Simplicity 8693 - Off the Shoulder Button Sleeve Top!

My sweet sewing friend Dibs Maxwell, gifted me this gorgeous green wool crepe from her store Selvedge and Bolts. The fabric is so gorgeous that I wanted to make something that I would enjoy wearing often, and this fabric is lightweight enough to go from fall to spring.

Source: Look 1 and Look 2

I researched wool crepe separates and the possibilities were so good. 

I decided to go with Simplicity 8693. I can't believe I slept on this pattern for so long. I bought it when it was initially released, but never got around to it. And it turned out to be perfect for this cut of fabric.

Pre-shrinking 100% Wool Crepe: Now, you can spend the big bucks and take your 100% wool crepe to the dry cleaners and have them steam it for you. Or, if you're like me -- throw it in the dryer with a wet towel. Always serge the raw edges first. Make sure it's a well-used towel, so that you won't get lint all over your beautiful cut of wool. Wet the towel thoroughly with hot water... soaked all the way through, but not dripping. Set your dryer to high for about 40 minutes. And lay your fabric flat to cool.

I cut the size 16, to insure that it would hang properly off the shoulder. I didn't need to make any adjustments at all to this. It was perfect straight from the envelope.

It's the button sleeve detail for me! This is what sold me on this pattern and what makes it unique.

These are functioning buttonholes!

Here is a close up of my buttons. They are gold metal shank buttons size 24L/15MM (5/8") from Mood Fabrics.

The front and the back of the pattern is exactly the same. And the neckline is incredibly flattering.

See my tutorial on How to Sew Lined Pants!

This top is versatile enough to work with jeans and a dressier trouser.

See my tutorial on How to Sew Your Own Jeans!

I love this top so much and I'm going to wear it so much this season.