I'm not sure this is really kosher for Jungle January. I made this top in the last three days of 2013. BUT - I just took the photos today! And I love this top, so I'm going ahead with it.
If you follow me on Instagram, or if you've taken a peek at my stash pages up above, you've already seen this fabulous sequin leopard print. I actually bought two separate pieces of this fabric, because I loved it so much and I was planning on making some pattern changes so I wanted insurance!
This top is the same as my first two sequin tops. When I went back and took a look at the magazine, I discovered that there was a version with sleeves. My first two used pattern 12/2012 #118B, and you may remember that there was no download option for that pattern. But this is 12/2012 #119 - it uses the same pattern pieces and adds in sleeves - and this one is on the website. I think this is a great little pattern, so if you are looking around for a simple darted top, do consider this one.
The sleeves on #119 are long and full. I knew that I wanted elbow-length sleeves for this top, so I traced the sleeve pattern piece but then trimmed the arms down to match the Renfrew long sleeve, which fits me well. I knew that making the top out of this sequin sweater knit, the fit would be looser - and that is just what I was looking for with this one.
I did end up trimming sequins on this top as well, but not as much as on the last one. I used the plain fabric from the selvage to make bindings for the neck and sleeves, so didn't need to trim there. Then I tried on the top to see if the sequins were scratching me and where. It turned out that they really only bothered me on the inside of the arms, so that's the only place I had to trim.
Here's a little sequin-trimming anecdote for you:
Hubby: "There are sequins in the bathtub."
Me: "I know. I was making another top. I haven't cleaned up yet."
Hubby: "But they're in the bathtub. How did they get here?"
Me: "On the bottom of your feet. You're a Carrier."
Hahaha. He was so disconcerted! But: I think I'm over the sequins. For now.
Also, this project was the first entry in my new notes binder! I placed my pattern pieces in a zip-lock bag when I was done and stuck that just behind the note page.
Anyway, I think this is pretty cute. In my mind, it reads Laura Petrie. But there's a tiny voice in the back of my head saying maybe it reads more Palm Beach retiree? I think I can be OK with that.
Here's a close-up of the front and back, so you can see the fit better:
I think of this as my casual, day-time sequin top. I would totally wear this out for lunch with these little gold flats and jeans. You can dress it up or down, and it's actually pretty comfortable.
If not, have a good laugh on me!
