Pattern Description: Sandra Betzina's Misses' top: is close-fitting, pullover top has neck binding and optional stitched hem on lower edge. A: ruched front and elastic forms ruched effect on sleeves. B: self-lined sleeves with ruffles.
Pattern Sizing:Sandra's sizing is different with A-J all included in one envelope. The top has a princess seam with dart, shirring and trim details. With Sandra's sizing, I find it if I use my bust measurement for the top (duh, right?) and grade down a size through the waist and hips, I get a good fit.
Notions needed are Steam-a-seam lite and optional double needle and wooly nylon. For view A, you need 3/4 yard of 1/4" clear elastic.
Fabric Used: I purchased this knit from Marcy Tilton. I love the colors. Purple is one of my favorites and this has a wonderful plumy-purple in it. It is super soft, drapey, and the cut edge only slightly rolls. It really feels great on your skin! This doesn't take that much fabric: 1 5/8 yard for size E (long sleeves) . You must use a knit for this top.
What did I like/dislike?
I love the styling of the top. It has the ruching but not too much. I love the elastic treatment on the sleeves.
Some reviewers mentioned the craziness of the neckline and how it was attached. I tried it as the pattern was written and didn't like how wide the band was. I removed the band, cut an inch off and reapplied. I like it much better now.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I think so!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy instructions with clear diagrams. Sandra is a little wordy, if that doesn't bother you, you will enjoy the directions. For the ruching, Sandra has you zig-zag over string, cinch it up and then remove it so the seam isn't too thick. I decided to try this and found it worked really well. I do enjoy the challenge of gathering until it is nearly perfect and even. For the sleeves, you zig-zag over clear elastic. It works well too.
What design changes did I make?:
I added some top stitching around the neckline and down the front band. The princess-type seam would stand up, if that makes sense, and found that if I stitched it down it stayed put.
I also stitched along the seam on the sleeve for about an inch so that the hem wouldn't pop out to the right side when I was wearing it.
I made my usual 1/2" swayback adjustment. Other than that, this is a great basic t-shirt pattern.
Conclusion:
I will most likely put this together again. I do recommend it to others. It is quick to put together and will become a great basic pattern. I am really intrigued by B, but not sure if I will use the shoulder ruffles.
Thanks for reading!
Sue
There are a few more pictures at my blog:
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Nice work!
1/1/13 10:23 PM
Very cute...I have eyed this pattern but never taken the plunge...may next time V's are on sale...yours looks great!
1/2/13 1:00 AM
You've been busy! Another great look!
1/2/13 4:07 AM
Lovely fabric. Glad you found a solution to neckline.
1/2/13 5:26 AM
Looks great on you!
1/4/13 8:20 PM