Simplicity 5584

I finally finished the vintage top pattern that I have been working on. The pattern is dated 1973, which admittedly isn't my favorite style decade. The pattern includes 2 tops that have either a v neck or a round neck and an unlined cardigan. I made the round neck sleeveless top in a cream colored knit. I had originally had bought the fabric to make a modern Vogue pattern for a cowl neck top. However, when I went to lay out my pattern pieces I discovered that I didn't have enough fabric. In hindsight, I didn't pick a very good pattern to use up that fabric. The fabric isn't terribly thick, which renders it a bit see through, and you can see the neck and armhole facing through the shirt. Being able to see the facing makes it feel very homemade to me, which isn't exactly what I'm going for.


Now, let's get to the fun part, the picture, before I enlighten you on a few more of the details.

 

I think that it turned out a bit plain, but I have a blue plaid jacket that I think it will work well under. Of course, this project wasn't without a few trials and tribulations. First, I am apparently a horrible sewing machine mother and don't feed my machine nearly enough. How do I know this? Well, my machine attempted to gobble up my fabric every time I tried to sew. It would get sucked down and then chewed on until I could yank it back out with all my might. ( My failure at sewing machine motherhood can also be attributed to the fact that my machine doesn't even have a name.) 

Overall, this top was really easy to sew together and wasn't confusing in the slightest, even with the somewhat scarce directions. I did have to take in the side seams after I had sewn them together though because it was a bit too big, which was causing the underarms to gape open. The bust was a size 38 and I think that I should be making a 36.  Also, this top calls for a zipper to be installed down the seam in the back. Since this is a knit I didn't really find that necessary so I opted to leave it out.. The only reason I can think of for needing a zipper in a knit is if you're still sporting a beehive hairdo and don't want to wiggle a top over your mountain of hair.

Here is a picture of the pattern

The envelope of this pattern certainly won't be winning any awards for artistic creativity, but it is a window into the past, albeit a small one. I don't know if I will be pulling out this pattern again, but if I do I think I will be using a fabric with a pattern or print of some sort so that it won't be plain looking.

Well, that is all for tonight. I am off to attempt to mend the maternal relationship between me and my sewing machine. Thanks for stopping by!