Pattern Description: Knit top with kimono sleeves and fitted hip band.
Pattern Sizing: Sizes 36(10) to 48(22). I chose the size 38(12) using my high bust m'ment.
Fabric Used: ITY poly/lycra jersey. A perfect choice for this pattern.
Something to note. The front and back bodice is cut as one piece with no shoulder seam, so this pattern is not suitable for fabrics with a nap, or one-way designs, unless you make changes. The front will be the right way up but the back will be upside down.
As my fabric is a one-way design I cut the pattern apart along the shoulder and added seam allowances, creating separate front and back pattern pieces so I could use a "with nap" layout.
Did it look like the pattern photo/drawing? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes the instructions are very good. Some of Burda's better instructions. It's an easy top to sew and suitable for a beginner.
Pattern Alterations: After reading the previous reviews I lowered the front neck 3cms, and I'm glad I did. The neck would be very high and choking without this alteration. I also narrowed the neck 1/4" on each side to stop my bra straps showing, plus I added bra keepers to stop the top sliding off my shoulders.
I cut my own narrow neck facings following the shape of the new neckline and fused the interfacing to the facings, not the garment as instructed.
On the sleeves I narrowed the 4.5cm wide hem to 2.5cms. While the wide hem stops the wrong side of the fabric showing I found it affected the drape of the sleeve too much. I also shortened the sleeves and reshaped them so the top edge is longer.
I didn't bother with the tie.
Fit Alterations: Only one, which was to shorten the pattern above the armhole. A usual alteration for me as I'm 5'4" tall.
This is a great pattern because the only fit alterations to consider are the width at the hip and the length. Got to love this!
Construction: I narrowed all the seams to 1/4" (6mm) so I could construct the top using my overlocker.
Likes and Dislikes: I love the kimono sleeves and how the top is fitted through the waist and hip. I like the lack of fit issues and how quick this top is to sew. I made this top in an afternoon which included tracing.
My only dislike is the shape of the boatneck. It's too high in the front.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and yes. I absolutely love wearing this top so I definitely want more.
Conclusion: Great pattern. Quick to sew with little to no fit issues to consider. Just watch the depth and width of the neckline. Highly recommend!
Buy this pattern for $6.71 List Price: $8.95Add to Bag
dragon10 said... A really nice top. Great shape and fabric choice. 11/22/12 11:31 PM
rivergum said... Lovely top, very cool and comfy looking! My kind of pattern, makes up quick and looks great. 11/23/12 0:00 AM
Schnauzer said... Lovely top. The colour is gorgeous on you. 11/23/12 0:51 AM
SewWil said... Pretty top! 11/23/12 1:12 AM
Skye said... lovely top the fanric is really pretty too 11/23/12 1:20 AM
Vonnevo said... Super nice, Belinda !!!! 11/23/12 1:49 AM
jenleeC said... Nice top. I really like the colour on you. 11/23/12 2:32 AM
Dilliander said... This is lovely, beautiful, fabric, great fit and super quick! Thanks for the helpful review. 11/23/12 3:07 AM
GoodbyeValntino said... You have a knack for picking out great patterns! I love this top. Thanks for the review! 11/23/12 7:59 AM
Amanda.Claire said... What a cute top! I have this pattern and will include your changes. 11/23/12 8:35 AM
Rhoda K said... So pretty - love your fabric and the fit is perfect. 11/23/12 9:49 AM
MelissaB in WA said... Really cute top! 11/23/12 10:17 AM
Elke said... Very pretty top! I really like your fabric choice and it looks great on you! 11/23/12 1:58 PM
sewpelican said... Lovely fabric, suits the style. Thanks for the helpful tips 11/23/12 2:45 PM
fauxgetaboutit said... Very cute and flowy without being overwhelming. Great job! 11/23/12 7:01 PM
Raye Ann said... Very pretty on you! 11/23/12 10:54 PM
Lori V said... Very pretty, Belinda. Thanks for all the information, I have always admired this pattern. 11/23/12 11:09 PM
AndreaSews said... Really cute top, and looks comfortable to wear. Thank you for the detailed review. 11/24/12 10:10 AM
Knitz said... Great looking style on you! 11/24/12 6:13 PM
Pamaro said... Lovely top! I had no idea that was knit fabric until I read your review. Looks like you did achieve a very nice neckline fit. Great color and print fabric on you. 11/25/12 4:23 PM
Vintage Joan said... Wonderful top and review. :) 12/19/12 11:09 PM
A really nice top. Great shape and fabric choice.
11/22/12 11:31 PM
Lovely top, very cool and comfy looking! My kind of pattern, makes up quick and looks great.
11/23/12 0:00 AM
Lovely top. The colour is gorgeous on you.
11/23/12 0:51 AM
Pretty top!
11/23/12 1:12 AM
lovely top the fanric is really pretty too
11/23/12 1:20 AM
Super nice, Belinda !!!!
11/23/12 1:49 AM
Nice top. I really like the colour on you.
11/23/12 2:32 AM
This is lovely, beautiful, fabric, great fit and super quick! Thanks for the helpful review.
11/23/12 3:07 AM
You have a knack for picking out great patterns! I love this top. Thanks for the review!
11/23/12 7:59 AM
What a cute top! I have this pattern and will include your changes.
11/23/12 8:35 AM
So pretty - love your fabric and the fit is perfect.
11/23/12 9:49 AM
Really cute top!
11/23/12 10:17 AM
Very pretty top! I really like your fabric choice and it looks great on you!
11/23/12 1:58 PM
Lovely fabric, suits the style. Thanks for the helpful tips
11/23/12 2:45 PM
Very cute and flowy without being overwhelming. Great job!
11/23/12 7:01 PM
Very pretty on you!
11/23/12 10:54 PM
Very pretty, Belinda. Thanks for all the information, I have always admired this pattern.
11/23/12 11:09 PM
Really cute top, and looks comfortable to wear. Thank you for the detailed review.
11/24/12 10:10 AM
Great looking style on you!
11/24/12 6:13 PM
Lovely top! I had no idea that was knit fabric until I read your review. Looks like you did achieve a very nice neckline fit. Great color and print fabric on you.
11/25/12 4:23 PM
Wonderful top and review. :)
12/19/12 11:09 PM