Pretty in Pink – Sewing the Perfect Top!
Chronicles of “The Pink Top”
New Look 6962 is a cute smock style top that has a cross over bodice with an empire waist decorated with a tie in the front. The pattern offers the option of three different sleeve styles – three quarters, sleeveless or cap sleeves.
I like view D best so that’s the one I decided to make.
After reading the instructions, I decided I could get the top done in a couple of sewing sessions.
I already had the perfect pink fabric in my stash and all the notions I needed so I felt even more confident that I could whip this top out in no time.
The Beginning
After I began sewing I realized the fabric was see-through. Well, that’s not going to work. But hey! No big deal, I’ll just add a lining to it.
Adding a lining did put a small speed bump into my original thought of completing my pink top in a couple sewing sessions.
A Challenge . . .
I stitched the bodice and lining as the instructions showed then attached the two together and tried to turn it. And couldn’t. The more I tried to turn the right side out, the more of a knot I tied the bodice in.
Now I know this should work. It works with lined vests. After several more attempts and growing frustration, I decided to walk away and try again later.
I mulled over my dilemma all the next day trying to figure out what I had to do to fix it and had no ideas!
I called a sewing friend and ask her for advice. When I explained the bodice turning fiasco, guess what?! Debbie had the answer. She reminded me side seams have to be sewed AFTER turning.
Having sewing friends is such a blessing.
I went to work ripping out the side seams of the bodice and lining. Geez!! I forgot how much trouble removing serged seams is! I never seem to find the “magic” thread that unravels it all in one pull.
Another Challenge . . .
I went to work on stitching the bodice together. My plan was getting both sides stitched and pressed. Then get the armholes and neckline top-stitched.
But the bodice had other plans. After I stitched one side together and went to press it, I found I had this.
Hmmmm. . . Not quite what I had in mind. This bodice really has a mind of it’s own.
So back to ripping out the messed up side seam and restitching. This time I made sure I didn’t somehow get twisted up in the armhole. One side is stitched and pressed. The top-stitching will come later.
And Another Challenge . . .
This time it’s a mechanical challenge. My sewing machine is messing up. I just got my machine back from the repair shop about two weeks ago. Seems the issue won’t go away!
After sewing for a short time the top thread gets caught in the “finger” that’s in the bobbin area. Out of desperation I found a makeshift repair. I put a piece of tape over the “finger” and that worked.
I wanted to do the two button holes in the front the pattern called for then pull my backup machine out and use it. My backup machine doesn’t do buttonholes as nicely as my main machine.
I finished the button holes but not without a “mess up”. The first buttonhole I was doing when my machine started messing up looked awful. Luckily, I had extra fabric and remade that section.
I didn’t want to take the chance of messing up another bodice piece up so I did the front different and left off the buttonholes. I decided to tie a bow and tack it onto the front of the bodice. A lot simpler and didn’t change the aesthetics of the design.
I’m disappointed I used the rest of my fabric. I planned to make a cute top for my granddaughter. But being a long time sewer, I’ll just head to my stash and find another cute piece of fabric.
Crossing the Finish Line!
The pattern instructions have gathered cap sleeves that are 1/2 way around the arm hole and show a bias binding around the neckline and sleeves. The lining gave the neckline and sleeves a cleaner and more professional look.
Once I finished the bodice I began working on the bottom. I didn’t have the challenges like I did with the bodice. Stitching the bottom together and attaching to the bodice went smoothly.
The Final Results
When I tried on the finished pink top it looked like a maternity top. Definitely not the look I was going for! I realized the bottom was too long for my shorter torso.
I ended up cutting 5 inches off and re-hemming the bottom. Now the top looks great! I’m definitely much happier with the results! And I love pink!
Here’s What I Found Out
I chose a pink lightweight cotton blend fabric and used a lightweight cotton blend in white for lining.
I made the size 8 with no adjustments. The cross over bodice is flattering and fits well. The front where the bodice crossed tended to gap with movement so I tacked the neckline where it crossed to prevent it from gaping open. I do like the lining. The bodice finished nicer with the lining than I think it would have if I had followed the instructions and used bias tape. The top also fits great through the back and on the shoulders.
I definitely recommend this pattern. It’s an easy make without requiring too many, if any, adjustments for fit. The only immediate adjustment to look at is the length. If you have a short torso like I do you may want to shorten it.
I’m feeling quite accomplished and am ready to get back into my sewing room and start on another project. It’s amazing how I get a project complete it motivates me to get working on another.
Show me what you’ve been working on. I would LOVE to see your projects!
Thank you for visiting with me at
Down Home at Dee’s
Subscribe to Down Home at Dee’s and join Litten, Tigger and me on our adventures of Exploring Life Every Day!
Down Home at Dee’s is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com