Knits, stretch knits, and smalls preparation

I'm new to using knits (or, at least, trying to understand knits). And I'm new to underwear. So I'm starting small. With smalls. Kwik Sew's 2100 in fact. And I'm going to go through it in great (probably painful for you) detail.

( Fabric )

( Notions )

( How much stretch? )

Looking for nice top patterns

Like I don't have enough going on, right? But after a recent cleaning of my wardrobe I have discovered one great gaping hole in all my outfits. True, I have some lovely skirts, a couple of okay trousers, and I virtually live in jeans, but to go with all of these I have only t-shirts. Yes, t-shirts. Not only that, but mostly printed front t-shirts; band t-shirts, nerdy t-shirts, or jokey t-shirts. All fine for the casual everyday of a student or computer programmer, but not so good for anything else. It has reached a point where I have more of these t-shirts than any other tops.

I need help, dear readers. I am asking you to send me links to patterns for tops you like, or think I might like. (If you're not a sewist, then links to inspirational pictures of tops are also very welcome.) I'm in great need, but I still need to lay some ground rules. I need the tops to be fairly fitted about the waist, and to be suitable for the curvier of shapes. (Otherwise I end up looking like a balloon.) If it helps, imagine I have a wardrobe entirely made up of A-line skirts of varying volumes (not far from the truth). I need nice, versatile, tops to go with them; adaptable to smart day-time wear, or casual small-concert evening-wear.

If you can, please help me dress like a grown-up!

*EDIT 2* (The pics moved, relinking to personal scans.)
I've discovered New Look separates! I've just ordered a couple, and am looking forward to getting them. Let me know what you think.

( Patterns )