HotPatterns: 1071 (Weekender Sunshine Tops)  - Type:Tops  | | Viewed 262 times
| 21 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 6 people | | Reviewed by: | squirrellypoo | 
| About squirrellypoo | | NA UNITED KINGDOM | | Member since: 3/27/05 | | Reviews written: 122 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 52 people | | patterns reviewed: 113 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/4/09 12:35 PM | | Pattern Size: | Plus-Sized Regular | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | More Info provided by squirrellypoo | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | | | Fabric: | Cotton-Lycra Knit [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| I'm continuing to review my backlog of sewing from over the summer - I made this top in August and have worn it loads since!
Pattern Description:
They say: "You won’t believe how much mileage you’ll get from these great tops until you make them yourself! These tops are designed for T-shirt or knit fabrics with a little stretch. Try beading the neckband or add beads to the tunic drawstring for a pretty look. Relaxed, scoop-neck Tops are gathered onto a deep neckband at the front ...mix & match lengths & sleeve styles for your perfect top. Tank is sleeveless with a ribbed hip band, T-shirt has cap sleeves and finishes at the lower hip, and Tunic has short sleeves and applied drawstring casing. Try these lovely tops with simple pants, skirts or shorts, under your favorite jackets or cardigans, or team them with your jeans for a great casual outfit."
I say: It's a knit top with a wide, scooped neckband and lots of gathering in front with a choice of lengths and sleeve lengths.
Pattern Sizing:
6-26. I made a size 12, but I usually sew a 16 in Big 4 patterns and a 42 in Burda/KnipMode/etc.
In terms of sizing, I found the body width and length to be very generously sized, and the sleeves to be TINY (and my arms aren't particularly big). Next time I'll be adding some width to the sleeve!
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes! This looks exactly like the technical drawing.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
This is one of the HP patterns without diagrams, and I find their instructions really difficult to read and comprehend (almost as bad as BWOF, but in an opposite, overly verbose way). Since this is an easy style, I was more than happy to just go my own way, but then I saw this photo tutorial on the Off The Cuff blog and decided to just follow that instead. The only change I made was to baste the neck band together before attaching it to the rest of the shirt.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like the loose fit of the top paired with the really flattering neckline. It's like a teeshirt, but dressier, and you could have a bunch of these in different fabrics to wear with jeans or equally with smart trousers and a jacket. It's such a versatile pattern!
As I mentioned before, the sleeves are about an inch too tight for me here. I never have this problem with any other patterns, so I think they must just really be drafted small here!
Fabric Used:
A cotton(?)/lycra knit fabric from Totally Fabrics is so lush and soft that I've actually held off posting this so I could buy some more before you all snapped it up (but alas, it sold out just before they posted another site-wide sale)! I got this on sale, so the 1 metre I used here was only £3.75!
I used a very, very lightweight knit interfacing on the band that I thought for sure wouldn't do much of anything, but it turned out to be absolutely perfect - it stops the band from stretching without adding any stiffness. Exactly what you want for a teeshirt, really,
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
No changes here, but when I make this again I'm going to add some room to the sleeve bicep.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and yes! I'll definitely be making more of these and I'd highly recommend this to others if there's anyone left who hasn't sewn this yet!
Conclusion:
I bought this pattern almost two years ago, but I've had such a hit & miss experience with Hot Patterns that I never quite worked up the nerve to sew this one. But with review after glowing review, I finally had to take the plunge and make my own, especially since it seemed quite a forgiving style for my hospital- and medication-induced chubbiness. This is a definite keeper, and one I plan to sew again and again!
See way more photos of this top and the matching panties I made with the scraps over at FehrTrade.com! | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
<< Previous Review Next Review >> | Reader Comments | | Nancy K | 11/4/09 | Yep, I am trying to keep myself from making another one. It is a terrific top. | | * * * | | Seaspur | 11/4/09 | This is fast becoming my favourite T also. I have 5 and will most likely make more. Your version is very pretty! | | * * * | | moushka | 11/4/09 | I really want to try this pattern but am having trouble choking down the $11US they want for shipping to Canada. For that price, I'd expect it to be hand-delivered! Sorry for the rant, just chalk it up to frustration. Your top is darling and is just one more reason to bite the bullet and order the pattern. Thanks for the warning about the sleeves. | | * * * | | geraldine | 11/4/09 | I love it, you look great in it too. | | * * * | | Debbie Cook | 11/4/09 | Your top looks great! I love this pattern too and have made 2 so far. | | * * * | | Renren | 11/4/09 | I love it! It's so stylish in that fabric and it's super cute with the little blue jean skirt. | | * * * | | Sew4Fun | 11/5/09 | You're looking healthy and fabulous! Love your top. I can see why you wore it so much over summer. | | * * * | | Paris75008 | 11/5/09 | Nice top and a perfect fit. I have this pattern but haven't done anything with it yet. | | * * * | | Pam~Off The Cuff~ | 11/5/09 | I am glad you found my tutorial useful !
Your top is lovely! | | * * * | | Heatherrique | 11/7/09 | Such a pretty top on you! Very nice job on the neckline! | | * * * |
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