StyleArc: Kate Top (Kate Top) - Type:Tops  | | Viewed 731 times
| 2 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 23 people | | Reviewed by: | Dilliander | 
 | About Dilliander | | AUSTRALIA | | Member since: 11/28/08 | | Reviews written: 68 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 67 people | | patterns reviewed: 65 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/20/12 6:02 PM | | Last Updated: | 11/20/12 7:18 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | | | Fabric: | Rayon Jersey [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| A tale of two tees ...
Pattern Description:
The StyleArc Kate Top is a slightly fitted t-shirt pattern with long sleeves, a rib cuff and round neck. I restyled this to 3/4 sleeves with a self fabric band and scoop U-shape neck.
Pattern Sizing: 8
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, this is a nicely drafted simple tee that lets the fabric shine.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
StyleArc instructions are minimal (in this case, an order of construction plus a diagram for attaching the neck binding and cuff). They seemed fine, but I didn't use them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This is the same pattern used for the Parisienne Tee. The general fit and RTW cut is great... except having worn this top quite a bit I find myself readjusting the shoulders from time-to-time.
Since I'm still on a quest for the "perfect" TNT tee I decided to try again.
Fabric Used:
Two lovely quality 4-way stretch lightweight rayon/lycra jerseys, the ombre jersey from Emma One Sock and the floral jersey a holiday purchase.
Fitting:
Pattern used is exactly the same as that used for the Parisienne tee, including the previous alterations.
The problem I've noticed is that when trying on the tee during construction the fit is fine. However once the shoulders are stabilised and the neck binding added there is a tendency for the shoulders to ride up.
My initial thoughts were that the neck binding may be the culprit (perhaps too much tension) and since the shoulders are stabilized this combination caused the pulling ...
Test 1: ombre top
Ombre earth tones front
Ombre earth tones back
Made with
* 4-way stretch jersey (stretchier than the first top)
* nothing to stabilize the shoulder seams
* little to no tension when adding the neck binding
Verdict:
Some extra ease across the shoulders was achieved using the above changes, but additional width is needed.
The other interesting thing I realised (that I hadn't noticed earlier) is that the U-neck in the pattern changes to a shallow V-neck...
I'm guessing this means my shoulders are stealing fabric from the neckline, knits are so forgiving!
Test 2: Oslo garden top
Oslo garden front
Oslo garden back
This tee uses the same pattern (and same neckline) in a similar stretchy rayon knit but with
* redrafted/additional shoulder width front & back (square shoulder was part of original adjustments)
* stabilising on the shoulder seam, and
* regular tension when adding neck binding
Verdict:
A close to "perfect" fit, loose but not too loose, fitted but not too fitted!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, it is a wonderful pattern, a great wardrobe basic for a casual tee and with lots of possibilities for adding style.
Conclusion:
I think my quest may be over, this could just be my holy grail TNT for tees, so very happy. I've been road testing the floral tee for a couple of weeks now (with adjusted shoulder) before posting this review and the earlier problem seems to be solved.
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23 Comments
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Really like these t-shirts, especially like the ombré print fabric. Thank you for sharing your alterations and the results.
11/20/12 6:20 PM
Love the fabrics! They make it so much more than 'just' a tshirt, but with all the comfort. :) Glad you worked out the fit questions.
11/20/12 7:15 PM
Very pretty tops. Beautifully sewn as always.
11/20/12 7:41 PM
Another couple of beautiful tops. Gorgeous fabrics and lovely garments.
11/20/12 9:00 PM
Great t-shirts! The pattern is now on my wish list, thanks for the review
11/20/12 9:20 PM
Your tees are gorgeous, and your comments about your fitting and pattern alterations really illuminate the process (which is one I struggle with). Thanks for a great review.
11/20/12 9:59 PM
You do such beautiful work!
11/20/12 10:03 PM
Sweet tees, and I enjoyed reading about your fitting experiments.
11/20/12 11:02 PM
Great looking tops! Thanks for the detailed review.
11/21/12 2:03 AM
Lovely tops and fabric !!! I make similar alterations for my shoulders and chest fit. Thank you for this VH review :)
11/21/12 2:03 AM
Good quest for the perfect T! They are both lovely too!
11/21/12 9:19 AM
Beautiful tees!
11/21/12 10:27 AM
How wonderful that you have a workhorse of a pattern now. The fabric really does shine in these two beautiful tops.
11/21/12 11:17 AM
Lovely tops, and how nice to have the perfect fit worked out!
11/21/12 12:03 PM
Most excellent fabrics!
11/21/12 4:00 PM
Beautiful tees! Yes, you are right, many tees really do pull up when the neckband is applied. It helps keep the neck from sagging and gaping.
11/21/12 4:08 PM
They're both great. I like the v neckline.
11/21/12 9:41 PM
Such pretty tops.
11/22/12 8:30 AM
What a brilliant review! Great
11/22/12 5:04 PM
Gorgeous tops and so glad you have worked out the shoulders and now have your TNT pattern.
11/22/12 9:42 PM
Love your workmanship, thanks for the review
11/23/12 6:34 AM
Both tees are beautiful! I'm so glad you have persevered and now have a great TNT pattern.
12/3/12 9:54 AM
Very nice Tees. Lovely fabrics
5/8/13 5:21 AM