant, or try them runway-style worn loose over a matching midi-length A-line skirt.

I chose to leave off the pockets, and sewed the view with the ties rather than the elasticated cuff.  You really do need wide elastic to make the gathering look good – it’s worth following the instructions!  I also didn’t bother with the halter straps or internal shelf bra – I just wear a strapless bra with this blouse.

The fabric is a printed viscose woven from the Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 table. You have seen it before – I sewed my Mum a top from it. It’s nice to work with and the right weight and drape for this blouse. I think that I sewed size 10 (would need to pull the pattern out and check) although I measure around a size 14 in Hot Patterns. That seems to be how their sizing works for me. I made this in around November I think, and have worn it a couple of times. I rather like it on me, and feel on trend when wearing it paired with skinny pants and heeled sandals or wedges. It does have the slight annoyance factor of requiring a strapless bra, and you definitely need to remember to put plenty of sunscreen on those shoulders!

This pattern has been around for a little while, but I only sewed it up last year.  I find it interesting how I can overlook a pattern for ages, then all of a sudden look at it with fresh eyes and become enthused.

The Style Arc Ada knit top: Fabulous top with interesting design lines. Clever square arm hole and side panel with inserted pocket. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Any knit fabric, single knit jersey preferable.

My fabric is a knit remnant from The Cloth Shop.  I adore the colour and the chevrons.  There is a metallic thread knitted into it too, which does have the effect of making the fabric feel slightly scratchy.  However, not unwearably so.

This was an easy sew, with construction shared between the overlocker and the sewing machine. I used a twin-needle to finish hems and to secure the neckband. As always, I use this method to get the length and distribution of the neckband just right.  I find it works much better on deeper curves than simply quartering the neckline and neckband.

This is size 12 without alterations. I rather like the slightly drapey side pockets.

The scooped neckline is not too high, not too low. There’s lots to like about this top, especially if you prefer things that are not fitted through the waist. It works particularly well with skinny pants (these are Style Arc Misty jeans).