Pattern Description:
(from the website) Tops A, B, tunics C, D have front pleats, self-faced front midriff and sleeve variations; top A has armhole stitched hems; top B has short sleeves; tunic C has three-quarter length sleeves; tunic D has self-drape and purchased jeweled applique.
I made the tunic length but with cap sleeves.
Pattern Sizing:
I cut a 12 to the bottom of the armholes, grading out to a 14 at the waist and 16 at the hip/
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes I guess so.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were fine but I don't understand why they have you turn under and hand stitch the lower edge of the midriff facing - in a knit???? I just pulled the facing down so the cut edge matched with the outside midriff piece then caught the two pieces in the seam together.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I admit I don't love this top. There is something not quite right about it. The length was dowdy and even with a good inch taken off the bottom I am still not sure it's flattering. By contrast I made Simplicity 3678 in February 2008, which I have subsequently cut off to tunic length and it works so much better. I can't find the pattern on the Simplicity website, so maybe it has been discontinued - anyway, it was one of the Threads patterns. I don't know what it is, the two styles are pretty similar, except the lower front of the Simplicity has gathers. If I was to do this again the Threads pattern would win hands-down.
Initially I cut the longer sleeve but it just looked ridiculous on me - like my hands were floating in a ginormous sea of roses. The cap sleeves work much better, I'll just have to layer for winter!
I must say the neckline does sit nice and flat without any fiddling, so that is a plus (I fused bias tape on the inside and stitched with a twin needle.
Fabric Used:
Polyester knit, nothing fancy, I got it cheap from Spotlight.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
As usual I narrowed the upper back, shortened the back above the waist and widened at the hips. I don't usually need an fba in knits.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I won't sew it again, I'll use the Simplicity pattern as above. It might work better on a different body type though.
Conclusion:
It's okay, I'll wear it to work and still look presentable, at least it is comfortable!
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5 comments:
I do like this top on you.The fabric has such a pretty print. I have a lot of tops similar to this style.
I like them to end approx 8 inches (give or take)down from my natural waist.
If I buy them I usually end up shortening them too.
I think this is a very cute top. Perhaps you would like it more if you shorten it?
I wouldn't shorten it as it will broaden the hips even more. I would wear it with slacks rather than jeans and a low heel to lift you up a bit. But overall you look pretty good in it as it is.
Josie, look at the full length shot of this and you'll see that the hem of the top cuts you in half between neck and floor, and also the hemline hits across the broadest part of the hips. These are not the best proportions on anyone. Try shortening the top so it lands closer to your hip bone, this will then a) not hit at the broadest part of the hip and b) make your legs seem longer. You can fold up and pin and take photos first to see but it will make all the difference in the world. Regards RuthieK
I agree with Ruthie - it's definitely the wrong length for you and over-emphasizes your hips. Generally a one-third/two-thirds or two-thirds/one-third ratio between top and bottom is more flattering than half/half, which makes anyone look shorter and wider. When you're pear-shaped, as I am too, tops and jackets need to be either higher (high hip) or lower (mid-thigh tunic length or longer), not at the low hip.
I love the print and the overall silhouette on you though - makes your torso and waist look nice and slim. I think a shorter version (or longer, but that's hard to do!) would look really nice on you.
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