I don't always make wise decisions.

For example, when I saw Teresa Gregorio's (canaryknits) The Perfect Crop Top pattern, I immediately said "I want one!"

Despite the fact that this style does not really flatter my body shape. And despite the fact that I am 36-years-old with 2 kids and have no business showing off my stomach ever. I'm rather short waisted to begin with, and after babies, I seem to have a lot more tummy (ugh) and boobs (yay?) than I remember . . .

So, I made one anyway.

I snagged some Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering over the summer just for this project--it has some cashmere for softness and nylon for sturdiness. The Campfire Confessions is a bright, fiery red that I don't usually wear--but then I don't usually wear crop tops either.

I had trouble picking a size--the recommended ease was 0 or -2 and none of the sizes would give me that. I opted for the 37" knit at a slightly tighter gauge so it would come out just a bit smaller.

Though Teresa gives you some guidance for embellishing your top, I left mine plain, with the exception of 2 lateral braids added at the waistline. I worked these just before the final waist decreases, because they have less stretch than stockinette and pull the waist in a bit.

So.

Here is a way someone with a lot of body confidence and 2 fewer children might wear it:

This is definitely not going to work for me unless my Christmas present is a year's worth of personal training with Jillian Michaels and/or I develop a sudden and unwelcome allergy to wine.

So I tried a few other ideas.

Teresa suggested a dress might work; unfortunately my dress wardrobe is a little sparse at the moment. I tried it over this summery frock, but unfortunately the waist on this dress is a little too high, so it doesn't quite work (the dress is also lined, so it's just a little too much bulk under a tight top). Interesting idea, though, and something I'll keep in mind for spring dress shopping.

My lovely tech editor Sarah suggested a full skirt. I did have one of those, and it works pretty well. This black is a little too formal--something floral or polka dot would definitely be my style, though. (No, I do not know what I'm doing with my hand here. Look, taking your own pictures is hard.)

Since it's a very close fit, I thought it might work nicely under something--like this lacy sweater! I like how the red peeks out from underneath, and it makes it possible to wear this cotton sweater in cold weather.

How would you style The Perfect Crop Top?

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