This pattern evolved differently than any of our other patterns. Because it took so long to get done, we kept adding more views, more variations and more improvements! View 5 and the skirt were added at the last moment and those two views are now our favorite part of the pattern! We hope it was worth the wait! This pattern has so many different variations and views, and is such a classic! These styles will look great in any season and can be made more "trendy" by updating fabrics and accessories.

This top has some major differences from #107 and #207. We raised the shoulder and it has a new side access nursing opening. (See the catalog for more information about the nursing opening). So many of you have written and told us how much you like the new nursing opening. It is really easy to sew and we think it is a little more discreet. You can use the NEW #307 to update your older #107 or #207 patterns by tracing the new shoulder cutting line and the new nursing opening on your older patterns.

About the dropped shoulder: This seems to have caused a bit of confusion, so I hope that this paragraph will help clear it up. The original designs of NC# 107 and #207 had a dropped shoulder. This pattern (NC#307) does not have a dropped shoulder. The first pictures we posted on our website illustrating #307 and ALL of the pictures we had in our last newsletter had the same dropped shoulder as NC# 107 and #207. After getting lots of customer feedback we decided to revamp the whole shoulder and sleeve of this pattern for a more fitted look. That was a tiny part of the reason it took us longer to finish than we anticipated. We just kept revising and revising. Therefore, if you see some photos that look like they may have a dropped shoulder, please realize that is the old variation. We will try to get all photos updated as soon as possible.

The classic straight cut skirt was also added at the last minute. This skirt is the ultimate easy to sew skirt! For Spring/Summer 2000, a soft floral long skirt is a great look that can go from casual to formal situations with ease. This skirt looks great on almost any figure type and is so fun to wear! Make four or five different skirts in fabrics to coordinate with your tops. For summer looks, use lightweight cotton fabrics and make any of the tops with short sleeves.

In working with our earlier patterns many of our beginners have had a lot of trouble "easing" sleeves to fit the armhole opening, so in an attempt to simplify construction and get the best look possible, we have tried to cut as much ease as possible out of the sleeve cap with this pattern. It works perfectly with knits and it works ok with woven fabrics as well, but with woven fabrics, you may want a little more ease through the sleeve cap. We suggest you make one as a test. If you feel you want more ease, use the next larger sleeve for your next version see if it works better for you OR use the sleeve from #107. It has much more ease over the sleeve cap. If you are a beginner, please ignore this tip and just stick to the sewing guide. I don't want to confuse you!

Pattern Corrections:

1. Notches were accidentally omitted from the front armhole on pattern pieces #4, 5 and 6, These are the pattern pieces needed for making views 3,4 and 5. To mark the notch for those views, place the appropriate pattern piece on top of pattern piece #3 (the pattern piece for views 1 and 2) and trace the notches on the armhole.

2. View one clarification: After notching and clipping left front, turn it right side out and press. Then go on to the next side.

NC#307

Pattern Clarification

When combining NC#307 with NC#107 and NC#207, please be aware that while the pattern pieces do work together, there are minor updates and changed to NC#307 that are not included in the other patterns. For example, the neckline on NC#307 is cut slightly lower. Therefore, if you are just wanting to use the new nursing opening that is included on NC#307, use pattern piece #1 to trace the new nursing opening onto the older pattern pieces if you want to preserve the higher neckline.

Otherwise, select the neckline from either NC#307 or an earlier pattern and use it consistantly on the view you have selected. You can do this by tracing a new neckline onto an existing pattern piece.

NC#307 also has new shoulders and sleeves that can be added and adjusted to the older patterns.