Simplicity 3867 Top

Success!! I took advantage of the beautiful sunny evening and managed to take acceptable pictures tonight.

I finally photographed my Simplicity 3867 top.

This review is long overdue. This top was the first project I managed to tackle after my grandma passed away; which means I made it last June.

When I bought Simplicity 3867, I originally wanted to make the dress from the pattern. However, Seb told me I had just made a bunch of frocks - why not make a top instead? So, a top it was.

The fabric is a Swiss dotted cotton which was given to me by one of Seb's grandmas - it was in the stash of one of her friends, who loved sewing and died last year (I already used a red fabric from that stash). I also have a memory of my grandma using Swiss dotted cotton for a dress for my older sister (that was before I was even born, but we still have the dress).

Besides, since the top has all those pleats just above the waist, I wanted something thin and airy in order to avoid adding extra bulk as much as possible.

The Swiss cotton is so lightweight that it is see-through. Consequently, I lined the upper bodice with the same fabric, and had my first experience with sewing sheer fabric.
I had just received my first (and last??? Never got the Fall one and they're now discontinuing subscriptions) issue of SewStylish, and they explained very well how to sew with sheers.
I did French seams to construct the garment, so as to avoid unsightly seam allowances showing through. (Sylvie, that is what I wanted to explain to you when you showed me your sheer blouse in progress).
French seams are, of course, called coutures anglaises in French. ;)

I'm proud of this garment - it looks as good from the inside as from the outside (when I take it out of the washing machine, I have to look twice to check whether it's inside out!). For obvious reasons, I wanted to do the best job I could with it. It was a bitter-sweet experiment and it took me months before I felt like wearing that top.

(Wow, I look terrible in this picture. I had just had a shower and hadn't even brushed my hair, let alone put a little makeup; and I haven't had a proper night in weeks. Sorry, friends!).

Conclusion: this is definitely not the most flattering top I own, but so what? Who cares if it makes me look a bit bigger than I am. I love the details in that design. The pleats at the waist and shoulders and gathers at the bust are so pretty.
I can't wait to try out another Threads/SewStylish pattern. (I've been eyeing 3744 and 3678 for a while)

A final one, just for fun: this is what happens when you're photographing yourself and forget to set the timer! At least you can see the raised dots in the fabric if you click on the picture.

You can read a more thorough review here.

I also used the opportunity to photograph the Onion top, so you can expect another review later this week. :)