Envelope picture and line drawing
Pattern Description
Flattering fitted top featuring a fashionable square neckline, extended shoulders & zip back, this top is a great piece to have in your wardrobe. Sew it in Linen for summer or wool for winter.
Pattern Sizing
6-30, it is not a multisized pattern, you buy 1 size. I bought a size 12, based on bust measurement, which was right.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Basic instructions, fine with me. It's an easy enough top.
Important in StyleArc patterns is that they use only 1cm seam allowances (3/8") in general, and even very narrow seam allowances for the neckline and facings. Something to be aware of while sewing, but I like it. At the neckline for example it isn't necessary to trim afterwards.
What I like about the pattern
The general style, nice top for woven fabrics.
Fabric Used
Cotton, a remnant piece of fabric used for a dress I made during the summer. This top will only take 1 meter of fabric.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made
I made the top without any alterations at first, as I wanted to try the pattern. There is only one review yet of this top and SueT lowered the neckline. Even though I did read this review when published I had forgotten that she lowered the neckline by 1 inch. My neckline is made without alteration and could be a bit lower. It is definitely higher than the envelope picture suggests.
When I tried it on, I found the waist shaping not enough for me and took in all darts at the front and the back. Figure issue, not a pattern problem.
This top has a very high vertical front dart, which goes to the bust point. This was the same in the Jenny blouse I made a few months ago (also from StyleArc). Personally I would prefer this dart to end a bit below the bust point, so next time I will change that. The dart is hardly visible in this printed fabric, not a real issue now.
At the back is an invisible zipper. The top of the zipper ends a few centimeters below the center back neckline. This is the first time I've seen this in a pattern and I love it. I will certainly remember this method a next time in similar tops and dresses. When the neckline is wide enough to get the top or dress over your head, this method makes construction a lot easier in finishing the neckling. No difficult zipper ends to deal with.
That said I must say that even after taking in the darts at the waist I still could get in and out of the top without opening the zipper!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I will sew this again. It's a nice top for a woven fabric, easy to construct and still a bit different. I do recommend the pattern.
Conclusion
Nice top, the general style is more suitable for summer to me. But when spring/summer comes in a few months I will sew one or two more.
Photos
Front
Back
Side
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
I'm a Fan of Style Arc patterns. It's a beautiful top and looks great on you. Good job of fitting and very nice print.
12/9/12 10:22 AM
Very figure flattering! Looks great!
12/9/12 10:36 AM
I haven't tried any of the Style Arc patterns, but this is a lovely top (and fabric).
12/9/12 11:41 AM
Very pretty top and love the fabric.
12/9/12 11:44 AM
Pretty fabric, nice top
12/9/12 1:25 PM
Very pretty!
12/9/12 2:00 PM
Such a lovely top! Thanks for the helpful review.
12/9/12 4:06 PM
Nice top and very helpful review, thanks.
12/9/12 4:17 PM
This looks lovely on you. Can you explain a little more about the zip stopping before the top at the back. Is it fastened some other way above the zip, or does the seam continue to the neckline?
12/9/12 4:31 PM
What a lovely top! The neckline is so pretty, and I love your fabric choice. I haven't tried Style Arc patterns, but they sure look like great patterns. Very nice sewing!
12/10/12 0:43 AM
Beautiful pattern, as always a wonderful fit. It is useful to know that even with your little waist that the garment can be put on without opening the zip.
12/10/12 3:34 AM
Thank you ladies for the kind comments. MrsRoberts: the center back has a seam from top to bottom. The part above and under the zipper are sewn in a regular straight stitch. The back facing can be one piece in this way.
12/10/12 4:21 AM
Lovely top! I have this pattern and plan to make it soon. Thanks for the inspiration. Your fabric is so pretty.
12/10/12 9:12 AM
Thank you for all the sewing information. This top looks wonderful on you. I have tried StyleArc and I have had great success, so this pattern may be my next.
12/10/12 10:03 AM
Another WINNING review and WINNING top from the Fabulous Sigrid. I haven't seen a review from you for a while, but then that's probably just due to my own lack of getting on here and checking out the reviews. At any rate, I really like the shaping of this top, and you've fitted yours to perfection. :o)
12/10/12 2:32 PM
What a perfect fit! Great fabric choice too.
12/11/12 7:37 AM
Nice top -- pretty print and great fit.
12/12/12 12:40 PM
That's a really cute version of this pattern. The front looks fine to me, but I can see that you might like it better just a little lower. What a versatile top - very flattering on you.
12/29/12 5:46 PM