HotPatterns: 1145 (Riviera Regatta T-Shirt) - Type:Tops  | | Viewed 337 times
| | Review rated Very Helpful by 10 people | | Reviewed by: | michellep74 | 
 | About michellep74 | | CA USA | | Member since: 7/19/07 | | Reviews written: 118 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 99 people | | patterns reviewed: 104 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 12/4/12 1:57 PM | | Pattern Size: | Plus-Sized Regular | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | Pattern Info provided by michellep74 | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | | | Fabric: | Rayon Jersey [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: From the HP web site:
"Make these funky & fresh tops in medium-weight striped, patterned
or solid color t-shirt knits with a little stretch...try cotton orrayon jersey
knits, or an ITY (interlocking twist yarn) fabric for a laid-back and drape-y T-shirt.
Pull-on, relaxed fit T-shirts have a pieced front & back, with the main bodice pieces cut on the bias for a unique drape. Tops feature a self or contrast-bound jewel neckline, and finish at the hip with a narrow hem.
Choose from full length or cut-on cap sleeves for your perfect T-shirt.
Make these fabulous new tops in a mix of colored stripes (of course!)
but also try them in one or more solid colors with decorative stitches
along the seams, or a mix of your favorite prints for a modern look."
Pattern Sizing:
HP sizes 6-26.
Because this was described as a "relaxed fit", I chose a size one size smaller than my measurements would indicate on the HP size chart (size 22), and I feel that I got the "relaxed" but not too baggy fit indicated in the line drawing.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, very much so. I know that the line drawings aren't always super-accurate with HotPatterns, but this one is pretty darn close.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions are fine--it's a very easy pattern. Even with the design option that I chose (top-stitching every seam), I still completed the top in about 2 hours. I would have completed it even faster if I'd just made it up as instructed.
If you want a little more assistance, Trudy has put together a helpful tutorial video that's available from the HP web site:
HP Riviera Regatta T-shirt video tutorial
One note: The fabric requirements on the envelope say that you need 2 1/4 yards for the plus size range. That might be the case if you're matching stripes, but I used a solid fabric and had no trouble getting everything laid out on the proper grains in a little under 2 yards.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes: The pieced style is very on-trend and gives you a lot of options for playing around with the current trends for stripes and color blocking. The final top is relaxed and very comfortable and was very fast and easy to construct.
Dislikes: None.
Fabric Used: Rayon jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Not so much a design change as I wanted to play around with a "faux coverstitch" technique. I serged each seam wrong-sides-together and then top-stitched the seam allowance to the right side. I realized recently that since I'm drawn to prints, I had a serious lack of solid-color knit tops in my wardrobe and am trying to remedy that. This technique gives me a solid color top with the visual interest of top stitching.
No pattern alterations other than shortening both the hem and sleeves 1" shorter than the original specified length.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will definitely sew it again. I'd like to both play around with stripes and color blocking with this pattern. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to make a fun and casual knit top.
Conclusion:
Quick, easy, and fun pattern. I will be wearing this top a lot this season.
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10 Comments
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Love that color and the top stitching is a nice touch. Enjoy your new top.
12/4/12 2:26 PM
Love this!
12/4/12 3:25 PM
The top stitching and piecing looks fab! Great top!
12/4/12 9:48 PM
Love the way the topstitching adds interest. I must try some of that.
12/4/12 10:32 PM
Nice! The "faux coverstitch" is spot on trend. Now you have a TNT that you can play around with for different looks from basic to really go wild.
12/5/12 3:49 AM
Great looking top. I love your faux coverstitch. I'll have to try that. I haven't seen you since your baby was born. You look terrific and very happy. Congratulations!
12/5/12 9:29 AM
Great review and very nice looking top!! Thanks for sharing.
12/5/12 11:11 AM
Oooohhhh, Pretty! I love the top stitching, and the color. And I agree- the topstitching gives the solid color a lot of visual interest. You're making me glad I bought that pattern!
12/5/12 11:32 PM
This is REALLY cute, the way you've highlighted the piecing with the serging/topstitching. I hadn't even seen this pattern before. :o)
12/6/12 9:22 PM
Super cute. I love the top stitching.
2/16/13 1:52 AM