Just a Simple Knit Tunic--Simplicity 8337

I got this wonderful brown ITY from Fabric Mart.  It's very thin, however, and quite clingy.  I made it up in the gray colorway into Vogue 8534, blogged here.  I found it too clingy, hugging every lump, bump and bulge I've got.  This fabric needs more room to "float".    Enter Simplicity 8337, a series of loose- fitting pullover tips with neckline and sleeve variations.  I made view A because I thought that ruffle on the front would add to the tummy camouflage. 

The ruffle is left raw per pattern instructions.  I thought this would bother me, but I actually like it.  Anything else would have been too heavy for it and it wouldn't flutter as nicely.  The neckline is more than a bit fiddly.  It's a bound seamline with a bias strip (not included in the pattern, they have you use purchased bias binding).  This requires basting and much stitching to get it in but it looks so nice, lays so smoothly and feels so nice on. 

I didn't have to do my usual narrow shoulder adjustment as it measured fine across the top and is cut in a little in the back showing my bra straps.  Really need to get a racer back bra for tops like this.    The loose tunic styling makes it comfortable summer wear falling close to the body without clingy to those parts I really want to avoid.  Unlike the last top from this fabric, this one's a winner. 

Faye at Faye's Sewing Adventure has a great sew a long called Tops That Pop.

  It's been a great motivator for me as I have sewn and entered this top and the last top.  I also have another top in the works to be blogged tomorrow.  The sew a long ends on the 30th still time for more. Happy sewing all!

Mixed Emotions About Vogue 8534

I need tops to transition into Spring.   I decided upon Vogue 8534, view C  with the little ties for my first one.

I think this top evokes mixed feelings for me for several reasons.  First, the pattern.  It's long.  Very long for short ol' me.  I took 6½ inches off the hemline and it's still a little on the long side. 

Second, the directions.  The pattern has you leave the neckline unfinished since its a knit.  I couldn't  do that-- it just looked too unfinished.  So I serger finished the edges of the neckline and ties. It's still not the neatness of a hemmed finish but it will do.  Since I serged the neck, I just serged the hem and sleeve hems as well for a consistent "deconstructed" look.

Third, is my fabric.  I got a wonderful drapey ITY from Fabric Mart back in November.  I love it but it very thin and very drapey.  I clings to every lump, bump, and bulge I've got.  I've only got one bra at this time that gives a smooth enough silhouette front and back.  The others cause more bumps.  (I really need to go bra shopping). 

I love how the sleeves are part of the upper bodice.  I love the little ties, but really not thrilled with the serged edge.  Not fond of the deconstructed look at all.  So you see, I like it, but I also don't like it.  I guess I'll decided after a couple more wearings.  But on to more exciting projects!