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StyleArc: Creative Cate Top (Creative Cate Top) thumbsup - Type:Tops
Review submitted in One Pattern, Many Looks Contest    printable version
Viewed 756 times 9 more reviews
Review rated Helpful by 1 people    Very Helpful by 13 people   
Reviewed by:BeaJay
photo
Friend of PR
About BeaJaystar
AUSTRALIA
Member since: 10/28/11
Reviews written: 11
Sewing skills:Beginner
Favored by: 7 people
patterns reviewed: 11
Bio: more...
Report a problem with this review
Posted on:1/2/13 4:29 PM
Last Updated:1/27/13 10:54 PM
Pattern Size:Plus-Sized 
Project Photo:photo
Pattern Photo:StyleArc Creative Cate Top
StyleArc Pattern Info
Pattern Rating:Highly Recommend
Current Tags What is a Tag:
Fabric:Cotton-Poly Knit  [See other projects in this fabric]
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This review has been updated with my next version of the StyleArc Creative Cate top.

This is my third top for the One Pattern Many Looks Competition

For this version I used Cotton Poly Jersey and instead of adding 4 3/4 inches in length, I added it as a band.

Everything else remains the same.


Pattern Description: (From website)

CREATIVE CATE TOP: This is such a great versatile top that can be worn in lots of different ways - just leave it up to your creative imagination. Simple to make and simple to wear.

Pattern Sizing:

StyleArc uses single pattern sizing. I sewed a size 28. Please note that the website lists this pattern up to size 24, however Chloe (from StyleArc) said they will do any of their patterns up to size 30 - just to put my size in the comments on the order and they will do it - Can not fault their customer service at all. They really are the benchmark for dealing with customers.

Another point regarding StyleArc sizing. There have been many reports on how SA patterns fit right out of the envelope. This may work for the average busted of us sewists. However if you normally do a FBA adjustment for other patterns you may need to do one for SA patterns too. Now this might seem obvious, however when I first started sewing I read about how great the fit was - just go by your measurements -which I did - and I came out a size 32. The shoulders of this size swum on me. Once I realised what a full bust adjustment was I realised that I need to go by my high bust measurement and adjust the pattern accordingly. Just letting you know. Maybe the hint to this is SA's shoulder breath measurement - I just find the bust easier to measure.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes (Yippidy do da!!) - well let me qualify that - The pattern picture is a drawing and a thin person drawing at that - but I am incredibly happy ( see happy dance happening).

Were the instructions easy to follow?

This is a very easy top to sew. It practically sews itself - luckily for me -I need all the help I can get!! The instructions for this were fine for me. I did add some stay tape to the shoulders though - which wasn't in the instructions but I thought it best because of the knit material.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Likes:
- it is a very flattering pattern
- it is so easy to sew
- it takes no time at all (took me two and a half hours including cutting the fabric)
- all of the above again and again and again!!!!!!

Nothing at all to dislike.

Fabric Used:

A cotton poly jersey from Fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

- Added 2¾ inches to the sleeves (need to cover those tuckshop arms)
- Added 4¾ inches to the length - I did this by using a band of fabric rather than hemming.

I sewed a toile and it fit but stretched a little across the bust - of course so I added about a centimetre on the sides. This worked fine. The pattern doesn't need a full bust adjustment (as per above notes) - it is not that kind of pattern - it is very forgiving - just add a bit to the sides.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I am going to sew this again and again and again. I might even make it into a dress!. I would make it into slacks too if I could - Can you tell I love this pattern! I love it so much it is going to be my entry for one pattern many looks.

Conclusion:

A great quick win. If you have had some wadders lately - I recommend sewing this. It certainly picked up my spirits. It will become a staple in my wardrobe.

This will be an entry into one pattern many looks contest

The link to the first top

Creative Cate top number 1

The second top can be seen here

Second Version

More pictures on my blog:

