Another KS

This is the fabric I am using for the second KS top. It is cut out and ready to sew. More on this later.

Another top completed

I completed the Loes Hinse v-neck tunic pattern yesterday evening. I cut out a small in the neckline/upper chest area and raised the neckline about 5/8 inch as the photo of the model indicated to me that this top would be low cut. I made a small FBA which in the end I did not need. I cut a large through the bust to bottom.

The knit I used was from EOS acquired in 2007. It was labeled Chico knit as it was a knit fabric used for items sold by Chicos. This knit was rather stretchy, similar to slinky but more bulk than slinky. Has a raised surface.

Due to stretch of the knit, I ended up taking 3/4 inch seams along the raglan sleeve attachments to front and back; 5/8 inch seams through the shoulder and upper sleeve seam. I used 3/8 seam allowance through the side seams. I then took an additional 1/2 inch seam through the underarm area tapering back to 3/8 at waistline area. I also reduced the sleeve and bodice lengths by two inches prior to cutting out the pattern. Being short this top would have been a mini dress on me if I had not reduced the length.

I almost made the shorter version, but was going for the tunic look. I also thought the shorter version was just too boxy looking and was not what I would want with a slightly bulky looking knit.

Here are shots of the finished top. Excuse the messy hair look, DH and I were outside most of the morning dealing with car issues.

I think I will also add a chain belt when wearing this top to dress it up a little. The colors in the fabric are somewhat muted and adding a metal belt will add something more to the look when wearing with a brown or black pant for work.

Anoter KS pattern

I cut out the Loes Hinses pattern. While my cutting table was so clear after cutting that top, I decided to cut another KS 3658 using some a velvety knit fabric I have had in my stash forever. So long and from where that I don't know. It is a lovely green/gold fabric. I cannot find a photo of it in my fabric photo file. I had just enough to cut out the top. I am thinking it will look nice for an upcoming Christmas luncheon for our ASG.

I have some tasks to do today and hope to get some sewing time in later this afternoon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to say Thank You to all who read my blog, take time to comment and for sharing your sewing passion with me. I am thankful for having joined the "blogging world" and met so many people virtually and in reality.

I hope you have a blessed day!

Next up-Loes Hinses V neck tunic

I have had this pattern for a long time. Since I am participating in Faye Lewis's Month of Tops, I thought this is a perfect time to try this one. I have pin fitted and made FBA and swayback adjustments. I also raised the neckline about 5/8 inch as well. I also shortened the length by 2 inches and adjusted the sleeves by shortening 1.5 inches.

This is the fabric I cut out to make this. I acquired this from EOS in 2007. It was labeled as Chico knit. I thought the colors looked like fall/winter colors. This should go with brown as well as black pants.

Simplicity 2599 back on AlmaMarie

Simplicity 2599 back on AlmaMarie
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Back view of Simplicity 2599

Simplicity 2599 on AlmaMarie

Simplicity 2599 on AlmaMarie
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Here is the top on the dress form.

Top is complete!

I just finished the top. This has been a real challenge and I am so pleased that I had enough fabric left to cut out a new front and new back pattern pieces.

There are a few things that bug me about this pattern. Having said that, now that I have the pattern fitting appropriately, I want to make another one using the ruffles down the front and/or flounces. I think also a fabric with more drape than dupioni would work better for those particular views.

I decided not to add the tie or the rose to the neckline on this top. I think the ruffle is enough of a design.

Here is a shot of the back of the top. I have to sew on a button for the closure at the top. I will try to take some photos of the top on me later.

Update and response to Simplicity pattern comments

I am making good progress on the refurbished Simplicity 2599 pattern.

I had problems with Simplicity 2594, another top pattern. The fullness is in the waist to hip area. The pattern is straight through those areas thus giving the top a boxy shape; at least on me it is. I normally cut a 14 in the upper chest area and then taper to 16 from bust to hip. With this pattern, I ended up cutting a 14 from shoulder to bottom on the second front and back pattern pieces. I still have fullness in the back and took a slightly deeper seam just below the opening area.

All I have left to do now, is hem the top and attach the ruffle edge around the neckline. I think I will leave off the tie as I think it will be too long and my fabric is silk dupioni and the tie will look somewhat thick. I still may try the rose in place of the tie.

Several commented that they have had issues with some other Simplicity patterns being too big. This is the second top I have made and my last one was too big also. I don't seem to have issues with dresses or skirts made from Simplicity, especially the Project Runway patterns. And to think I dished those patterns when they first came out!!! Now I really like them.

I wish Simplicity would print the waist and hip measurements on their top patterns. This way you can visualize the ease that has been added. More later.

Kwik Sew 3658

I wrote briefly about this top in this post. I took some more photos of it with me wearing it. I finished the hemming of it yesterday. I do like the fit of this top. Yesterday I was wearing a different bra than the one I wore when fitting and sewing it. I think that makes some difference in the feel and look.


My DH took these shots so you could get an idea of how this looks at the neckline. I added some notes about the collar and the shoulder position. I made a decision that the next top I would reduce the height of the collar on me as this rides up higher than what I prefer or need.

I took another shoulder shot in the mirror.



I have another solid color knit I am thinking about using to make another top. I am not sure how I feel about this being made up in a print.

Simplicity Wadder

This is status of Simplicity top with ruffle neckline---WADDER! Fortunately I believe I have enough fabric to cut another front and back pieces. This top runs large, just like the last Simplicity blouse I made.

I took the front pattern piece and cut out the 14 from below bust line to hip line. I did the same with the back piece. I also took a horizontal tuck in the upper chest and back area to better fit that area of this pattern. The 5/8 FBA was still necessary and I extended the length of the bust dart as that proved to be a real issue with the wadder.

I did complete all UFO's-hemmed the KS top; sewed button on DH's shirt; sewed hook and eye on McCall's skirt.

I re-cut the front and back pieces for the Simplicity top. Ready to sew and that is where I am off to at this time. Will post photos of KS top later.