Pattern Description: Fitted knit top with sleeve and neckline variations. View A has long sleeves and a scoop neckline. View B has short sleeves and a deep V neckline. View C has a dramatic cowl neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. Mix and match any of the sleeves with any of the neckline options for unlimited possibilities
Pattern Sizing: 0-16 - all sizes in one envelope
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Silhouette-wise, yes  I made the cowl version, with long sleeves.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Very clear and easy, except that my copy had an error in the cowl instructions, which has been corrected in later versions. In the first instruction for sewing the cowl, my copy showed the illustration as sewing the Right Sides of the cowl together. The words said to sew the Wrong Sides together. Sewing the RS is correct. I checked Tasia's blog to make sure of the correct version, and her blog is FULL of detailed instructions! This is my first Sewaholic pattern. If you have any trouble with any instructions, she is very helpful, and you can probably find the answer easily on her blog.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Dislike: I was surprised to see that, in spite of all the rave reviews, the sleeves are drafted completely symmetrically, and only one other reviewer mentioned this (clothing engineer - thanks for thinking like I do lol!) I made a practice piece, and cut the sleeves as drafted for this one, but I redrafted the sleeve cap curve on my second version. For a really stretchy knit, I think that symmetrical sleeves can be fine, but for a stable knit, my preference is to have a more anatomically correct sleeve cap.
Likes: EVERYTHING ELSE! Sewaholic drafts for a pear shape, although this particular pattern is very easily adjustable for practically any shape, I think. I really like the bands at the sleeve ends and waist - a very nice finishing touch! And I love love love the cowl!
Fabric Used: For #1 (the practice piece) I used a rayon knit. This is NOT the recommended fabric (she recommends a stable knit) but it worked out fine. Unfortunately for me, because I considered this a may-or-may-not wear practice piece, I wasn't terribly meticulous in my sewing, and made a cutting mistake, but it ended up being quite wearable in the end.
#1 - the crazy animal print
For #2 I used a much more stable sweater knit for the body and bands, and a lovely ponte for the sleeves. I switched the layout for the cowl and waistband, so that the stripes would provide some variety, and used the ponte on the sleeves, for a bit of a color blocked effect. I used the same size (10) on both, but I ended up using the tiniest possible SA's on the sweater knit, because it had WAY less stretch than the rayon/lycra mix! I knew I would need to do this, but I probably should have cut a 12 for the more stable knit.
Striped Version
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: This is the only pattern I've used that I did NOT need to adjust the waist & hips area! I did, however, need to narrow the shoulders a bit, and I always need to adjust for forward and sloping shoulders. The sleeves are pretty long, imho - I shortened them by 2". Otherwise, the only changes were the fabric placement and color blocking on the striped version.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I've made it twice, and I have ideas for future versions, so yes indeed on both counts.
Conclusion: I really love the cowl (have I mentioned that already?) It's doubled, so it's nice and cozy, but you could just cut one layer if you wanted.
The Cowl, Extended
This is a well-drafted pattern, and with all of the varieties of necklines and sleeve length, along with the banded sleeves and waist, this is definitely a winner of a pattern!
For more pictures and many more details, please visit my Blog Posts detailing both versions.
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What cute tops! So different looking. Really impressed with your sleeve cap alteration. Good idea for less stretchy fabrics.
1/23/13 9:06 PM
Love your tops! This is a favorite pattern of mine as well.
1/23/13 11:33 PM
Very pretty tops!
1/24/13 1:06 AM
Lovely Jilly, both tops look great
1/24/13 3:40 AM
What a great review. Your tops look wonderful.
1/24/13 9:57 AM
Love the tops and your fabric choices. You look great.
1/24/13 5:50 PM