Not Vintage, Part 2

Simplicity 4074

Believe it or not, this is a pattern I've actually made before! I made it a few years ago, with a striped knit, back when I had a real job teaching high school science. Every time I wear it, I think to myself that I ought to make more of these tops, but it always seems like I get interested in a different pattern.

I've had the crinkled and foiled knit in my collection for a couple of years, but never made it up. Once I saw the skirt fabric, I knew I had the fabric that would match. I chose this style because I already own a turquoise knit top in a very similar style that will match the skirt, and I have a light turquoise knit to make into tops, too. I don't need two turquoise tops in the same style, so the coral was the color of choice for this pattern.

I recently ordered some interfacing from Sew Exciting Fashion Sewing Supply - some of the new Pro Sheer, the Pro Weft and Pro Woven (this business is owned by Pam from Off the Cuff Style). I used the Pro Weft for the skirt yoke and the Pro Sheer for the neck/collar facing for this top and really liked both! The Pro Sheer is supportive without being too stiff, but flexible enough to work with the knit, not against it.

I do like the way this pattern is drafted, you can see some of these details in the line drawing below. It has pleats at the shoulders, princess seams and a center back seam. The fit is shapely and curvy without being too tight, and the neckline can be adjusted easily. I raised the bottom point of the neckline by 2" without having to do any redrafting. The only real change I made was to make a short sleeve version. I cut the sleeves longer than I thought I needed and then tried on the top to figure out how long I wanted the sleeves, trimmed and hemmed.

Here is the whole outfit:

The bonus is that the coral top can be worn with all my white skirts and shorts for the summer.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, so Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers!

Parting Shot: The Silk. The silk arrived today! Just look at it - bright, bright, bright! Definitely needs to be taken in small doses, but will be just right with the pale yellow and bright flowers I have planned.