A lot of my sewing at the moment hasn’t been for me. I haven’t made a garment for myself since the vintage dresses and the vintage pledge I made back in August! I bought quite a few vintage patterns to have a go at but unfortunately other projects have taken over and they have been sat in a drawer for a while. I have decided that I would like to make something for myself once per week. Last week I made the cute little bag, but it doesn’t really fit into the ‘clothing’ category!
The pattern that I pulled out this week was the Simplicity 8830, published in 1970. A simple one for the vintage pattern pledge! The trousers and skirt don’t really appeal to me that much but I liked the look of the floaty v-neck top. This pattern is a size 12. According to the measurements on the pattern, I would need a size 16. However, when I made the last vintage pattern bigger to suit my measurements, it actually turned out to be far too big. I took a risk with this one and made a straight cut size 12 without any pattern adjusting 
I was very impressed with how little fabric this used. The pattern fit perfectly on a folded 44″ wide fabric. I bought the green material on one of my first fabric shop outings here in the US; it was a bargain at $2.50 per yard.
Piecing the top together was simple and the instructions were clear. Next time I use this, I will probably use a light interfacing on the facing pieces to add a little bit more structure. I still haven’t decided whether to put a bow or buttons on the front… or just leave it plain.
Once I had made this top, I had the garment making bug again so had a quick go at making the zippy top from See Kate Sew. This is a great quick pattern to cut and sew together. I actually used a different way of inserting a zipper, which I prefer to the other methods that I know. I love the elegant swirly fleur de lis style print on this fabric but it was being naughty for the camera and didn’t want to be focused on I will definitely be making many more of these tops as they are a perfect for hiding muffin top tummies!
threads + bobbins 
Love the pattern and both of the tops, I haven’t been brave enough to make anything with stripes yet, was it tricky?
Thanks! It cut quite well as the full piece of fabric was just folded in half….I didn’t need to think too much about them! I dont think that they are too bad either
Love that green fabric! Well done on making yourself something too 🙂
Thank you 🙂
I absolutely love the fabric with the green vines. It’s perfect for the pattern.
Even back then there was a massive price differential between Canadian and American prices! Love the top! I have to ask: were you making the one in the yellow with the notions? Where are the notions?!
Well both tops are actually the same…. you choose to put a bow or buttons on… I haven’t chosen yet! Still can’t make my mind up, may even leave it plain! 🙂
I think it looks great as it is. I’m just curious as to what you’ll add for notions! Often, the notions are my favourite part of DIY projects. 🙂
Yes mine too! I did think about a crochet flower for the centre or the shoulder but wasn’t sure whether it would be too much with the busy fabric!
That’s true! It could make it a bit cluttered since it would mean including another texture. You could always add a crochet flower as a brooch? Or as a detachable piece!
I adore vintage clothing! I can’t sew to save my life, but I’m a huge thrift store shopper and am always looking for great retro clothing items to add to my wardrobe. Love the fabric you selected!
Thanks! I like retro clothes too but often need to alter them to fit me! I spend a lot of time routing through thrift stores and antique shops. 🙂