Knit Peplum Top-McCall’s 7782

This is another pattern that I had bought a while back and forgot about. It’s a pattern for a knit peplum top that is really flattering. I think that because the pattern is sized for knit fabrics, the peplum is incorporated into the top (it’s not a separate piece).

What makes this flattering are the princess seams. They always seem to give patterns a better fit, at least for me.

This pattern also has godets that can be added to the front and back. Although I was intending to make View C, I actually forgot to add the godets in the back. So the front has them while the back does not. I prefer the look without the extra added fabric, so next time, I will use View A which is without them.

As for the material used, I used some cotton knit interlock that I bought at JoAnn’s. It was actually in the remnants section and there were two pieces. I mention this because this is a good tip: check the remnants area of the fabric store and see if you can find more than one piece of the same fabric. That may give you enough for a top!

Best of all, this is super-simple to put together. I love a pattern that can give you a great look and is easy to make! Basically, this is a classic style made with knit fabric. If you’ve checked out my sewing list on the tab above, you know that I’m interested in sewing some classic styles this season, and this definitely fits the bill.

Making the Nikki Blazer

My latest project was the Style Sew Me Nikki blazer. The pattern is for woven fabric, but I had found a knit that I really liked that wasn’t super stretchy, so I used that. I made this in the size that corresponded to my measurements.

The blazer fits well in the shoulder. I didn’t add shoulder pads or lining so I really consider this a wearable muslin.

What I didn’t realize about the blazer is that it really skims the body (at least on me). In other words the front doesn’t meet in the middle like I’m used to. At first I thought it was too small, but even going up to another size the fit would be the same. It took a little bit to get used to that aspect of the fit, but it fits well.

I really like the seams in the back since it gives the blazer more shape and some really interesting lines. And I was surprised how quickly and easily this went together. The instructions are clear so I didn’t have any problems with them.

Like I said at the beginning, this pattern is really designed for woven fabrics but I used a knit. I really do like this in a knit because it’s so comfortable and a bit more of a casual blazer look. But however you might want to make your own, this is a pattern worth taking a look at.

Until next time… keep on sewing!

Simplicity 8529 Toaster Sweater

I bought this pattern a while back, soon after it was available.
Then I set it aside and forgot about it. As it turns out, I’m so glad I bought it because it’s the perfect, quick project to make if you’ve got some sweater knit or sweatshirt fleece in your fabric stash. I’ve seen many versions of this around the internet lately and although I’m no longer ready-to-wear fasting, I haven’t gone out and bought any clothing. I want to use up as much fabric that I have on hand as I can.

So, for the first one which is View A, I used some black sweatshirt fleece that I had. For the cuffs I used a black ribbed knit since I had a piece that was just big enough for the job.

When using sweatshirt fleece, remember that the nubby side is the wrong side (just like a sweatshirt). In fact, I pulled out a sweatshirt I had just to make sure I cut this out the right way.

The side vents not only add style but comfort to the top. As you can see, it’s got a bit of a hi-lo hem. For sewing the vent hems, I used my sewing machines double overlock stitch. You can certainly do this with a serger if you like, I just wanted to use a stitch on my machine that I have rarely used. It worked out perfectly.

The next one I made was View D. This red and black top was made using a ponte knit and more black ribbed knit.

This one is so comfortable. While I’m wearing this one with jeans (Ginger jeans I made here) and the black top with leggings (posted here), different fabric choices could certainly give these tops a completely different look.

“Different fabric choices can give a basic pattern a completely different look”

As you can also see from the pictures, one week can also give pictures a completely different look! You know you’re in for some shoveling when the snow totals keep going up and up as the storm is happening – LOL! But one thing I also realized in making these tops is that I have no accessories, besides scarves, to wear. I guess I never really had much even when I was working full time (just like shoes). So this year, I think I’ll pay more attention to the purchase of some accessories (necklaces and earrings) that can be used to add more interest to my outfits. I’m not talking about anything expensive, I’m going to Target! Then maybe I’ll see about shoes…

*The black sweatshirt fleece was purchased from fabric dot com and can be found here. There’s not much left so hurry if you want this. But they also have it in a variety of other colors that you can access here. Please be advised that these are affiliate links.