Friday, December 23, 2011

Simplicity 3536

Sometimes when I am in the middle of a complicated project, I like to take a break and whip up something quick.
This is Simplicity 3536. It's so OOP that it isn't even on Simplicity's website anymore. This was actually one of the first patterns that I bought when I was coming back to fashion sewing. I'm not sure why it took me so long to make it up, but I sure am glad I finally did.  I think this red stretch velvet (from Joann) is perfect for the holidays!
One of the features that I like about this pattern is the rouching, which you can see a bit better in the back view. There is elastic rouching at both side seams as well as the top and bottom of the sleeve at the hem. The directions instruct you to stitch on elastic while stretching, which I think is an excellent way to do it, but I decided to just shirr with elastic in the bobbin. It worked well, but I noticed that if I shirred through the seam allowance I lost a lot of elasticity, so my sleeve rouching is a little uneven.
Here is an inside view where you can see my favorite feature of this pattern - the facing for the cowl. Look at how deep it is! It comes all the way to the underbust line. It is cut on, so there is no seam.
It is secured into the armscye and side seams. That baby isn't going anywhere. It always makes me crazy when my cowl facing flips out. I love how secure this is. I think this is an adaptation I will do on future cowl neck tops.

The holidays are crazy, so I probably won't get a chance to post again until they have passed, but I hope that your holiday season is enjoyable and that you have plenty of stitching time!

14 comments:

Pam said...

Dear Gosh!

It's wonderful! Wow! Now I can't wait to get back and try this (I'm in San Fran) - Looking forward to your big project!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful top, Katie! Have a wonderful holiday with your family, see you in 2012!

MushyWear said...

Merry Christmas! Your new top is beautiful and just perfect for the season.

Beth said...

OOOOH! I love it. FBA this time or not?
Merry Christmas!

Sam Rose said...

Wow, that looks really great. Festive!

Jillybejoyful said...

I'm right with you on needing to whip up something quick in the middle of a complex project - that looks FABulous! Wish I had that pattern, in fact!

Witch Hazel said...

Love love love it! The color is so rich and gorgeous, it is a great pattern for that fabric. Will we get to see it on you?

Marie said...

Gorgeous top, love it. Merry Christmas.

Karin said...

Perfect Christmas top! Have a very Merry Christmas!

Uta said...

Simply gorgeous, and perfect for the holidays! Enjoy the festive season with your family.

HeathersSphere said...

Festive and fabulous looking top!

Tanit-Isis said...

Oh, I know that pattern! When I was first contemplating upping my game I put it on my wish list. But it was OOP before I got up the nerve to buy it...

Aminat said...

The top is so cute...Have a happy holiday

Lisa said...

What a gorgeous top , so perfect for Christmas .