Pattern Description:
This is a simple top by Sandra Betzina, cut on the bias, with a pleat feature on the sleeves. I have made it once before, and found that it was easy to sew, and a beautifully fitting top. I was attending a meeting of my local group of the Australian Sewing Guild, and wanted to take along a project that was relatively easy to make.
Pattern Sizing:
I made size D, with slightly wider side seams. I topstitched the upper sleeve seam (sandra suggests piping, which would look good, but would be more fiddley)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes and no. The photo on the pattern is not very inspiring, but in reality the top looks great. Last time I made it, the photo I included was of the top being worn by the ever faithful Dolores (my dressmaker's dummy). This time I thought I would take a photo of myself wearing it, by photographing myself in the mirror. How hard could that be? Well, a bit harder than I thought! If I held the camera with both hands, I got a relatively clear photo, but it was hard to see the features of the top. If I held the camera with one hand, to display the sleeve feature, the camera shook and produced enough blurs so that none of the features were particularly clear! Anyway, I picked the clearest one I could find (thats me in the foreground).
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really loved that there are no zips, no buttons, no buttonholes, no fasteners of any type whatsoever. The top goes on and off as easily as a knit, and yet looks classy. The bias cut is very flattering, and the pleats on the sleeve are intersting and distinctive, yet not fussy.
Fabric Used:
I used a white/cream cotton and silk blend that has a basket-weave texture. The fabric came into my stash either in 2006 or 2007 (I actually bought several pieces of the same fabric from the same Ebay seller, over a period of time). It is a lovely fabric, with a subtle sheen, and drapes just beautifully. Like most silk, it needs a bit of extra time and care to cut out (to make sure the grain is straight) and it slips around a bit, but it is lovely to work with.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. This was the second time I made it, but I think I may even make it again (perhaps for summer, with a contrast sheer fabric for the lower sleeves). I would certainly recommend it to anyone who can get their hands on this, as it is now out of print.
Conclusion:
The Sewing Guild meeting was from 10 am to 3 pm. I arrived promptly at 10, laid out the pattern, pinned, cut, sewed, and finished by 3 pm (with a break for lunch, a few cups of coffee, and lots of chatting). A delightful pattern - a pity the picture on the envelope doesn't do justice to the design.
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Thanks for your review of this pattern. I have just finished a muslin of the pants in this pattern and am about to start another pair. I also was planning on making the short sleeved top to match. I will now add the long-sleeved version to the list.
7/25/08 10:22 AM
Another thanks for the review - I have the pattern and have never used it - am on a "use or discard" mission so it's to do -- soon. Your review is really helpful and I really do like the look of the finished top. The envelope photo really did not "move me" so Thanks
7/25/08 5:03 PM
Thank you for the review. I have the pattern but have not made it yet. I do think is is a very nice top and really do need to make it one day.
7/25/08 5:53 PM
This one has moved on and off my to-do list over the years. Guess it's time to put it back on. Thanks for a great review. Your version looks lovely. Sue
7/26/08 1:12 AM
Since the pattern is OOP, here is a good image for the pattern pic: http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6177191/il_fullxfull.340905848.jpg
1/28/13 10:28 PM