Two Tops

I keep saying that I'm going to do this, but I never do. I always admire people who make a pattern, and then make it again immediately. It is such a smart thing to do. First of all, you already have everything out (pattern pieces, notions, etc.)and all of the directions are fresh in your mind. If there are any fit issues, it is easy to tweak them, since you just made it and you know what needs to be changed. But do I do this? No, well, not until today. I started out making the off-white top because I needed a basic top that would go with just about everything. I wear a lot of white and off-white tops, but I never seem to have enough of them. I had this acrylic sweater knit from fabric.com and made up the top from McCalls 4517.

I also knew that I wanted to make another knit top out of this purple and black fabric. Since I already had everything out, I just cut and made another one. It took about half the time of the first, because I already knew what I was doing. I really like how the second one came out. It is from a poly lycra knit that reminds me of chrysanthemums, so I'm calling this top my "chrysanthemum top".



I did make a couple of changes on the second version. First of all, I made it about 1.5 inches longer. Next, I lengthened the dart in the front. The gathers in the front are done by taking a dart in the CF, and then gathering it up with elastic. I really like how this works, and the sleeves are done the same way.



We're going to be gone most of the day tomorrow, but I would like to get the black wool pants cut out this weekend.