Today I am wearing only two things I’ve made, the Elle pants from StyleArc and a top that I made last night. It is from two remnants that I have managed to combine into one top using Vogue 8771.

I saw this top in a shop in Claremont this morning, so am feeling quite chuffed. If you can’t see it too well it has a curved bottom which dips at the back and bat wing sleeves. I used a checked fabric and a striped fabric in complimentary colours to make it a bit more interesting:

I decided that it’s not clear enough here (I still don’t have this camera sorted out), so here it is off the body:

After I had cut out the main body I realised that I hadn’t got the stretch going sideways. I think this was a bit of a subconscious decision as I don’t think the stripes would look that good going round, and I would have had to deal with all that pattern matching. It doesn’t seem to be an issue, but the back probably hitches up round my hips a bit because of it:

However, I don’t mind this as I don’t like things that are unbroken down the back. All in all, I’m really happy with this pattern and will make it again. I might go a size smaller, especially if I use the stretch properly as it does seem a bit big in the neck. When I looked at some of the reviews, people put a band round the neck. I didn’t find it stretched out of shape, but that it just was too wide. I might try a band next time.

Herewith my very first pattern review:

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, pullover top has sleeve and hem variations. This means that it can be made with a straight hem and shorter sleeves, or the curved hem with cuffed sleeves

Pattern Sizing: XS – XXL

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? Yes, very simple pattern

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I think this is quite a flattering pattern. It is slim fitting but the sleeves give it plenty of room.
I made view B, which has the cuffed sleeves and curved hem. I think, unusually for a regular pattern, that it is quite trendy, and the body isn’t too “blousy”. I love the curved back, although cutting the fabric with the stretch going down didn’t do it any favours! I note that it is intended for two way stretch and the pattern certainly hugs the body. I did not make any modifications to the size S, but do feel that the shoulders were a little wide (which is amazing as I have wide shoulders).

Fabric Used: I used two knits – a plaid and a stripe, both remnants from Knitwit. Both had only one way stretch and the top managed to accommodate this with no dramas.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None. I did read that people found the front to hit the crotch line and therefore make it longer. This also happened to me, but I’m not too fussed about this.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. Knitwit in Nedlands have this pattern for $13. A bargain!

Conclusion: I wore the top all day and was immensely comfortable in it. I felt that it was stylish, didn’t cost a bomb and is something I can wear through the seasons.

Steps for yesterday: 22,588 (nb)

Average steps: 24,301 (vg)