I was recently contacted by Mari on Instagram who was interested in doing a collaboration with me. I said hell yeah, I’d love to do a collab! I love the opportunity Instagram provides us with to make such amazing connections with others who share the same interests. After much deliberation, we decided on Simplicity 8694. Mari made view C and I sewed up view D.
Fabric and Construction
I chose to use this cotton shirting fabric I picked up at Joann Fabric while it was on sale for 50% off. It’s called Cape May Cotton Shirting which is blue with white anchors and it can be found here. I thought it was so cute when I saw it and thought it would be perfect for a summer make, and I was right. This fabric is very light and airy plus it’s blue. (my fav color) I selected View D because I love anything with ruffles. Based on my measurements, I cut a size 20. This top is fairly simple to make, but it does take a little time to sew up so pack your patients. The neckline and sleeves feature this really cute ruffle which is continuous from sleeve to sleeve on both sides of the top. It also features loops and a tie which holds the sleeves together.
Tips & Mistakes Made
Pattern piece 10 is for the loops and ties for the top and you need to cut 6 pieces. After I made my ties and loops I used a Dritz Loop Turner to turn the loop and ties right side out. This little tool saved my life! It was so simple to use and made turning out my skinny ties right side out a breeze. The Dritz Loops Turner is current on sale for $2.69 at Joann Fabric. It will be the best $2.69 you ever spend! Now on to my boo boo. I made a mistake and sewed on ALL 28 of my loops on the incorrect side of my sleeves and shoulder facing. I did not realize this until AFTER I had sewn them all on, attached my facing and trimmed my seam allowance. It wasn’t until I was about to do my understitching that I realized what I did. I had to grab my handy seam ripper and remove all of my loops and facing. Just so that you all know, the instructions were clear, I just made the unfortunate mistake of not realizing what side the instructions indicated to sew the loops on. Whoops.
Over all, I love how my top came out. It’s fun and flirty with the little peak of skin. This top is also very flattering since it has a loose fit.
Collaboration with Mari
As I stated above Mari chose to make View C which also features the side ties with a bell sleeve. I love Mari’s version. I think it’s a perfect transition piece into fall since it is long sleeve.
You can read all about Mari’s version of Simplicity 8694 View C here. Make sure you follow Mari on Instagram at @sewsincerely_mars to see all her latest makes! This collaboration was so much fun to do. I love to see other sewist’s interpretation of the same pattern. If you would like to collaborate with me you can send me an email at jo@soveryjo or DM me on Instagram @soveryjo.
Until next time,
Johanna
Cute make homie
Thanks Amiga. xoxo
I love your style. thank you for the collab my friend. you made my experience a breeze.
Aww, thank you Mari. You are amazing and I’m still blown away by your level of skill for a beginner. Keep on creating beautiful things.