I wasn't planning to make this top this week but it fits so perfectly with my Summer in the City moodboard that I couldn't resist. Thankfully it was very easy to make up and I was able to use fabric from my stash. I love the simple design of this top. It's similar to an RTW top I have from that I wear all the time, so I know I'll be able to wear it a lot.
The pattern is Simplicity 1366 by Cynthia Rowley. The pattern includes this top, a bias cut camisole and a super cool high-low skirt in two lengths. I'm planning to make the camisole and the skirt so this pattern is a great deal! I also love that the photo for this pattern looks like evening wear but it's separates. Very unusual and super chic.
The top is very easy to sew together. I think it would be a good project even for a beginner. I did my usual adjustments to the pattern cutting a size 12 for the back side seams and a size 14 for the front. For the armholes, I cut a size 12. Basically, I need more room in the front than in the back so I just use the larger size for the front only. This is my tricky way of doing an FBA, but probably not standard and it won't work for everyone. Here's a great link if you have a more challenging pattern and need to make an FBA.
The fabric is a medium (to heavy) weight linen or linen blend. I can't recall where I picked it up but it's quite nice. It was probably a remnant as I had just enough to make this top. If I were going to make it again, I would lengthen the body just a touch. If I stand in a certain way, this because belly baring! I'm tall so most people probably won't have to make it longer. I'd also love to try out a high-low hem on this and a cuffed sleeve. How cool would that be?
I'm very happy with this top and will probably make it again. A simple shape in a neutral color is so easy to wear I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of it. Here, I'm wearing it with my Colette Iris shorts, a DIY necklace from Darby Smart (more on that later) and flat sandals from Lands' End. Have you bought this pattern? What do you think? Is this the kind of top you would wear?
