Simplicity 1614 and a Budding Belly

This week Skirt Fixation is kicking off a new sew along and designer contest on their blog. The first theme was Nature Inspired and I thought it would be fun to sew along. I brought the nature into my look through my choice of fabric.

I have had this blue and gold floral cotton print in my stash for about a year. I found it at a flea market and have always loved it but didn't quite know what to make with it. Unfortunately there was not much of it, so I had to get a little creative with this top and only use it for the front piece and back strap. I gambled and mixed fabric types on this top by using a navy knit as the back fabric. I am happy to say it ended up working out pretty well and I love the soft drape the knit adds to the top, but it does pull a bit funny with the strap.

The pattern is Simplicity 1614 and I mixed two views together. I used view D in the front and View A for the back. I cut a 10 at the top and graded it out past the size 12 at the hip. I wanted to add a little extra wiggle room for my growing tummy (We are expecting our 3rd later this year). I messed up when piecing the back together so, I pretty much did not follow the instructions, and needed to cut things here and there to even them up and in the end it worked out. 

The inside is finished with bias tape I made from the left over floral fabric. 

I love that I can wear this loose during the summer and stay cool or layer it with a belt and cardigan for the cooler days we are still experiencing here (it snowed again today...boo!!). I am glad I finally put this pattern to use. It was a quick and easy sew (well, except when you decide to mix everything up and do it your own way.) And I would definitely recommend it to others and will be making more to add to my wardrobe for summer. I think I want to make one all out of knit and see if it works out- the soft and loose look it would create would be nice for the continuing expansion :)

Shannon