Simplicity 8891: Back to sewing

Hello! It feels like forever since I’ve posted a sewing make! I took a break from social media and sewing and I read, I read 30+ books in the last few months and just relaxed. I tried knitting to calm my nerves and no, that is not relaxing for me, it was more frustrating than relaxing LOL! I want to give myself permission to do other enjoyable things that allow me to not be so isolated in my sewing room, reading is not social either LOL but hey, I like to have a few things I can do as hobbies.

I haven’t written out any plans, but I know I want some dresses and tops. After looking in my closet, that’s what seems to need the biggest refresh, so I started with a top. I’d like a few more dresses too so I’m looking through my patterns. Do you pick the fabric first or the pattern?

Let’s get to it, I’ve made Simplicity 8891 in a Kelly Green Linen, I’m sure I purchased the linen from LA Finch Fabrics a few months ago. I really like this shade of green, I originally purchased the fabric to make pants but decided on a top because if I liked the top I would make the dress. The linen is mid weight with a stiff hand even after treatment, this would have held up well as pants or a blazer. I like the top, I like the pleats and the look it gives. The only thing I don’t like but would be super easy to fix is the neckline, I would like a wider, lower neckline, I think it would really look great, but that I can adjust if need be.

The only adjustments I made was to do a cheater FBA, cutting the size 22 at the neckline and sleeve, grading to a 24 at the bust and then a 26 at the hip. That seemed to work well for me, with the pleats, it makes it easier to adjust to your figure, giving or taking out room at the waist. The last adjustment I made was adding two inches just above the pleats on the front and back bodice pieces. This ensured the pleats wouldn’t be too high considering my boobs and belly. I like where the pleats hit on me after the adjustment and the two inches gave me the additional length I needed per my usually length adjustments.

I want to make this again with a fabric with a little more drape (rayon twill maybe), I like things to drape on my body and this stands a way from the body a bit which makes it good as a topper. That’s it for this, super easy make, great for beginners and I would make it again. I was actually surprised I found buttons to match this green, I was fully prepared to make and use covered buttons if I didn’t find any.