Anchors Away in Simplicity 8694 | A Collaboration with Sewsincerely_mars

I was recently contacted by Mari on Instagram who was interested in doing a collaboration with me.  I said hell yeah, I’d love to do a collab!  I love the opportunity Instagram provides us with to make such amazing connections with others who share the same interests.  After much deliberation, we decided on Simplicity 8694.  Mari made view C and I sewed up view D.

Fabric and Construction

I chose to use this cotton shirting fabric I picked up at Joann Fabric while it was on sale for 50% off.  It’s called Cape May Cotton Shirting which is blue with white anchors and it can be found here.  I thought it was so cute when I saw it and thought it would be perfect for a summer make, and I was right.  This fabric is very light and airy plus it’s blue. (my fav color) I selected View D because I love anything with ruffles.  Based on my measurements, I cut a size 20.  This top is fairly simple to make, but it does take a little time to sew up so pack your patients.  The neckline and sleeves feature this really cute ruffle which is continuous from sleeve to sleeve on both sides of the top.  It also features loops and a tie which holds the sleeves together.

 Tips & Mistakes Made

Pattern piece 10 is for the loops and ties for the top and you need to cut 6 pieces.  After I made my ties and loops I used a Dritz Loop Turner to turn the loop and ties right side out.  This little tool saved my life!  It was so simple to use and made turning out my skinny ties right side out a breeze.  The Dritz Loops Turner is current on sale for $2.69 at Joann Fabric.  It will be the best $2.69 you ever spend! Now on to my boo boo.  I made a mistake and sewed on ALL 28 of my loops on the incorrect side of my sleeves and shoulder facing.  I did not realize this until AFTER I had sewn them all on, attached my facing and trimmed my seam allowance.  It wasn’t until I was about to do my understitching that I realized what I did.  I had to grab my handy seam ripper and remove all of my loops and facing.  Just so that you all know, the instructions were clear, I just made the unfortunate mistake of not realizing what side the instructions indicated to sew the loops on. Whoops. Over all,  I love how my top came out.  It’s fun and flirty with the little peak of skin.  This top is also very flattering since it has a loose fit.