Highly Recommended Beginner's Knit Top Pattern

Simplicity 4076

I had been neglecting my winter wardrobe. I figured that I'd be covered under my huge winter jacket anyway, so why bother? This year, I decided that some less ratty long sleeved tops would not hurt.

I've already done a review for Simplicity 4076, but it was for the faux-wrap top. I have since made all different versions of this top, but I thought I will show you one I made last week. It is the blue version in the photo above, but with 3/4 lengths sleeves.

I love all the tops I've made with this pattern, but I think this one is the best yet.
It is also the simplest. If you are looking for a beginner's pattern for a knit top pattern, this version is the one to make.
There are many helpful reviews (over 150 reviews!) of this pattern on patternreview.com. If you are planning to make this top, I recommend reading through some of these reviews.

Some suggestions:

• gather the top front piece, and place it on the pattern to make sure you have gathered enough, and then sew it onto the band. Much less complicated than the given instructions.
• top-stitching on the neck band is a little unnecessary, unless the neckline really flops over.
  
• almost the whole top can be made using a serger (oh, this makes it a great serger practice top too!)
  
• lazy like me? Roll the hems (even the sleeves) on a serger! Zip... you're done!

edit: one more thing! The tops run a little short, even on me, so you may want to consider lengthening it a little.

On a personal note, I hope everyone had a good weekend!
It was a great fall weekend, and we went apple picking as we do every year.

The requisite haystack ride

Anyone know what I can do with 30lbs of apples? Lol :) The girls are a lot bigger, and can pick a lot more apples now. I did not have the heart to stop them from picking as many as they wish, hence the 30lbs!