A Trio of Tops

We are well into January by now, but during that last week of December bookended by the holidays, I stole some quiet time to relax, sleep in, take the dog on walks, and do a bit of easy sewing. The result is a trio of tops that have already gotten a ton of wear. 

Pattern: my modified McCall's M6164

Fabrics (left to right): 1.5 yds each of chocolate chip rayon knit, remnant sweater knit, and another rayon knit, all from Stonemountain

Cost: about $15 each

In my new years reflections, it has become painfully obvious how much I love a good knit top. They are incredibly comfortable, easy to wear, and what I reach for most every day. Working remotely in an office I rent with a bunch of dudes, they are also perfectly casual for my daily life. Still, it was nice to freshen up my t-shirt game with some pieces in new prints and styles that make me feel good.

First up is a v-neck shirt that I originally paired with my velvet holiday pants. I wanted a casual counterpart to all the sparkle. While it is cut with the same pattern as the others, I added an inch to each side seam at front and back (four inches total) at the hem, grading back down to nothing at the underarm. The fit is now a bit more forgiving, similar to the Deer & Doe Plantain shirt. I love a good white T, and have already worn this one a few times. 

Next up is this incredibly soft sweater knit from the remnant pile at Stonemountain. The color reminds me of a favorite turtleneck from my childhood and I think works well with my skin tone. I wanted to do an oversized cowl for this one, but with limited fabric ended up just more of a small, floppy one. I also struggled with the hems, as the fabric didn't have as much recovery. They are now a bit wavy. Still, this is the warmest of the bunch and very soft and wearable.

This is by far the prettiest of the three and I have already gotten a ton of compliments. It is very fitted, but the fabric is thick and cushioned enough that it doesn't show every lump and bump. I like that I can dress it up or down, and look perfectly pulled together but comfortable. I didn't do the best with pattern placement, but those painterly flowers are so pretty it doesn't really bother me. A winner for sure!

All three were drafted with my modified McCall's M6164, which is now out of print and has hilariously wacky sleeve options. I made a few fit changes and traced my own version, complete with various neckline and sleeve length options. It makes it so easy to whip out a bunch of tees anytime the urge strikes.