A question for the other sewing-types reading this.

Who here has worked with Simplicity pattern # 4484? (That clicky link goes to a page of patterns, but it shows the one I'm asking about.) For reference, it's the Stevie Nicks -esque gothy pattern they've made for ages. The reason I'm asking about it is because I want to try my hand at making a fitted bodice-y vest type-thing, and that seems like it would be a good pattern to start from.

If it's not, do any of you have suggestions for a better pattern? My sewing skills are fair-ish. I can make skirts, I can tailor just about anything I buy from a thrift store, but I am slightly intimidated by making tops and bodices.

(sewing) A question about serger needles

I broke a needle on my serger yesterday afternoon. It's a Janome MyLock 204D, and the manual says to use HA-1SP needles with it. I suspect that JoAnn Fabrics does not carry these. The semi-helpful munchkin on the phone at the JoAnn's I called said they did carry serger needles, but she couldn't see anything that said HA-1SP on the package.

Can I *only* use those specific needles with my serger? Google isn't giving me definitive information.