Simplicity 7381: 1976 Short Kimono Sleeve Top





Finally! I'm back to sewing after my son was born last October and it feels great!!! This is one of the few things that I've had the chance to make for myself during the last month.

First of all, I want to proclaim my love for the illustration on the pattern envelope for Simplicity 7381, especially the illustration of the lady in the beret with her matching turtleneck top and wide leg pants and long pendant necklace. She just oozes bohemian cool circa 1976!

For this top, I used a colorful vintage 1970s faux patchwork print cotton fabric. The contrasting sleeve and neckbands are made from cotton chambray and are topstitched with white thread. There is a zipper in the back, but I almost never use it since it’s easy to just pull the top on over my head. I would probably omit the zipper if I ever decide to make this again. I highly recommend this pattern if you’re looking for a quick and relatively easy 1970s style top – it took me roughly 3 hours to finish. It’s one of those designs that’s perfect for spring and summer, but would also work in the fall and winter as a layering piece since it’s pretty roomy.

I've also blogged about this on my own blog as well as BurdaStyle.