HotPatterns: 1142 ( Fast & Fabulous Fiesta Knit T) - Type:Tops  | | Viewed 450 times
| 2 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 8 people | | Reviewed by: | Twinset | 
 | About Twinset | | QC CANADA | | Member since: 9/15/07 | | Reviews written: 64 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 122 people | | patterns reviewed: 59 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/26/12 5:04 PM | | Last Updated: | 11/26/12 5:25 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | More Info provided by Twinset | | Pattern Rating: | Recommend, with Modifications | | | | Fabric: | Modal Blend Jersey Knit [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: Relaxed-fit pull-on dolman sleeved top has a classic scooped jewel neckline, a center back seam and above elbow length sleeves. Top features self-fabric binding on the cuffs and neckline, with a double thickness waistband that sits at the natural waist which is designed to be worn ruched for a chic look.
Pattern Sizing: 6-26. I should be a size 8 according to HP measurments but I chose to sew a 6 as they always run large for me.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Mmmm.... maybe not. Sizing is gigantic and there is a discrepancy between the actual garment and pattern illustration/ technical drawing. Their top looks much smaller and shorter than mine.
Casual 1
Casual 2
80's style
Back view 1
Back view 2
Full album
Were the instructions easy to follow? I looked at them and they're fine if you need them. The idea behind the construction is that you can sew this top fast (hence the Fast & Fabulous name), entirely on the serger, so bindings are applied flat to the neckline and cuffs and then you close the CB seam and sides. I wasn't confident I could butt the CB seam with neckline binding at the top edge precisely (this is always hard to do on the serger), so I sewed the binding to the neckline in the round once CB seam was closed. By the way CB seam has no shaping and its only purpose is to serve the idea that you close the back with the binding in one pass. Still, I chose to keep it so I could differentiate front from back.
If you have a coverstitch, it might be a good idea to use it on the neckline binding to flatten it. Like Michelle said, you don't need to cut 2 of the neckline binding, just 1.
The cuff bindings are really short in order to gather the fabric at the sleeve opening; I had to stretch them to their limit to fit them to the the sleeve.
The ruching on the band is just the fabric bunching, there is no elastic or gathering involved.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Likes:
- stylish
- comfy
- it really sews in no time, ideal if you don't have much sewing time or are looking for instant gratification
- shoulder seam is well balanced (I always hate a top that rides in the back or in the front)
I was really perplexed at the sizing for size 6 - I'm a size 8 according to HP and I think I'd probably need a size 0 to get the top pictured on the illustration. Description says that sleeves are above elbow (they are below elbow on me) and that it sits at the natural waist (frankly on me the band falls on the hips, still with lots of blousing). The shape of the sides seem to be different too, and the neckline came out wide and low in the muslin. To get the look of the pattern envelope I should have shortened the top by several inches on the bodice and sleeves, and alter the sides. That being said, I chose not to 'cause I love the shape of the final top, but it's just not like the pattern illustration or technical drawing. For the record, I'm 5'5'' (1.65 m), so it's not a matter of me being extremely short. I also used a fabric similar to those recommended for the pattern.
Fabric Used: Micro modal slub jersey, from Highendfabrics on Ebay.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1- Added 1 1/2'' to the neckline, all the way around (front and back). I added this much 'cause on the muslin my bra straps were showing and the top was falling off my shoulders.
2- Took off 1 1/4'' from the arm opening which was too big, tapering to nothing at bottom side.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Despite me being perplexed, I will probably be making more of this one 'cause I like the shape of it. I'd recommend it to those wanting a quick project, but test the sizing first and the potential alterations you need.
Conclusion: A nice top that I'm happy with in the end, maybe just not the one I was expecting.
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13 Comments
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Very pretty top and I like the color you chose. Looks great on you!
11/26/12 8:10 PM
Great top, looks good on and super comfortable as well.
11/26/12 9:32 PM
I love this style too! Great review. I'm sold on this pattern now : )
11/26/12 10:06 PM
Cute top...looks great on you!
11/26/12 10:19 PM
I love your version of this! It definitely does not look like the pattern illustration, which I would not buy as it's too short for my tastes. Yours is perfect.
11/26/12 11:31 PM
Great top! Thanks for the helpful review.
11/27/12 0:48 AM
You made it work really well with your tweaks. Looks great with how you're styling it.
11/27/12 0:58 AM
Your reaction was pretty much the same as mine--I like the final top, but had to take it in quite a bit, and it's not quite the same as the line drawing.
11/27/12 1:37 AM
Thanks for the review. You look very chic as always :)
11/27/12 7:06 AM
Love your poses and styling. Isn't it wonderful to know what alterations need to be done, and then having the skill to do the,? That's what sewing for ourselves is all about.
11/27/12 8:09 AM
Love you tops and your photos!
11/27/12 7:40 PM
Beautiful! Very helpful review - thanks.
11/30/12 3:52 PM
Thank you for the very helpful review! I just made the top and your and michellep74's tips about sizing helped save me a lot of time. Also, your top looks fabulous!
12/8/12 6:09 PM