Me admiring my sleeves <3
Pattern Description:
Semi-fitted tops have sleeve variations. Includes separate pattern pieces for A/B, C, and D cups.
Pattern Sizing:
6-14 and 14-22. Gotta love a pattern with cup sizing! I used a 14-C cup
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
YES!!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
For the overall top, yes, and for my sleeve view.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Like allll the versions floating around, I love the options. I like little boxy tops sometimes and the sleeves sold me on this one. I really love the fit, even the cropped length. Though that makes this not a work top. I'll have to add another 1.5" or so. I don't like the longer length, I feel it's too long for the shape of the top.
Me, demonstrating the non-work appropriateness
I did not like how long it took me to do those pleats. GRRRRR!!!! So long. So. So. Long. Mark, press, baste. I baste by hand most of the time. I prefer the control.
Every time I sat the sleeve down, it did this
Which I found hilarious. LOL!
Complications:
I had the sleeves ready to set and went to serge the seam between sleeve and pleat. And this happened:
I serged right through the sleeve. Twice in what, 2 weeks? I think I've done this twice in EVER before now. WAH! I was ready to call this whole project a loss because I was thinking I would have to redo the pleats. Well no, I just had to cut a new sleeve. And after trying the top on with one sleeve, I knew I had to finish it.
But I didn't have enough fabric. I tried every which way and couldn't make that sleeve fit so I sacrificed my Style Arc Cara. I've only worn it once and donated the other one -- my shoulders are just too narrow and my posture too poor for this style I think.
But YAY! I saved my top!
Fabric Used:
Cotton (lawn?) from Fabric Mart.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Cup sizing so no FBA! 5/8" swayback adjustment, 3/4" bicep adjustment (not enough), turned up 5/8" and hemmed. I also used a loop and button for the closure.
That tag! :-D
Speaking of closure...I totally ignored the marking on the pattern for the slit and ended up eyeballing it while sewing the back seam. My giant head *just barely* fits through the opening!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others
Definitely!! I love all the views but would try the bubble sleeve next.
I LOVE the fit and the fabric (and these have become my my most favorite sandals ever)!
I need another 1/2" or so in the sleeve. It isn't restrictive but it's juuuuust barely enough ease.
So cute and almost dainty :-D
Simplicity 1280
Pattern Description:
Misses' top pattern includes loose fitting top with short sleeves, or faux wrap top with long sleeves and elastic waist.
Pattern Sizing:
XS - XL. I sewed a medium
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yep!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
It's a very simple top and is intuitive to put together, butt the instructions are fine.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It's a cute top and is current in RTW as well. I love the neckline.
Fabric Used:
Poly woven from Fabric Mart. If you have this (was one of the pre-cut fabrics), it wrinkles so easily!! But it takes a press okay.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I'd made this when it first came out and the sleeves were so tight! I did a bicep adjustment but chalked it up to the french seams I used on that version. I made it again for my mom recently and they were still so tight! So I added another inch. Sheesh. Sewed the side seams at 3/8".
I lost the neck binding piece and just made bias tape with my Clover bias tape maker. It works just fine!
I also used 1/2" elastic instead of 1/4",
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and yes. Well I'm not sure how many of these I need but it's a cute top on me so you never know! Plus I want to make view E at some point.
The extra sleeve width was perfect! And that neckline fits me so well!!
The blue and white print works really well with lots of close items!
These red pants from LOFT are so fantastic!
When I put these on to photograph with the top, I totally went back and ordered them in black and navy. They fit me perfectly! It's their Julie fit and the essential skinny ankle pant FYI.
I chose to spend the holiday weekend as a homebody. Cleaning, organizing and sewing. <3 Current WIP: V1329
20 comments:
Great tops!
Yay for two beautiful tops! I like both, but really like the second one!! I must say, your sewing is wonderful. Your garments always look well-made and professionally done in spite of the hiccups along the way.
Well shoot. I was all set to skip purchasing any new patterns, but CUP SIZING! Ok. I will purchase M7542.
I didn't realize that you scarificed another top to finish this one. You could have added a band to give it some length too from the extra fabric. Both tops are great but does everyone own that blue/white chevron poly crepe from FM?
Really pretty tops on you! I agree with Carolyn, and insert would have been really cute way to correct your issue. Maybe even a little "dark" lace inset between the pleats and the sleeve. I understand what you mean about the sacrifice of a top that you don't really like on yourself. Understanding our bodies is the best thing we could do for ourselves when it comes to sewinng beautiful clothing!
The last one really does work well with a different items. So much adjusting in the biceps!
Both of these are so cute. The slightly longer length really does the trick. Crop length is so tricky for tops--I think it's kind of like mini skirt length in a way. There's a spot on everyone where it's just right and a line where it becomes uncomfortable to wear. I feel like I'm forever picking a length between mini and regular for skirts!
I'm so interested to see that dress finished. It looks very striking on the dress form. I tried that pattern and set it aside, perhaps because I felt the neckline was very high and uncomfortable on me.
Cute tops - I can't get into the crop top look - but the second one with the red pants is super cute.
Both tops are really cute on you. I look forward to seeing the finished dress!
Thanks Vanessa!! I just love the technical aspect of sewing!
Ha! I am all over the cup sized patterns!!
I didn't realize I needed to when we talked. I didn't want to take the other sleeve apart to try to make them the same...and really, I wasn't going to wear the Cara top. It was in the donate pile.
I love that we all get the same goodies! LOL!
Thank Myra!
Eh. The Cara top was being donated or tossed. No loss there. And as mentioned, I would have had to undo the other sleeve too to make them match. NO THANK YOU! LOL!!!!
Thank you!! OMG my arms are just enormous. Such a thick frame I've got!
Thanks Elizabeth! I am just about average height and fairly thick. I can't go too long on skirts and still like a good mini! I love the length of this top and would make it as is for 'play'. For work, I need a little more real estate.
Thank you! I like the neckline. I looked at the back pieces on my dress form and knew they'd be too roomy and I removed 3/8" tapering to nothing. Ah. Needed a similar adjustment on the front. We'll see how it looks when I attach the facing. Got it to the point to try on last night. I like it but it isn't love yet...it may have to grow on me.
Thanks Tomasa!
I want to work on the bubble sleeve too, I'm not about that pleat life!
Both tops are so cute! I love how you styled them - they make great outfits. The dress looks great already.
Love both of these!!!! Now I want a shorter floral version.
Post a Comment