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HotPatterns: 1071 (Weekender Sunshine Tops) - Type:Tops

Viewed 996 times

23 more reviews

Review rated Helpful by 4 people Very Helpful by 47 people

Reviewed by:

Debbie Cook


	About Debbie Cook
	FL USA
	Member since: 4/11/02
	Reviews written: 165
	Favored by: 333 people
	patterns reviewed: 152
	Bio: more...

Posted on:

10/21/09 10:24 PM

Last Updated:

10/21/09 10:49 PM

Pattern Size:

Plus-Sized Regular

Project Photo:

Pattern Photo:

More Info provided by Debbie Cook

Pattern Rating:

Highly Recommend

Current Tags :

Fabric:

ITY Jersey [See other projects in this fabric]

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Top on me

Pattern Description: From the Hot Patterns website: "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."

Pattern Sizing: 6-26 in one envelope.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, very much.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Even though this is one of the earlier HP w/o construction illustrations, it's an easy top to sew and the text-only instructions are fine. I changed a couple of things, though. Details below.

What did you particularly like about the pattern? Love, love that it fits me pretty much straight out of the envelope. See below for the minor fit changes I made.

Fabric Used: An ITY poly jersey from Fabric.com.

Pattern Alterations: Since I have narrow shoulders, I decided to start with a 16 at the neck/shoulder area after reading other reviews that seemed to indicate it might run a tad wide. Otherwise, I probably would've started with the 18 neckline. As I traced, I went up to 22 at bust level at the underarm and down to the hem. This effectively gives me a 22 armhole/sleeve, with extra width at bust level for the girls. For knit tops that I'm not morphing from a TNT pattern, this has become my standard (lazy) FBA.

The only alteration I made that involved cutting was to enlarge the sleeve to accommodate my generous biceps. I added about one inch.

I did not make my usual square shoulder alteration because I wanted to see how it would turn out. This is really my "muslin" since I decided to just live dangerously (read: lazy) and go for the good fabric. The shoulders and armhole height, as is, are fine for me.

I cut the length 2 inches longer than the line for the shorter version, (1) because there is only a 3/8" hem allowance and I prefer a deeper hem, and (2) insurance. It's easier to cut it off than to wish length back on. (The 3/8" hem allowances on sleeves and bottom hem are probably the only quiggle I have with this pattern. I do love the 3/8" seam allowances everywhere else, though. Sure wish the Big 3/4 would get on that bandwagon for knits!)

Because I kept it a little longer than my usual tee length, I can also wear it belted, tunic-style. I like this look too. I'm obviously old because I remember liking and wearing this same look in the 80s. This is one 80s look I'm happy to repeat. The belt is 2-1/2" wide cut from self-fabric scraps.

Belted, on me

Construction Changes: First, I interfaced *all* the neckband pieces. I felt my fabric needed it. I used my favorite interfacing, Light from Palmer/Pletsch, a fusible that never fails and doesn't need preshrinking.

Second, I did not attach the neckband to the bodice all in one step. I did have the top edges sewn together/finished but then applied the outside band first and edgestitched from the top to catch the inside band. I wanted the seam allowances turned upward toward the band but it was going to be too much bulk to turn both layers upward, and with this method, the inside band covers the stitching. I wish I had taken a photo, but I forgot. It's the same way I did this top, which has the inside band trimmed to the stitching after the edgestitching.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will sew this at least 200 more times.

I love it! I think it's flattering and I need one in every color and sleeve length.

I highly recommend it.

Conclusion: I've liked the look of this top since this pattern was released, but it took me this long to buy it and make it. I wish I hadn't waited.

