Simplicity 1716

As they say, better late than never.  I signed up for Faye’s 2013 Essential Top Challenge.  

 
I had high hopes that I would sew a top last weekend, but I was still finishing up a boxing skirt for a co-worker who had a boxing match Friday night. (more on that in my next post).  I’m glad Linda extended the date until Wednesday (couldn't you have extended it until the weekend?? ;).  I have high hopes that I can get another top/blouse finished by then, but if not, one and done ain’t bad either. I always enjoy doing her sew-a-longs because it helps me to focus on one thing and then just bump them out.
The first top I decided to start with for Faye’s challenge is Simplicity 1716, View B with a short sleeve.  
 

I purchased this pattern back in the fall not knowing if I could pull this one off or not, and I was not disappointed. 

The minute I finished it, my mother told me I had to make another one in a solid color, the dress version and one for her so she could wear it when going out.  

The directions are very easy to follow and as long as you have all the proper markings on your pieces before sewing, you shouldn't have any problems making this blouse.  

What makes this top is the design feature on the front of the bodice.

Another nice feature is the ruching at the back neckline area.  


This is done by sewing a piece of  3 1/4 inch elastic to the back of the neck.

 

I made size 14, and realized afterwards that I could have gone down to the 12 as this top fits a little loosely.  I'm thinking this is because there is a tunic and dress version to this pattern and you use the same pattern piece for all three garments.  I'm thinking in drafting the pattern, ease for the tunic and dress were taken into consideration. 

The only thing that I would change in the construction process is that before sewing the back neckline down to start making the cowl, I would serge the whole neckline edge first, so that you have a complete serged neckline if you own an overlocker.  The instructions don’t tell you to do this and if you follow their instructions, half of your neckline will be unfinished (the front of the cowl)  The fabric used for this top was a designer knit I picked up from Jomar.

 If you have not looked at this pattern, please do.  

It is a very flattering top and it’s a nice addition to anyone's wardrobe.  

Very different.  

I don't know if I'll get to them but the other tops I have in mind and am still planning on getting done are 


Vogue 8747

 
New Look 6150

 
Burda 9-2010 #114 (still need to trace) Has been on my list for over a year and the fabric is sitting and waiting.

Burda 9-2010 #109 (still need to trace) This has also been on my list for over a year and the fabric is waiting.

Burda 9-2011 #128 (traced) I just got the fabric for this but want to muslin it first as the fabric for this will be tricky.