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StyleArc: Alexi Top (Alexi Top) - Type:Tops    printable version
Viewed 229 times
Review rated Helpful by 1 people    Very Helpful by 11 people   
Reviewed by:PattyE
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Friend of PR
About PattyEstar
MI
Member since: 9/7/10
Reviews written: 36
Sewing skills:Intermediate
Favored by: 15 people
patterns reviewed: 36
Bio: more...
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Posted on:2/24/13 8:41 PM
Project Photo:photo
Pattern Photo:StyleArc Alexi Top
StyleArc Pattern Info
Pattern Rating:Great Wardrobe Builder
Current Tags What is a Tag:
Fabric:Rayon-Lycra Knit  [See other projects in this fabric]
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Pattern Description: Knit pull-on skivvy/top suitable for any stretch knit fabric.
So in the US we call this a turtleneck. I've been searching for a great turtleneck pattern for awhile. Surprisingly I didn't find any reviews for this.

Pattern Sizing: The SA patterns come single sized so I got an 8. It fits me perfectly so the sizing is accurate.

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? SA instructions can be a little confusing sometimes but this is a basic knit top so an advanced beginner shouldn't have any problems.
The only step someone might scratch their head at is #6 where it says 'join the collar seam together and stitch the outside edge to the neck of the body, fold the collar in half, turn in the inside raw edge of the collar and pin to the neck line, once in place use a sink stitch to secure the collar down'. My interpretation is sew the collar back center seam. Pin the collar to the neckline right sides together matching center back seam to notch, shoulder seams to notches, and center front notches. Stitch. Fold the collar up and over the neckline to the inside. If you can get away with just pinning, go for it but I find I need to baste it in place, and then on the outside stitch in the ditch, catching the collar in the stitching on the inside. It really does come out nice. Everything fits together well.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that this makes a true turtleneck...one that hugs your neck and isn't too floppy. I guess it will depend on the fabric chosen, but the bones of the pattern are good. No dislikes.

Fabric Used: I used a rayon/lycra micro-ribbed knit from Theory purchased from EOS. It's grey with a little bit of a silver sheen to it. This fabric feels like a ribbed silk jersey. In fact, silk jersey would be perfect for this pattern.
The fabric estimate for this pattern says you need 1 1/2 yd. of 60"...my fabric was 46" and I was able to lay it out on 1 1/2 yd. If you fold in half the front, back, and collar pieces and lay out your fabric so the selvedges meet a little off center to accommodate the width of the sleeve piece, 1 1/2 yd. of 45" should be fine. see layout

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made no changes.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to sew this again. I would like a few more in different colors.
I would recommend this pattern to everyone.

Conclusion: Finally, a true turtleneck pattern that is accurately sized, goes together well, and is easy to get a good result. (For some reason, even using a press cloth, I've got some shine areas...how do you avoid that?)
I'll post a modeling pic tomorrow. In the meantime Mona is happy to model for you.

back
side
neck down
neck up


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9 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
SavageCoco said...
FAB top! I iron mine on the inside to avoid/reduce any shine.
2/24/13 11:23 PM
Lynmarie said...
Great top, your looks lovely, thanks for the fabric lay out on 46" width.
2/25/13 1:03 AM
SewWil said...
Great turtleneck! Thanks for the review.
2/25/13 1:26 AM
CissieW said...
I, too, have been looking for a good t-neck pattern. Thanks for pointing this one out.
2/25/13 8:57 AM
marec said...
Thank you for this super review. I have this pattern and need to make up some tops for next year. Your tneck looks very, very nice.
2/25/13 9:45 AM
becca a said...
What a great turtleneck! This is such a basic piece, I hadn't thought to order it from StyleArc; now I am very tempted to.
2/25/13 11:09 AM
Jstarr4250 said...
This is exactly what I need to be sewing...more useful basics. Thanks for ferreting out the good ones!
2/25/13 11:49 AM
ArtAttack said...
Great top and review...super basic addition to your wardrobe...can one ever have too many pieces like this? I think not!
2/25/13 11:59 AM
PattyE said...
Thanks all! I think this one's a winner. Jstarr4250 & ArtAttack - isn't that the truth?! Patterns like this are so great to find.
2/25/13 11:30 PM
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