My Aim is Blue!

A winner of a pattern from New Look! Oops! I did not plan on the large flower to be in an unexpected location! It would have been better if it was placed on the center of the upper bodice.






Pattern Description
Misses' knit top with self-lined upper bodice and pleated front

Size
I sewed a "12" instead of my usual 14. I recommend sewing a muslin to check size and fit issues. I think a 14 would have been looser at the bust. The type of knit could also be taken in account.

Fabric
First version: cheap mesh knit from Wally-Marty.
Second version: floral ITY fabric from Fashion Fabrics Club.

Favorite Features
* Self-lined upper front. I do not have to worry about the neckline gaping.
* Sleeve variations
* Overall style and flattering fit
* Easy to construct


Directions
They seemed fine accompanied by helpful illustrations. When I sewed my second version, I rarely referred to the steps.

Steps
*Create the front pleats below the neckline
*Attach the self-lining to the upper front
*Finish the back neckline
*Attach the self-lined upper front to the back at the shoulders with a piece of stabilizer, right sides together, ensuring that the self-lining remains beneath the back. The illustration does not clearly show this, but the directions stated this.
*Turn the blouse right side out, checking that the shoulder seams have a clean finish (no stray piece of lining jutting out!). I learned a lot after making my first version!
*Attach the lower front to the upper front, right sides together, aligning the notches
*BEFORE sewing the side seams, sew the pre-hemmed sleeves in flat.
*Finish the lower edge of the entire top


Modifications
* Shortened the length by 1"
* Sewed the sleeves in flat instead of setting them in as instructed.

Second version:
* I gathered the neckline instead of making the 6 little pleats. Some temporary adhesive probably would have been very convenient to hold them in place prior to basting and stitching the self-lining.
* I shortened the sleeves and added a pleat just above the lower hem.
* I omitted the little facing for the back neckline. I just turned the raw edge under and sewed a little seam allowance using a narrow zig zag stitch.

Conclusion
I highly recommend this top for its simplicity and flattering style! The fact that I made two versions one right after the other shows that this top is now a new TNT pattern for me!

True Blue!