Triangular Keyhole Neckline in a Square Patterned Fabric with Simplicity 1280

Some tops with a triangular keyhole at the neckline and a crossover "draped" front:

More tops with similar details and sleeve variations

Simplicity 1280 is on-trend  

Pattern Description:
Top with banded keyhole neckline, elasticized waist and sleeve hems. (Simplicity's: "Misses's leggings, tunic in two lengths and tops")

Pattern Sizing: XS-XL.
I sewed a "M".

I wore my version to work today, Monday (staff meetings and classroom prep time) after the three week winter vacation.  The students officially start school tomorrow.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? 

Yes, even to a somewhat strange puff below the left hip.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, especially if you have sewn various types of tops. It was much easier to sew the sleeves in flat instead of setting them per the instructions. Moreover, there seemed to be not mention to baste or stitch together the two fronts (wearer's right overlapping the left) at the lower edges before turning under for the hem (casing for the elastic), making sure the hem accommodates the width of the elastic.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the keyhole neckline. I am still not sure certain about this blouson style with the crossover front. It is somewhat billowy below the hip and not quite the flattering and slightly fitted style that I favor. Being short-waisted, I tend to avoid extra fabric below the bust.

Fabric Used: ITY knit

 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
My usual narrowing of 3/8" at the center back, 1" petite adjustment at the waist. I also lengthened the sleeves another inch.

Instead of sewing the band onto the outer portion of the neckline, I sewed it onto the neckline from the inside of the top (right side of the band's edge to the wrong side of the neckline), turned it to the outside with the raw edge tucked underneath, and top-stitched close to the edge.

 I also adjusted the elastic after inserting it through the casing (at the sleeve and lower hem of the blouse), snipping/removing some extra length before sewing the ends of the elastic 

 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Maybe one of these will do for now. I recommend the pattern if this style (and/or shorter sleeved top that I did not sew) appeals to you.

Just this past weekend at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, CA, witnessing "The Taylor Swift Experience" exhibit.

  

My Taylor Swift fan:

Listening to a sample of Miss Swift's music accompanied with a video of a performance.

Collarly Pursuits

I hope you are all having a nice start of the new year.

After 5 months of an unintended sewing "hiatus", I sewed three tops (first from Simplicity 1280 and two from McCall's 6796) within 2 days.  I was inspired to return to my sewing machine after seeing Sherril Miller's gorgeous new wardrobe. My two tops came from McCall's 6796. That "sideswept" collar enabled me to purchase this.

 

 Last month, I just happen to find a sweater in Macys.com that closely resembles view "D":

Pattern Description:
"Misses' tops: Close-fitting, pullover tops have collar variations and narrow hem."

Pattern Sizing:6-8-10-12-14. I sewed a "12".

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, sans the buttons

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, especially if you have sewn basic knit tops with collars.


 

Likes/Dislikes
I like the overall fit, the draped collar and the sleeve options. It is very easy to sew. Although it is an "easy" pattern, it is also "easy" to reverse the location of the collar opening and points. Nothing to dislike with this pattern.

Fabric Used: 
Both tops: ITY jersey from fabricmartfabrics.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
My typical 1" petite adjustment at the waist and removing 3/8" from the center back.

Usually for knit tops, I sewed in the sleeves "flat" instead of setting them in as directed.

For my second top, I cut the front and back along the bias (to look less like a sports referee). The stripes go vertical along the original grain. 

 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Since I already sewed two sleeveless tops in the same style, I might sew another top but with sleeves and including the buttons. I definitely recommend this pattern. Ideal for beginners and for some easy sewing gratification.

Conclusion:
It took approximately one evening to sew each top. :-)