Secret projects revealed, Simplicity 9652 top and some knitting

When I was making Christmas presents for her cousins, my younger daughter thought they were terrific, and wanted me to make her some too. I wriggled out of this nicely - all nieces wear children's sizes, and my 13 year old daughter is in adult sizes.
However, the little sun-top Simplicity 9652 was not too hard to alter.

I made the child's size 14 a little longer (perhaps a tad too much), and added a FBA to the child shaped bodice to fit a more grown up figure. I used a different variation of the top, with an angled front and non-adjustable straps, and wrapped it up with the the straps pinned in place. If I had actually fitted it to her whilst making it, the only change would be to use slightly longer elastic for the gathered front neckline. I don't think it is bad enough for unpicking. (Post Christmas laziness is rife here at the moment)

The top is made from quilting cotton, upper bodice lined with batiste. It is very cool to wear due to the open back and loose empire line shape.


My daughter also benefited from a knitting disappointment. The first bolero I made for my 10 year old niece was far too big. It fits my daughter nicely, so I was able to give it to her instead. She is very pleased with it, and was surprised with her gift, which is a bit tricky when you sew and knit in the family room!

Presents for Nieces, Simplicity 9652

I am not doing very much Christmas present sewing, due to time pressure, but after the very pretty lace bolero I was knitting for my 10 year old niece turned out to be a little too large for my 13 year old daughter, it suddenly occurred to me that A) Sewing is faster than knitting and B) It is possible to buy most of a Christmas present, and just slip a little hand made something in to the parcel in order to keep the nieces addiction to custom clothing alive. I have been receiving a few hints lately, which is rather flattering.

Simplicity 9652 to the rescue.


This pattern must be out of print. A neighbour gave it to me about 6 years ago, as part of her moving house clear out. I had not made it before, but the apron-like top is a very good style for a child in our hot climate.



I made 3 versions of view D, with adjustable straps at the back, for my nieces aged 6, 9 and 10.


They live too far away for me to measure them for fitted garments. (My sister's many talents do not include accurate measuring for sewing purposes)
I used different cotton prints, and trims, to provide variation, whilst sneaking in some sisterly co-ordination for summer holiday photographs. These nieces live in Melbourne, where they might wear a top like this only a few times each Summer, but they are visiting us for a fortnight in January, so will need some hot weather clothes. I am looking forward to seeing them, even if they aren't wearing my sewing.