Here’s a fun and low stress quick sew: Simplicity 1072 sweatshirts!  After the long slog that was my Vogue 1440 project, I wanted a couple of quick sew projects to reinvigorate me and establish some momentum.  This looked like a quick and easy project to knock out!

For this pattern, I had already envisioned it in a black and red damask patterned sweater knit and a black faux leather remnant that I found at JoAnn.  I had bought quite a few lace collar inserts and other embellishment pieces at my local swap meet, so I thought maybe one of them could add some extra punch to this project.  I found a black one in my stash and set it aside.  I also was not feeling very keen on the damask sweater knit for the lower band and neck band.  I substituted black leather-look lycra (also found at the swap meet for $2/yd).

There were no surprises or challenges in the cutting, layout or sizing.  I cut my usual size 12 (after double checking the finished measurements) and put it together in under 1 hr.  The instructions were straightforward and quite good.  I did make a few modifications to the construction:

• serger construction for all seams
• one exception was piecing the front.  First I snipped to the marked circle and then sewed about 1″ before and after the “V” with a sewing machine to ensure a sharp, clean line. After that, I serged the entire length in one continuous seam
• For the applique, I placed it on the front after I completed the neckline, but before I sewed the side seams.  I pinned it to the faux leather and then stitched it down by machine, following the major design lines in the lace
• Once the applique was sewn on, I carefully cut away major sections behind it with applique scissors

This turned out to be a very striking and cute top when it was done.  I really like this pattern and I’ve already cut another one (with some design modifications)!

I highly recommend this pattern for sewers of all skill levels