I’m thrilled to get to share one of my most recent sews AND the newest release over at Made for Mermaids!  It’s called the “Nicky” and it is an oversized sweater with some really fun details packed into the pattern.  Wanna talk about it?

I’m really preferring tucking my tops into my pants right now — it’s so funny to me that I cycle through things like this.  At one point, I only wanted curved tunic length tops.  And then I was knotting everything.  And now I’m much more inclined to make tshirt length tops, and then tuck one side into my waistband.  Do you cycle through styles like this too?

So my version of Nicky goes a little something like this:

• Shirt length, hemmed.
• Elastic hemmed long sleeves.
• Crew neckline.
• Open back.

I used a french terry polka dot fabric with little stretch, but since this top leans heavily to the “oversized” fit, I knew it would be a perfect use for it.  I was getting this whole Valentine’s Day vibe from the polka dots, so I took a ribbed knit in red and used it for the collar and band details and I’m pretty glad that I did.  The little extra pop of color really took this sweater from like to love for me.

My friend Catherine is the designer behind this particular M4M pattern and I don’t think she could stop adding options to this pattern!  She really packed it full of some really fun details, y’all.

I was a little apprehensive about making the open back because I really am not a super fan of having my bra show.  And I only own boring bras that don’t have pretty lace like everyone seems to have in their drawers these days.  So if there’s a chance of my bra showing, I probably will never wear it.  The same goes for off-the-shoulder looks.  Apparently I need to suck it up and get my hands on some lacy numbers so I can join the cool kids.

To get back on my original message, ha, I was super excited to slip this top on and see that my bra worries were all for naught!  I get to have a cool open back, friends!  This is a big moment for me, apparently.

Also big shoutout to these awesome sleeves.  The long sleeve was just made about a hundred times better when Catherine added this elastic hemmed version.  I told you that I’m obsessed with fun sleeves, didn’t I?

All in all, I’m pretty smitten with my new top.  I’m still debating wether or not I should add an appliquéd red heart to the front where a chest pocket would go…you know, just to elevate the whole Valentine-y vibe that I’m getting from it.  What do you think?  Add the heart?

Patterns: Nicky Oversized Top by Made for Mermaids
Fabric: French Terry Dot Print from Sly Fox Fabrics