Simplicity 2520

I'm still in a bit of a knit top mode. I mentioned in my last post that I had this thin jersey that I had originally pegged for the Kwik Sew top. Idecided it was too thin for that, but I think it's perfect for this.

This pattern is Simplicity 2520. When I originally purchased this pattern, it was for this knit top. It has interesting lines, and I'm a sucker for an interesting knit top pattern. Somehow, I just never found the perfect fabric for it until now, although I did make the gored skirt from the pattern. But the top - I love the design. It is a mock turtleneck which forms a yoke into which the upper bodice is pleated.

Here are the pleats. You can see the fabric a little better in this shot as well. It is a very thin poly/cotton jersey with a soft gold finish. I think it's perfect for the holidays! Anyway, you can also see that this is quite a snug neckline. The pattern calls for a zipper at center back through the yoke section only. In a firmer, sturdier knit, I think this would be necessary to get the top over your head, but this fabric has about 110% stretch and is very light. A zipper would have weighed down the back and caused ripples, so it is fortunate that I can (just!) get it over my head without it.

As is typical for the Big 4, this pattern has plenty of ease! I cut a straight size 10, although my upper bust puts me in a 12, and my full bust is a 14. Based on the finished pattern measurements printed on the tissue, I went ahead an skipped the FBA, thinking I would prefer the top to have a bit of negative ease. It doesn't, although I do fill out the pleats.

I also really like the sleeve on this top. It is a raglan style, gathered into elastic at the hem, which hits me just past elbow length. The elastic gives my fine jersey a bit of weight, which helps the sleeve hang well. Over all, I am quite pleased with this top, and I'm glad that I chose to use it for this fabric. I definitely think this pattern benefits from a very stretchy, lightweight knit.

Simplicity 2520

Well, I'm trying to get back in the saddle, sewing wise.  This skirt has been waiting for a zipper for several days, but I wanted to demo an invisible zipper to my sewing group, so it just had to wait!  The demo went well, and I think we may have a few more invisible zip converts out there now.  We also did centered zips and lining insertion (since that was the next step for the skirt).

The pattern I used is Simplicity 2520, which is a cute wardrobe pattern with quite a few nice pieces.  The skirt is a basic 6 gore, unlined and with a twill tape waist finish.  I like that much better than facings!  Mine is made from a linen/rayon blend from Hancock's and lined with Pongee lining from Joann's.

Of course, a white linen skirt does have to be lined, no matter what the pattern thinks!  I did still stabilize the waist with twill tape, so that it wouldn't stretch out.

Lining and body hems are trimmed with lace.  I really love lace for the lining hem especially.  It is so pretty and so easy.  This lace came from a bundle pack from Sew Sassy.  Such an economical way to get hem lace!  I always toss a bundle into my cart when I shop there (which is far too often!), so I have a nice collection of lace to choose from.

As I mentioned, I used an invisible zip, rather than the centered zip the pattern called for.  I really don't understand why the Big 4 is afraid of invisible zippers!  So much nicer!!  You can also see the texture of the fabric here.  Isn't it pretty?  It's going to be such a great skirt for summer!  I'm so glad I got it finished.

Here it is on me.  The waist is a bit lower than the pattern intended, as I sewed the waistline with a 5/8 SA, rather than the 3/8 allowed.  I like a slightly lower waistline though, so it was a happy accident.  I love the shape of the skirt, with the slight flare from below the hip to the hem, which I think is quite flattering.  Overall, I think it is going to be a great addition to my wardrobe.  Here's hoping this a a good start for a better month of sewing in June!