On the Road to Sew Wear
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37 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Sew4Fun said...
Wonderful outfit! Very flattering. I can understand why you are so happy. I love this pattern too and I have made it several times.
1/2/13 4:34 PM
michellep74 said...
Nice top! I'm very busty as well, and FWIW, I've found that it's worked out okay when I've chosen a StyleArc size by full bust for more fitted patterns--the shoulders on those seem to run smaller. (e.g. the "Alice" top fit me perfectly out of the envelope when ordered by full bust).
1/2/13 5:49 PM
Sarsez said...
Great top! There's nothing like a quick win.
1/2/13 6:16 PM
Vonnevo said...
Fabulous top !!! The style suits you beautifully.
1/2/13 6:18 PM
KatC83 said...
Looks great! The size and style suit you well, nice job :-)
1/2/13 10:05 PM
chacha45 said...
Thanks for the review, BeaJay. Having just worked my way into the plus size category, I need all the help I can get, and this was very helpful. I think I'll try a Style Arc pattern.
1/2/13 10:16 PM
AndreaSews said...
Great top! As much as you love this top, you will become addicted, I know I have. I didn't like my first one until a couple months after I made it, and I've made a couple more since. Like you said, it is very forgiving, and I think it is attractive for busty women. Very trendy style also. Great job.
1/3/13 0:53 AM
Julia C said...
Great outfit. Very flattering.
1/4/13 9:56 PM
Dilliander said...
Lovely! This is a favourite pattern of mine too :) both your versions are great.
1/7/13 5:12 PM
velosewer said...
I'd be doing a happy dance in this nicely fitting and flattering top too. You're on a roll BeaJay.
1/7/13 5:34 PM
MariannaSew2Pro said...
Oh well done you! Pants are on my to do list for Jan/Feb so it's encouraging to see yours looking so good (though I realise it won't be easy). :-) Your supervisor is sooo pretty!
1/7/13 6:16 PM
Sharonspils said...
Fantastic outfit and can see why you love this top, and looking forward to seeing how you change it for OPML.
1/7/13 6:43 PM
Lynnelle said...
I have to take a second look at Style Arc patterns. I love the cowl neck think your top is fabulous.
1/7/13 6:46 PM
Sew4Fun said...
Nice to see you made another Cate top. It's hard to stop at one, isn't it? :)
1/7/13 9:57 PM
ArtAttack said...
Okay, this fabric is the bottom of the top shown with your pants. Totally cute on you. I am such a chicken with the Style Arc thing...not sure what that's about. This looks great on you!
1/7/13 10:14 PM
annakeeton said...
Another great-looking top and very cool that you've completed 2 entries for the contest. (edited 1/28/13: All of your tops look super!)
1/8/13 6:32 AM
petro said...
You have a terrific eye for fabric choices! It looks great.
1/8/13 1:26 PM
Mahogany Stylist said...
You look great! Thanks for the excellent review.
1/8/13 4:38 PM
gatorgirl4325 said...
Great top - keep on going with it - you have a definite winner!!
1/9/13 11:02 AM
brissie71 said...
It's SO awesome to have a pattern that you know you can just pull out and stitch up in half a minute! Great job. Both your tops look fabulous.
1/12/13 3:54 AM
Sew4Fun said...
Another great top! I love the fabric you used this time. It's perfect for this pattern.
1/28/13 0:14 AM
julie w said...
Lovely versions of this top
1/28/13 0:55 AM
Quickie said...
Very flattering tops. I llike the way you have used the print in the third shirt
1/28/13 0:58 AM
goosegreen said...
Love all your tops but I think my fave is the animal print one. Good to see another Aussie in the contest!
1/28/13 1:05 AM
leoniep said...
Great job BeaJay! I like all of them. My favourite is the animal print one, and I wouldn't have thought of using a border print, but that purple one looks lovely. Well done!
1/28/13 6:06 AM
Renren said...
Great tops and review! StyleArc customer service definitely goes above and beyond--I keep reading very positive things about the company.
1/28/13 6:43 AM
norie creates said...
All are beatiful but I especially love the purple!
1/28/13 7:35 AM
chenille said...
Love your fabric choices and variations. I like your style!
1/28/13 11:58 AM
velosewer said...
Congratulations BeaJay. They've really come up nicely.
1/28/13 2:48 PM
Sharonspils said...
Wonderful tops and they all look fantastic on you.
1/28/13 7:14 PM
Jacqui315 said...
This a beautiful fit! Gotta pick the purple trimmed one as my fave.
1/29/13 0:45 AM
treefrog said...
Love your tops. You choice of fabrics is fantastic. I like your sense of humour too - a fun review to read.
1/29/13 8:31 PM
Heatherrique said...
Ooh la la, Beajay! I envy your fab fabric choices... Very pretty tops and you wear them with pizazz!
1/30/13 6:01 PM
rsarauer said...
Really like the purple outfit, nice job :)
2/2/13 0:29 AM
Baja Susana said...
Beajay, are you just a little bit pleased with this pattern? I like the purple border and the placement.
2/3/13 4:28 AM
StudioCherie said...
Fantastic tops! The style really lets the fabric be the star and you wouldn't even think they were made from the same pattern - just all perfect. Great entry. Good luck!
2/4/13 5:02 PM
ghijsmom said...
Great review and three great looking tops!
2/5/13 11:36 PM
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