Simplicity 2599, with a side of Sorbetto

Nearly a year after its release as a free downloadable pattern, the Colette Sorbetto top is still going strong. I love looking at all the inspiring variations.

Even though I'm a fan, I've never wanted to print and assemble the pattern. I worried about the openness of the neckline and how much trial and error and error would be required for me to tweak it to fit properly. And I generally don't wear tank tops, preferring a little sleeve. Using Simplicity 2599 (which I've made several times with varying degrees of success) as the starting point seemed to make more sense than starting over with the Sorbetto.

To make the pleat, I simply arranged the front pattern piece two inches from the fold and proceeded according to the directions in the Sorbetto file. For the black and white version, I lifted a flutter sleeve from another pattern. Fit perfectly into the armhole; actually, it fit better than the sleeves provided with the pattern.

The black lace trim is from the fifties, bought at the yard sale of a fabric hoarder. Putting a white button in the center of each black lace flower is intended to make the front pleat look as though it might be functional (totally untrue) and to add another texture. The polka dot rayon fabric came from a bin at Foam & Fabrics of Arden, N.C. It was narrow, only 36", so this was a good project for it.

Here it is with a new skirt, Kwik Sew 3672.

When I bought the pattern at Hancock's, the only likely fabric candidate was swimwear fabric. I should have lengthened the skirt a couple of inches. I had just enough fabric left over from my one yard cut to make a flounce around the bottom. 

With Simple sneakers. I am in love with this brand, which has been acquired and discontinued. Argh! I'm clicking pics of these sneakers with skirts to explore the implications of wearing the two together this summer. Even though I've always thought this sort of combo was too young/unflattering/funky for me, I'm digging it now.

Another version in Kaffe Fasset millefiore rayon print, purchased last summer from Fabric.com. This is a nice fabric. Much better quality than the bargain bin dot!

In the back, I used the leftover bias binding tape from the neckline to make a casing for elastic. This draws in the back waist and provides some definition above my swayback. Wish I'd placed the casing about three inches lower, though.

Side view: the hem is not perfectly level, but I'm calling it good enough for a casual summer top to wear with jeans.

And finally the big picture. 

That center front pleat is the genius of the Sorbetto top. Left plain, it provides a subtle vertical interest. Embellished, it offers almost unlimited opportunities to dress up the top.