A New Top & Tapering a Pantleg

I must be on a Threads kick lately, with 3 new garments from the Simplicity Threads Collection, and a linky-link (below) to their website! Weird... but, maybe not.  After all, I do think that their patterns are a step above the others, with special attention paid to details that make for good construction techniques and for better fitting garments.  In this new top (which I've made before), there are separate pattern pieces for different cup sizes.  I know I've got another one in the line-up (2424, isn't jacket A cute?) so, you know there must be something there I like!

 So, the top... it's Simplicity 2614.




The top right corner... yup, that's the one!

  The back and bottom of the front are bias cut, which helps make it a "pull-on".  I hate zippers closures in blouses, just so you know...  I cut the front top using the piece for a C-cup, and also placed the CF on a fold, and eliminated that seam in the picture.  The fabric was in the stash, from Joann's last spring.  It's got the texture of a shantung, and I absolutely love the colors (navy, purple, teal, periwinkle).  The v-neck is perfect for work, definitely not revealing, even when I lean over.  The sleeve length (on me) falls just under my elbow, so it's a love-hate length.  Good length for fall/winter, but I hate when the cuff catches under my elbow and I raise my arms and it pulls on the shoulders and makes me mad.  Not a deal-breaker, just slightly annoying. No biggie.  I made the size 14, and it fits great all-around, even in the length.  It works perfectly with the new navy pants, and makes me think that I should make a navy pencil skirt with the left over wool.  Another great wardrobe staple, so why not?!  Oh, and I found short cut on the sleeve cuffs using my serger! I folded the cuff in half lengthwise, and attached the gathering to both edges at the same time.  The serger cleans up the seam allowance, and I don't have to stitch the seam closed by hand.

Many thanks on all the compliments with the pants! I'm wearing the navy ones today at work, and I'm really happy with them.  I started thinking about the best way to taper the leg, and found this wonderfully illustrated article online from Threads Magazine, and thought I should share!  I also found a tapered pant pattern in my pattern drawer, and I might use that as a guide, too.  I'll keep you posted, as always!

Next up... that Hannah Montana pattern for Little Miss Princess.  I've got a super cute pink flannel plaid, and feel a little greedy doing all this sewing for myself this week!