by Claudine Gauvin For my first fall sewing project, I decided to make View D from the Simplicity S9451 pattern. What initially caught my eye was the beautiful pleating detail. Some patterns just call to you, not only for their style but for the challenge they present. This was one of those projects, and I knew it would allow me to play with interesting techniques.
The fabric I chose is solid crinkle knit – AIDA in a soft pink shade. This color is sophisticated and delicate, falling somewhere between pastel pink and dusty rose. It has a slightly felted, almost powdery look, giving it a romantic yet timeless feel. I could easily imagine this top pairing beautifully with deep tones like burgundy, navy, taupe, or grey—perfect for the fall season.
The fabric itself is lightweight and drapey, making it suitable for relaxed, oversized garments, or even a beach cover-up. I love how it falls gracefully, creating an airy and effortless look, while still being elegant.
Overall, this pattern was simple to make, and the fit is excellent. The instructions provided by Simplicity are clear and precise, making this an enjoyable project that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. However, the final result did surprise me a bit—it turned out to be more fitted than I had originally expected. Rather than a loose blouse, this top is more of a close-fitting sweater, which is perfect for fall.
The back is made from two pieces and features a small slit at the neckline, closed with a loop and button. It adds a delicate touch to the design. That said, if I had used a more stretchy fabric, I could have cut the back as a single piece and skipped the opening altogether.
The pleats on the left shoulder were surprisingly easy to sew. I simply stitched two rows of basting and pulled the threads to gather the fabric, creating the pleated effect. I also reinforced the bateau neckline with lightweight stretch interfacing, though I think it could sit well without any interfacing for a softer drape.
As for the sleeves, I shortened them by an inch and a half to better suit my proportions. They’re finished with an elasticated casing at the hem, which creates a subtle balloon effect. This small detail adds some volume and makes the top even more comfortable to wear day-to-day.
This top has a definite retro vibe. I added a simple vintage brooch, which gives it an elegant and unique look. It’s the kind of piece you can easily accessorize to give it a completely different style.
I’m already tempted to try another version of this pattern, especially the one with pleats on the front and a mock turtleneck. Those details seem just as intriguing, and I’m excited to explore other possibilities with this versatile pattern.
In summary, this project is both simple and rewarding, perfect for anyone looking to create an elegant piece that’s easy to customize.
Photo credit : Mario Charette Photographe.
