Top #2 from Sew-cation-- Simplicity 8982

I bought Simplicity 8982 for View C as soon as it came out.  I just love those sleeves! But I  ended up making the plain jane View B instead.

Backstory is that I've become very enamored of Nancy Nix Rice's teachings. (She has a book "Looking Good...Everyday", a great class on Bluprint that I loved and a blog at nancynixrice.com.)  She also has a presence on Pattern Review.  I'm learning that I have way too many prints and very few solids.  Ahhh, I love my prints so.  But I really need more solid basics in my wardrobe to make it work harder for me and be more versatile. 

So, to that end, I didn't sew up View C in the gorgeous but very lively paisley that I have chosen--yet. Instead, I choose View B, a basic Tshirt pattern with long sleeves.  I used some solid gray ITY that I had in the stash.  

I cut a size 18 neck and shoulders, a 20 bust and waist and flared to a size 22 at the hip.

The only alterations I made were to shorten the length of the shoulder by 3/4" and shorten the hem by 2 inches. It was very long on me. 

                           I like very long sleeves, but these I may shorten about 1/2 inch next time.

 Here is the top paired with a knit waterfall jacket, and my blue, gray and green plaid shirt (McCall's 7472.)  I'm wearing some charcoal gray ponte pants.  I also have some black dress pants that this looks really pretty with.  There is some silver lace in the stash that would make a lovely topper for this, too.  That's on the to-do list for this Fall/Winter.  I need some dressier clothes for special occasions.  Jeans are great for home but don't work everywhere.

So one basic added to the wardrobe and more to come.  I've also got some lovely mustard ponte just like the skirt in the picture.  Hmmmm.   But don't think I'm giving up my lovely prints.  There are just too many in the stash to play with!

Button-Down Fever -- Simplicity 1013

I know everybody reads Carolyn at Diary of a Sewing Fanatic, right?  If you've been following her lately, then you know she's been on a binge with button-down shirts.  Well, I caught the fever and the cure was this so cute button-down from Simplicity with a little extra fun in back.

I sewed View C with the bias patch pockets on front and the gathered "skirt" in back pictured on the cover.  Love it.  Found some awesome plaid shirting and black georgette from Fashion Fabric Club.

I know, orange and black--strong statement.  But it's so fun!

The directions were wonderful easy.  Usually I have a terrible time with a continuous lap on a sleeve but these came out nicely.  The pattern piece is slightly wider and the directions are very good.

I like that it can be worn buttoned up like shown here or open over another top like a jacket like I wore it last weekend.  Perfect for our cooler temps. 

The only thing I did different from the directions was to top-stitch the placket down.  It's the kind you just fold over and your buttons and buttonholes are supposed to keep it in place.  My fabric doesn't really take a press well, so I knew this would make those plackets unruly in no time.  So I stitched them down like they were normal plackets.  I think they look more finished for it.

I love my new button down shirt.  It's great with jeans, leggings, or my black slacks.  I like it so much, I've started another button-down, McCall's 7472!

Happy spring sewing all!