Review: Simplicity 1283 & Vogue 1296 | Navy is the New Black! #BlogLikeCrazy

I have an affinity for black.  I usually have to show self-restraint in order to not stock my sewing studio with black fabric.  So when I came across this gorgeous navy blue, I awarded myself a reprieve.  I mean, it's dark but it's not black so that makes it okay!

This Mood Fabrics fabulous find, a dark navy woven is from designer Theory.  And just as stunning as this fabric is, it's equally unusual.  It's a woven with 2-way stretch that feels and sews like a neoprene.  It's magical when used on a structured garment as my skirt and also has an incredible drape.

My top is Simplicity 1283.  With the mass appeal of this particular pattern line, I was surprised by the lack of pattern reviews when I googled it.  I was practically on my own with what to expect.  It's a crop top for sure and being that I'm pretty tall with a lot of torso, I added 3 inches to the length. Had I not, I would have had practically a sports bra on my hands because it's that short. Please be aware of that.  And this top also has an inch of negative ease.  I needed a size 12, but due to the figure hugging design of this top, I went up to the size 14.  (Some may need to do a FBA.)  But the fit still worked well with my fabric choice.  And surprisingly, the sleeves are drafted with a generous amount of length.  I didn't have to add any additional length to them.  I wanted my version of a crop top to hit at the natural waist and meet at the top of the skirt.  It's a really cute design, easy to make, quick to sew with the mock turtle neck style and an invisible zipper closure.  It could easily be turned into a longer top or a dress.  It's worth having in your collection as a base pattern even if you're not into crop tops.

The pattern design, which is designed for a knit worked well my stretch woven.

My skirt is Vogue 1296.  This fabric was the perfect match for this skirt.  I love how it works so well for a structuced garment, yet has such an amazing drape all at once.  I cut the size 14 for my skirt and added 3" inches to the length.  I omitted the lining.  The fabric is beefy and opague enough to where it holds its own.

After wearing this outfit which included entering and exiting my vehicle; standing and sitting, it has wonderful recovery.  

There was no stretch out or sagging.