View / Size used: Size 2 D-Cup, There's only one view.
I used the usual method of determining my knit size - I wrapped the fabric around my bust and used the finished garment measurements on the pattern.
Fabric Used: I've made the top twice, first in a turquoise rayon/lycra mix from some super cheap store in downtown L.A., then in a super stretchy navy cotton jersey from F&S Fabric. It's really hard to photograph, but it's got really small flecks of sparkle in it too.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made two versions, I made the first one exactly as drafted, but it was shorter than I'd like, only getting as far as my high hip. I also thought the cowl was a little stingy. In fairness, that's what it looks like in the picture on the pattern, but made it up as drafted first anyway.
For the second version, I laid down the front and back pattern pieces on the fold as far from each other as I could get them, then I eyeballed cutting the side seam between them giving me one long piece. I flipped the front on to the back, matching the shoulders, and just cut where the fabric was folded over, dividing the extra length equally between the front and the back. Does that make any sense? I guess I should have taken pictures!
I also doubled the width (height?) of the cowl on the second version.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Super super easy. There's only 4 pattern pieces so it's not rocket sciences, but I liked that the instructions included info on serging.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Can every pattern please have cup sizing?? Pretty please?? The Big 4 patterns that do have cup sizing have a whole measuring procedure to figure out which cup size you should use, using their system I come out as a C cup. Silhouette keeps it much more simple, you use the cup size of your bra, and if you're over a D, use a D. I'm a DD, so I used the D Cup pattern. It worked out great.
It turns out that I really like french darts! They're not noticeable at all in the final garment, but give really nice subtle shaping. In fact they're so invisible I had a hard time getting them to show up in the pictures.
I didn't like how small the cowl is in the straight version, I love the second version.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the finished garment?
The first version was too short by several inches, and I'm not totally sold on the fabric. It's a little shiny, and isn't all that breathable. The cotton version is awesome and I've already worn it lots.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will most certainly make it again, but maybe not for a little while. I would highly recommend the pattern!
More pictures / details on my blog |
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very cute!
11/21/12 4:00 PM
Great fitting top/s.
11/21/12 9:43 PM
I just made this top and wondered about making the cowl bigger. Yours looks great, and I will also double the size of the cowl on my next one. Thanks for the review!
11/22/12 7:13 AM
Really pretty. And can I just say that I am absolutely green with envy over your totally non-obvious dart point. I keep trying to make mine like yours and only succeed occasionally. Yours are PERFECT - how did you do it??? I need tips!
11/22/12 9:04 AM
Beautiful top - fits you so well. And I am loving those French darts as well! The cowl on top #2 is really nice.....well done.
11/22/12 11:45 AM
JEF, I'm sorry I didn't see this comment until now - I don't think I did anything too special, the fabric just hides it well. I did use really small stitches coming up the the point, perhaps that helped?
1/20/13 11:40 AM