Simplicity 2369 in Vibrant Coral

Let me just say, "Oh wow! I adore this top."  The neckline does not gape and the fit is superb.  Simplicity 2369 is a pattern designed for stretch knits.  You have the option of making a mock wrap tunic or dress with different sleeve options, or wide legged pants.  I made View C, the tunic.  Sizing is from 8 to 24 and I made a size 10.

I have had this vibrant, lightweight, coral-colored, rayon/lycra knit in my stash for over a year.  It has a lustrous sheen and I acquired it from Fabric.com.  When I went to Oregon a couple of weeks ago, I went to Fabric Depot, one of my favorite places to shop in Portland, and bought the Bali rayon blue and coral fabric.  When I returned home, I was overjoyed to find that the two pieces complimented each other.  

I made two alterations.  When  I saw Lori's review she mentioned shortening the ties to make a knot instead of a bow.  I have a couple of tops now with bow accents, so I liked the idea of a knot better.  I shortened the ties by 9.5 inches.  I also shortened the length by 4 inches.  If I had made this to go with the wide-legged pants or skinny capris, I would have left the length alone, as it is long enough to cover your backside, but with my skirt, the top looks better a little shorter.  I see I didn't straighten out the top for the "back view" picture, so the center back seam is off-center.   

One thing I didn't notice, neither on the pattern envelope nor in the reviews I read, was the three pleats on the front wrap piece where it attaches to the tie.  I think this is a stylish design detail and is the reason for the beautiful draping on the front.  Here is a close-up of what I am talking about.

I may have mentioned this before, but I just thought I would throw it out again.  I have found it is very important to cut your pattern out in single layers when working with knits.  Although this is more time consuming, you are less likely to go off grain on the layer you can't see, and almost always the second layer piece will not be true to the pattern shape, especially if you are using scissors.  Hope this helps someone!