Top 3 – Classic Polka Dots

As you know, I spent the last two weeks of April making tops, specifically using woven (not knit) fabric. The last one that I made during that time period was using Simplicity 8602.

I made View A. Because the shirt is a little bit cropped in length, I added about 2″ to the length of the top. I also made this using a FBA (full bust adjustment). I have started doing these more often and I find that I’m getting a better fit. I had been just going up a pattern size but I was never very happy with the overall fit of the garment. So now, I’m back to using a smaller size, but including the FBA.

Simplicity 8602

I like this with the longer length and I LOVE the look of the polka dots, especially for summer. The jeans I’m wearing in the pictures are a previous make. These are the Closet Case Patterns “Morgan” boyfriend jeans ( that post is here).

The material used is rayon challis, which is perfect for something like this. It is lightweight but with enough body for the garment to flow. This particular one I bought from fabric.com. This is a quick and easy make with different sleeve options.

I’m very happy with this and would definitely say that this is a great summer top pattern with options that will give you a lot of use.

That’s all for now. I have one more top that I’m currently working on and then I’ll be on to other projects.

Here is the fabric I used: *affiliate links

red & white challis

But there are many other options (solids, prints, floral, etc.) fabric.com

A White Hot Tank From Hot Patterns!

I made this “tank” from a cotton eyelet material that’s pretty lightweight. I put tank in quotes because it’s not what you would typically think of as a tank top. This pattern is for woven material so it’s an interesting take on that style of top. There are variations on the bottom of the tank so for this, I chose the flounce.

Now the problem is that because the fabric is thin combined with the way the top is constructed, I did not like the look of having a partial facing showing through the front and back.

So, rather than take it apart and start over, I just extended the facings.

I did this for both front and back which solved the problem. I might add that this wouldn’t be necessary with a heavier (not see-thru) fabric. I also raised the neckline on this (as I usually do).

But this is a comfortable, versatile top that can be worn into early Fall depending on your fabric choice (and location). In the pictures above I’m wearing the top with these jeans I made a few months ago (best jeans ever!).

That’s all for now.

Enjoy!

Simplicity Tunic 4149

I made this a few weeks ago and it is so comfortable, easy to wear and easy to make (a great combo, don’t you think). I made View C with some very minor (decorative) changes.

I didn’t do the rows of decorative top stitching that the pattern calls for with this view. I did do one row of the top stitch because that helps to hold down the facing and neck band on the inside. I didn’t need to make any other changes to the pattern. I cut a size 16 for this.

I really like that this pattern has different sleeve options as well (it also comes with pants, skirt and scarf patterns). This is a quick, easy project to put together.

This is probably the last of my summer sewing (I really didn’t do as much as I thought I might this year). I have already started to purchase some Fall patterns so I need to get to work on those plans!

Until next time…