Sunday, March 1, 2009

Simplicity 4095 mesh top





This must be my most used pattern ever. I have made the skirt 3 times and now the top 3 times. And I rarely use a pattern more than once! This review is for the top and since I did a few things differently I decided to write a new review for Pattern Review. The pattern has a wrap over top with gathered forward shoulders and gathers where the top wraps to the side seam. There is also a 6 panel skirt and elastic waist pants and a second top pattern that does not wrap. That's a lot in one pattern.

I used a mesh which I'm guessing is probably nylon. I decided to copy some RTW mesh tops I've seen which have double layers in the bodice and no hems. Doubling the fabric is very useful with the mesh as it is on the sheer side. It was a little confusing to sew the doubled pieces together as it is very easy to loose track of which is the inside and which is the outside. I changed the order of sewing to make this work. First the neckline gets sewn and turned. So instead of binding the edge and topstitching you just stitch right sides together and turn. I did this with the serger so that I had a very narrow finished seam inside. This is nice with the sheer fabric. I then sewed the shoulders so that all seams would be hidden inside. Sew up the side seams and set in the sleeves. The sleeves are a single layer. And thats all. No hems at the bottom to stretch out.

I got this fabric out of my stash to make an alternative top to wear with the blue cotton knit Sandra Betzina skirt. However once finished I have decided that there is too much going on with the print and the busy skirt plus the color doesn't go quite as well as I originally thought. So I will wear it with jeans.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your shirt looks fantastic! That is a really good tip regarding mesh. I should try. Thanks for sharing.

Pam Erny said...

Ann....fabulous Top and I love the skirt too! You look fantastic..lovely color on you!

Visit me when you get the chance and see what I've been up to!

Pam ~Off The Cuff~
(from the old "sewzine" days!)

Anne-Marie said...

I understand why you did it 3 times, it seams to have been designed for you...Specially the skirt. Very young and fashionable look. Blue is a great colour on you.

Birgitte said...

What a beautiful color on you! The top and skirt ensemble is fabulous.

Meg said...

Me too, I've been doing the no-hems in knits thing. That's all you see in RTW these days. I like this on you a lot. I just made a wrap top too which hopefully I'll post soon.

Pam Erny said...

BTW Ann...please stop by my blog to pick up an award....

Pam ~Off The Cuff~

Pam Erny said...

Ann....please don't forget to stop my blog to collect the "Sisterhood Award" that
I nominated you for at 2am yesterday morning :)

Pam ~Off The Cuff~

Diana said...

A gorgeous outfit and it looks great on you.

Linda T said...

Just nominated you for the Sisterhood award. Your work always inspires!