What I wore yesterday.. Simplicity 2599

Back in October last year I made two versions of Simplicity 2599.  The first a wearable muslin, the second one in silk.  At the time, I was over the silk version by the time I finished it and it has sat in my wardrobe since then.  Finally yesterday I got it out to wear to work and really liked it (why I did wait so long?)

I have matched it with Simplicity 2451, which I made back in February last year.

Both patterns featured in the Pattern Review best patterns of 2010.

I enjoyed wearing this top so much, that I have decided to make some more shell tops. The top I have decided to make is the Sorbetto Top.  A pattern which should be on the top 2011 pattern list.  Many successful versions have been made, the latest one I have seen here.

Now to finish my Vogue 1250 and then to find the sticky tape to prepare that pattern... Ciao!

Finally finished...

I have been working on or should I say looking at my unfinished Simplicity 2599  for weeks and now that I have finally had some time to finish it, I am a bit mehhh about it.  I am hoping I will grow to love it as it was a very expensive piece of fabric.  This is my second top from this pattern and I do love the first one I made... in a very cheap fabric!  Ah well, I am sure after a bit of hanging time in the cupboard this one will get used too.

The other thing that is finally finished is our house extension/renovation.  This one I am enjoying immensely and we are slowly settling in to our new surroundings.  We have plenty to do as yet - curtains, gardens and some more furniture, but I am afraid I am going to start boring you with pictures of it now.  

Today I present the kitchen and dining room... ta da!...

I am enjoying the new kitchen very much and last week-end when my DH's family visited we had plenty of room for everyone at the dining table!

Next up Vogue 1224 and probably more house piccies...Ciao

Another one of the top 10 made.. Simplicity 2599

I was so excited to finish this top, I have done the thing I don't normally do - the mirror self-portrait!

This is Simplicity 2599.  This top is also another one of the top 10 patterns of 2010.  If you read my blog, you may know that I have set the challenge to make all top 10 outfits (a follower I am!)

 

This version is my trial version made in a polyester chiffon (yoru?) which cost all of $5 m and seemed perfect for this top.  It is Version B with cap sleeves and vertical ruffles.

I was concerned when I first tried it on after inserting sleeves that it would be too tight across the shoulders.  I need to get a photo of the back and try wearing it for a day to see how it goes on that score.

  As you can see, it fits Diana very well across the back, but my shoulders are a little broader.

 

This is a great little top.  It has different cup sizes and I am the b-cup as my high bust is very similar to my full bust (that's those pecs I have worked on so hard ;) )

Even with the cup sizes I found I had to go down a few sizes as the ease is massive in this top.  I am a 34" bust which corresponds to a size 12 but it had something like 5 1/2" ease across the bust - too much for me.  I went down to the size 8, which has 3" ease.  

The other things I did were to leave off the button closure at the back as it slipped on very easily without this, so even though I think it looks cute, I know I will never undo the button.

I also left off the facing and used rayon seam binding to finish the neck edge.  I did as others have done with this too and used a roll-edge hem to finish the ruffle edge. 

The only tip (which I hope will work through the wash!) is that the ruffles are attached with two rows of stitching 3mm apart and the edge is raw.  As this fabric ravels terribly, I made the second row of stitching a narrow zigzag and then trimmed close to the stitching.  I am hoping that it will keep it tidy as well as hold it through washing.  I used my duck-bill scissors to trim the excess fabric.  I love these scissors - you don't want to be cutting a hole in your top at this stage!

Lulu was my sewing helper today and as you can see gave my top the seal of approval...

 

I am now washing my very expensive piece of silk to make another version of this cute top... Ciao!

McCalls 5974 - Best Pattern 2010

McCalls 5974 was voted Best Pattern for 2010 on Patternreview.com. For very good reason... it is a fabulous pattern, easy to make and very flattering to wear. I am not sure if I will review this - see these reviews if you want to read more on the sewing of this pattern. Not that there is too much you need to know... pretty much make it (wait for the weather to warm up enough) and then wear it! ... and feel great in it!






I made this as part of my quest to make all top 10 patterns... I think I may only have 4 left to get to that goal!