From One Year to the Next

I was surprised to see in my spreadsheet that I sewed 22 things in 2015.

I made another quick flutter sleeve knit top with Simplicity 5723.  Click here to see my previous version.

The main difference is that I lengthened the top with my French Curve Ruler:

I also made the Easy Cosmetics bag from So Sew Easy,  Click here for the free pattern. This was a gift for a coworker.  It really was easy to sew.

I've already gotten a start on projects in 2016!

I made this Box Bag from Stacy Sews for a friend.  Click here for the free pattern.

It really was quick and easy, but I think it would have looked boxier had I followed the instructions to apply the zipper to the short edges, not the long edges!

Flutter Sleeve Top

I've had this really interesting fabric for quite a while - at least two years, but maybe more than seven years.  I'n not sure, but I finally acted on wanting to make something with it.

I originally thought I'd use this Butterick pattern.  I more recently decided that the pattern was too fussy for me, so I sold it:

I finally settled on this pattern.  I made the bottom view without sleeve slits:

Hubby helped me decide how to place the stripes, so the layout was fun.  I mostly cut it out for size 18, but I cut the smallest neck size:

I pinned the shoulder seams:

I used a log, narrow zigzag stitch to sew my seams:

After I made and attached the facing, I understitched with a three-step zigzag stitch:

I finished by topstitching about an inch from the neck edge.  then I sewed the side seams.

Because it's a knit, I did not hem the sleeves or the lower edge.

It was quick to make and it's easy to wear:

When I make it again, I will lengthen it by about three inches, since it barely tucks into my shorts and skirts.

I highly recommend this pattern!