I have been having a little fun with this pattern – Simplicity 2147.
In fact, I have made it 3 times. I tried to make them each a bit different – but it’s so nice when you have a pattern figured out, you know the size works and it’s comfortable. You will have to try to look past my bad pictures. I think it’s much cuter in person, but I’m not a very good model and my husband isn’t a professional photographer! I made all 3 of them out of 2 way stretch knits, so they are very comfy.
The yoke is my favorite part – it’s a cute detail with five tucks and includes a small sleeve. That’s right – no set in sleeve! It’s built right into the yoke.
I also think it’s cute with a sweater thrown over the top. Here it is with my Vitamin D. Again – bad picture, but you can see the cute yoke details, it adds a splash of color, and if it gets cold, I can just throw a layer over it.
For my second one, I made it a bit longer and did a gathered yoke instead of the tucks.
And just a note – When I was sewing this, I kept asking my Mom questions about what the pattern said to do as far as construction. The pattern called for bias tape around the neck. Because I was using a knit, Mom showed me how to add ribbing. It was a lot like doing a single fold binding, but you have to stretch it more. She also showed me a few tips for getting a nice hem – Like using a strip of knit interfacing along the hem to make it lay nice and using a twin stretch needle for doing the hem. Both resulted in a more professional looking finish, for a beginning sewer like me. I’m all for following patterns, but nothing compares to having a Mom with 50 years of sewing experience!
You can probably see the hem a little bit better on this photo
The main thing you can see is that the hem lays nice and flat.
For my last one, I used two colors.
I also changed up the neck a bit, so I had to do a facing instead of the ribbing that I was talking about earlier.
I also made it longer, so I could wear it with legging. I’m not sure if I will keep it long. I don’t think it’s as flattering, but I like the comfort of leggings.
Once again, the pattern is Simplicity 2147. For those of you who are interested in sewing clothes, I would recommend this pattern. I feel sort of reluctant sharing, because my sewing is nothing special and I don’t like modeling for photos, but several of you mentioned that you were interested in sewing clothes again. I just wanted to encourage a few of you to give it a try!
If you would like to see some more cute variations on this pattern, click here.
Trends and Traditions 
So glad you are making clothes and showing different patterns and styles. This top is so cute but big chest might look huge with those pleats! Keep showing us thecute clothes you are making!
My favorite is the black and white one!
You did a splendid job on the tops! Thanks for sharing. Do you think the pattern runs true to size?
Yes, I think it runs true to size. All the other ones I’ve made haven’t so that is one of the reasons I have liked using this one.
Do you use a serger to sew on knits?
My Mom has a serger, so I have borrowed it quite a few times. It really does the best job at finishing, but when I am sewing at home on knits I either use a small zig zag or I use a straight stitch and pull it slightly as I sew.
Those are really cute.. don’t you just love when you can use a pattern more than once. They look perfect to me! I haven’t sewed clothes for myself in so long, due to the price of patterns these days.. I use to sew all my own clothes. Now I am into quilting. All good of course! Thanks for sharing your beautiful tops!
Really cute. I love the three patterns !
Nice job, like your variations to make it your own. I do love that blue feathered fabric. Once again, nice job. Sincerely, Paula K.
I do like that last one with the leggings and I think it’s very cute/flattering. And comfy!!!!! This almost makes me want to get back to sewing. Since the quilting entered, er- took over, my life I’ve not done any garments (years ago my business was sewing/creating bridal gowns & formal wear). Yup, definitely inspired!!!!! Love the post…………………Hugs from S.E. MN…………….
I never would have purchased that pattern but love the results. I also have sewn forever like your Mum and here advice is right on. Since starting to quilt I have only sewn 1 top and 1 pair of pants but am truly inspired to make at least tops again.
Very cute projects Heather, I’m curious about the knits. I have a hard time finding any cute knits. Where are these from?
The first two are from Hawthorne threads and the black and white one is from JoAnns
Super cute! Love the black and white one the best. Good job!
Heather, did you buy the pattern from you high bust measurement or true bust measurement?—I want to give this pattern a try…..all the tops look cute on you….I like the black with the leggings…
These are super cute and it’s got me excited about sewing some tops for myself. I wanted something that would look good with leggings, and this might be perfect. How do you know if the knit is double stretch? Just pull it both ways and see if it gives? Do you have any other tips for the ribbing for the neck? I’d love to give this a try!
Yes, just pull to see if it stretches both ways. I cut my strips for the neck 1 1/2″ wide and you have to cut them so they stretch with the length of the strip. If they are a two way stretch, you don’t have to worry which direction to cut the strips.
Love all the variations but the black and white is absolutely stunning on you! I changed from sewing clothes to quilting when I started gaining weight and nothing looked right on me. Luckily, beds come in standard sizes!!! Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy reading your blog.:)
I love your variations. I think I’ll look for the pattern.
All 3 shirts are cute, but the 3rd one would be gorgeous as a dress!! Love your sweater too! You are a fantastic knitter!!
Yummy colors!!
I have been searching Pinterest for a pattern like this! And I have my own Vitamin D sweater to go with it already 😉