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Reader Comments
jilly cooper	10/21/09	Beautiful top, looks great and I agree - very flattering:)
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littlejazzbird	10/21/09	Beautiful and flattering! Isn't it great that you have a top you're in love with? I too have always admired this pattern after having seen so many beautiful versions here on PR; maybe I should do like you and make it!
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Riesie	10/21/09	Just gorgeous. You have such a good eye for what looks great on you!
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Sweetiebop	10/21/09	Oh Debbie I love this. Great top. And you didn't do a muslin.
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sew obsessed	10/21/09	Debbie this top looks great on you! I was sitting on the fence with this pattern but now I have to have it! I love the Palmer/Pletsch interfacings too. Especially the light and the sheer for knits. Thanks for the review.
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Tailypo	10/21/09	I'm with littlejazzbird -- I think you have brought me to the tipping point when it comes to this pattern, I'm going to have to make it mine! Great looking top, I love it with the matching belt at "short tunic" length.
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sewing for fun	10/21/09	Great top Debbie! Love the print. I tried this pattern as size smaller than my measurements, made it even smaller in the neckline band, but still found it to be humongous on me... I love the pattern style, but not sure I can make it work for me without re-drafting the whole thing.
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AnitaJ	10/21/09	Very flattering top! It's an 80's look I'm happy to repeat too.
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michellep74	10/21/09	I love this in a print! I'm wearing one of my versions of this same top right now. Isn't this a great pattern?
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Raye Ann	10/21/09	this looks terrific on you! i always love your choice of knits. does the interfaced knit still stretch the the Palmer/Pletsch Light? I tried a generic fusible for knit and could tell from a sample facing that it was going to separate and ripple under the knit facing with regular wear.
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Sew4Fun	10/21/09	Love it!!
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Schnauzer	10/21/09	Very nice and looks lovely on you.
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SueV	10/22/09	Isn't this a great top! I've made it at least 10 times, and will make it at least 10 more. the gather placement is so flattering
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Sherril Miller	10/22/09	I think it looks great too. The belt is a nice touch. Did you give it your signature shaped hemline?
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michalklimer	10/22/09	it is such a pretty top!
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o3b	10/22/09	Very pretty top! I like the belted look, too.
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Lori V	10/22/09	Your top looks fantastic on you.
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sewsue	10/22/09	I too have recently made up 2 versions of this pattern and I LOVE LOVE it too! I made mine straight out of the envelope and was very pleased wiht the fit for me, NO FBA needed! Yours looks like a great fit too.
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Rebecca D	10/22/09	Looks great on you. I love this pattern.
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eugenia123	10/22/09	Great top, lovely shape and beautiful fabric.
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Lisette	10/22/09	Looks great on you!
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Woolygal	10/22/09	You're right - make it 100 times.
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Rustybobn	10/22/09	Love that! It looks great on you.
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Debbie Cook	10/22/09	Raye Ann, No, P/P Light is a woven interfacing and it curbs the stretch of a knit.
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Nancy K	10/22/09	You can see why this has been my favorite top and I struggle with my urge to make it yet again! Maybe I'll make it in the tunic version with a belt. It looks great on you and I love your construction changes. If I do succumb and make it again I'll incorporate your changes. I too add deeper hems, which I much prefer in knits. It is a very flattering top.
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mssewcrazy	10/22/09	I have sworn off buying patterns as I have not been sewing but this is so nice and your method of fitting sounds so good, I will have to buy this pattern. I buy anything you recommend so why stop now. Your top is just beautiful.
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Andreahg	10/22/09	Very cute!
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emelle	10/22/09	I love it too...on you and on me!
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idesign	10/22/09	As always, you give such helpful tips with your reviews. Thanks Deb!
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Sallygirl	10/22/09	That came out perfect, Debbie! I love the fabric choices you make. I have 4 Hot Patterns on order, but they seem to be taking their sweet time to get to m. :(
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Mufffet	10/22/09	What a nice top. Thanks for a totally complete review of this pattern. I didn't know they had such a size range in Hot Patterns. Thanks again.
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ConnieBJ	10/22/09	Isn't it nice to find a top that is quick, easy and cute all in one package! Great tee Debbie.
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li'l miss muffett	10/22/09	This is an awesome pattern, huh? I love yours! The white one I made is really starting to show wear (i.e. spaghetti sauce stains) so I've got to make another! LOL!
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sissycat	10/22/09	Awesome...fabric, fit & personal choice!!
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Red Curtain	10/22/09	Cutie! Looks great on you. Your review was helpful in how you described adjusting the pattern fit.
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LollyVee	10/22/09	WOW, now that's a perfect fitting top. Love the print. These "Hot Patterns" are just that HOT! I need to get my hands on one to try! Thanks for the great review!
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becca a	10/22/09	What a beautiful top. I like the belted look too. Thank you for the great review. I think I will have to get this pattern.
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Catbird	10/22/09	You've really found a winner here! I have this pattern but haven't yet conquered the fit issues that I had with it. You did a spectacular job and have created a very flattering top. It inspires me to have another go at mine. Thank you for the great review!
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JDpenelope	10/22/09	Thanks, Debbie. I'll join the chorus in praise of this Awesome review... and pattern. I really like this top on you -- And no FBA is a big plus. I might NEED this pattern.
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pammieh	10/23/09	Great top on you!! Very hip!
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Lisa p	10/23/09	Very nice Debbie, the print is so lovely on you . Thanks for the very indepth review .
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fourkid	10/23/09	Very, very nice - I have yet to sew a HP - you have sold me on this one.
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Annette1	10/24/09	This top has the PERFECT amount of ease. It's oh-so-chic and looks SO NICE on you, both belted and unbelted!
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marciae	10/25/09	Like you I've been resisting as I've had problems with HP - but might rethink this pattern. Great review
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OP Gal	11/2/09	I just got around to reading this review. The no FBA part pushed me off the fence and I'm definitely buying this pattern. I've been thinking about ordering it for awhile. This is a very flattering top. I can see why you'll be making 200 of them. Thanks for all the details in the review.
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canei	12/29/09	nice
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