I’ve just finished making a top from Simplicity 2917, I bought the pattern for the summer dress designs, I do like long cotton dresses in the summer. However I noticed that the top (they call it a tunic!) looked rather nice and I decided it would be useful to try out the sizing on a top before I splash out on 4m of fabric.
The dress and top have a very flattering sweetheart neckline, princess line, with a choice of cap sleeves, 3/4 length sleeves or sleeveless. It zips down the back.
Last time I was in Leeds Market I fell for some dark blue fabric with a pretty flower design, like a calla lily. I’d seen it on line a few times and been tempted by it so I was pleased to see it much cheaper on the market. It’s what I would call a crepe, it’s not a fabric I usually go for as it doesn’t appeal to me on touch that much, but I must admit, it’s made up beautifully!
I decided to make it up in a size 12, increasing the hip to a 14, as I’m a bit paranoid about my bum! The very first seam was the centre front and I must admit that was the only bit I wasn’t happy with. The pattern has a centre front seam, now it is a perfectly straight seam cut on the grainline. I stitched the seam only to realise that my pattern didn’t match across, now I could have spent ages cutting out another pair trying to match the pattern across the seam. I chose to cut it out again but this time I placed it on a fold, omitting the centre seam completely. So I was clearly meant to buy that extra 1/2 metre I got cheap because it was the end of the roll!!
After that, the top went together beautifully, the instructions were clear and easy to follow. The cap sleeves are lined, stitching the lower edge first, which made a very neat finish. I prick-stitched the neck-facing down to ensure it didn’t creep up.
I’m really pleased with the top, it fits nicely, though I think next time I might risk just making a straight size 12. It drapes beautifully and I think I will be wearing it a lot this summer. Looking forward to making a dress now, I think this is going to be a well used pattern!
thecraftycreek 
Good idea to get rid if the centre front seam, looking at the pattern envelope it seems unnecessary anyway. Love the fabric, was it from fletchers? Might have a look next time I’m in Leeds 😀
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Hi Ali, the fabric was from Fletchers, they also had some in Sam Taylors but it was a much better price in Fletchers.
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Your top looks great and fits you really well. Love the fabric too!
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Thank you, I can see I’ll be wearing it a lot in the summer!
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Very, very pretty; I love that tip re: the center front seam, you made a good choice omitting that. I don’t sew many clothing items but that might change, I do really like this top!
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Thank you, I’ve already got a couple more fabric lengths lined up for this pattern!
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This top looks lovely. I’ve only tried making clothes a few times, and although I’ve had decent luck with A-Line skirts I’ve never been able to successfully pull off a top or a dress with a princess seam! Thanks for joining in Crafting Comment Karma again AND for adding us to your sidebar! 🙂
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Thank you Laura, I like making clothes, I’ve had my fair share of duffs though, trying to get sizing right!
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Perfect top! That fabric is really nice.
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Thank you Christine, I’m pleased with it.
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Very pretty! I typically shy away from garment sewing because I don’t like to have to make any sorts of pattern adjustments (mostly because I don’t know how and haven’t taken the time to learn…)
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Thank you Sally, I usually get the multi-size pattern so I can cut most of it out in a 12, then increase to a 14 for my hips!
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I’ve made this dress and the seams over the bust were tricky but are perfect. Only thing is the dress has come up very big and I now have adjustments to make😔 I wear a 12 in RTW and measurements said yo make an 18. I reckon I could have made a 14. Anyone else had this problem?
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Hi Debbie, sizing on patterns bears no resemblance to RTW sizes, I also tend to go more on the finished dress measurements rather than the sizing charts as they often have quite a lot of ease. However I recently made a vogue pattern and that came out huge!
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