Saturday morning on my worktable

A busy worktable!

A skirt ready to be hemmed by hand... Needles, thread, beeswax and skirt hooks. 

A pattern ready to be altered and fabric cutout.

This busy table makes me happy!

Simplicity 1463 a new summer top

Last week I finally got some pictures of myself in my new summer top Simplicity 1463.

These pics are not the best.... I'm trying out my new tripod and clicker so I can take self pictures. Of course this was the first warming day but the sun was in such a bad position and the yard was soooo full of mud and ice AND setting myself up was just a bit awkward!! LOL!! 

They will have to do and I will need to work on my self photo skills ;)

The fabric is a lightweight cotton blend open weave knit from a JoAnn's super sale. The colors in this are a perfect match for my new pair of purple capris! Yay for coordinating separates!! 

This shirt is definitely a very lightweight summer top and will be perfect for my upcoming girls trip to Puerto Rico. I particularly took my time deciding on the color placement of the stripes and think the yellow/green across my upper chest draws the eye up and looks pleasing to me. I also tried to match the stripes of the sleeve bands to the color in the main body. I came as close as I could with the fabric yardage I had.  

The sun was VERY bright in these photos and the colors look a bit washed out.

The pattern: simplicity 1463. I initially purchased this pattern for the view with the lace back yoke and sleeves. But I had no combinations of fabrics that would quite work for what I wanted. And since I'm on a fabric fast (mostly) I was not purchasing any! I decided instead to make the view on the left. I must say that the sleeves are made for arms that are MUCH skinnier than mine and the 'bat wing' is not nearly as pronounced as on the model pictured on the pattern front. Luckily this knit is quite stretchy and it doesn't bother me to have the sleeves tighter. Next time I will give myself a little more room in the sleeve band and the bottom of the sleeve.

For the neckline I used a bias strip of soft white cotton knit and then cover stitched the neckline and the hem. A quick and easy project.

I used fusible knit interfacing strips on all of the seams for stabilization. I love how this top turned out. It makes me happy to wear!

My grand baby princess is now 9 months and is getting up on all fours and is ready to take off! Time sure does fly by :) 

Happy Spring and Happy Sewing!