Swimsuit Tight

Since my retirement lifestyle is rather casual, I have been trying to add some interesting knit tops to replace the "go to T's" I usually wear. I have the Teagarden T pattern that I have used several times (love those tops), and I have the Jalie Sweetheart that I have made a few times (that's a great one too). I have several Marcy Tilton patterns that I intend to sew, but haven't gotten around to yet.

I recently got a bee in my bonnet (is that just a Texas saying??) to sew the Jalie scarf top. I ordered the pattern from pattern review. Then I pulled out my Jalie Sweetheart pattern to see what size I traced--a "w". When the scarf top arrived I traced the pattern the next day.

Then life schedules hit, and I didn't get a chance to pull some knit to sew and try it out. Finally yesterday, I was able to fit it in. This is a soft knit--rayon I think. I can't for the life of me remember where it came from, but it's been around for a year or so.

Well, yesterday was not the best sewing day for me. I forgot that the sleeve was cut on the fold, so only cut one out--when I got ready to sew the 2nd sleeve, I had to cut another....then I serged the shoulder seams backwards--TWICE (thank you very much). I probably should have stopped at that point, but I was determined to see how this little jewel fit. Finally it was together so I could try it on.

Can you say TIGHT? Swimsuit tight. I.HATE.TIGHT. Don't know if you can see the skin tight fit on Saphroni..........I'm not even sure she can breathe....



It was time to stop and sleep it. I had plenty of fabric to cut the whole thing again.

After Curves this morning, I made my way back to the sewing room. I cut a size "Y" with an extra .5" side seam. I was able to cut one new sleeve from the back of the original top. I was also able to use the same tie collar as there was only about 1" difference in total length between the two sizes, and I didn't think that would even matter on the 2nd one.

MUCH BETTER. I can breathe! I sewed .25" seam (remember I cut the seam allowance bigger). Actually, I may take in the sides another .25" and knip it in at the waist just a tad for a bit more shaping.



Still needs hemming, but this top is a keeper, and this pattern will be sewn many more times. It is really fast to put together (if you don't mess up like I did the first time and have to rip, rip, rip).