The 1301 is a summer top that complements anything from high-waisted shorts to casual jeans to a breezy A-line skirt. The top features a fitted bodice and sleeves that tie at the shoulder for a sweet and flirty touch. With its 1960s flair and nipped-in waist, the 1301 looks good on all body types. Warm weather is coming; now show what your mama gave you!
Designed to accentuate a curvy silhouette, it features curved darts on both the on the front and back, allowing for a more natural and bodice hugging shape. For the wearer’s convenience, the top features an invisible zipper on the side seam. It finishes at hipbone level, making it easy to tuck in or leave out.
If you’re a lover of vintage style (even when it comes to your skivvies!), rest assured that this top has been tested with vintage-style bras and allows for that special, pin-up girl silhouette.
This pattern comes with a standard bodice and three shoulder/sleeve variations:
Version 1 features tie knots at the shoulder, leaving it up to you to play with positioning. Please note that the neck facings lead into the shoulder ties  so they will be visible. I recommend using the same fabric for all elements of the top or—if you want to be adventurous— choosing a contrasting color for the neck facings to add a fun pop at the shoulders.
Version 2 is business in front and party in the back! With this variation, the ties go flat over the shoulder and fasten at the shoulder blades.
Version 3 boasts puffed kimono tie sleeves that are created with gathers and supported by a sleeve facing that sits against the arm inside and ties at the side of each arm. Like Version 1, the facings lead into the tie pieces, which will let you have fun with contrasting colors and prints.
The instructions booklet comes with an overview and a more detailed illustrated steps for sewing the top.  The skills you’ll need to make version 1 are sewing straight and curved seams, under-stitching a facing, narrow hem and inserting an invisible zipper. In version 2 you’ll be sewing in button-holes. Version 3 requires a little more work with gathering and sewing in the inner sleeve facing, but I’ve included detailed steps on how to sew the sleeve facing onto the sleeve, so with some careful stitching and snipping you’ll be just fine!
For the 1301, I would recommend a light to medium weight woven fabric. For the sample in the photos, I used a cotton voile, but a small gingham print would be absolutely darling and de rigeuer for Summer 2015 trends. For a dressier look, you could try a silk dupioni, which will give the ties more body and lend more structure to the bodice.
You can also check out the 1301 Pinterest mood board that I’ve created with the inspiration behind the top and I can’t wait to start adding your makes to the board.
You can purchase the 1301 here, with 10% off until April 30th with the code ‘Spring10’ at checkout!