Flowers in an Hour?
From 2001,



At that time, I made a knit striped from this pattern (long sleeve version, view C) and it was really easy for a beginner!

Now, seven years later, and I prefer it in a woven, view E:


Pattern Description
"Misses'/miss petite tops and sash" Tops A, B, C, D have dolman sleeves and bateau neckline; tops A, B have long sleeves; top B has over arm slits; tops C, D have three-quarter sleeves; top D has a sash; top E (the one that I recently sewed) has short sleeves with splits and optional purchased flower.

Size
Small/Medium. I sewed a medium.

Fabric
Crinkled cotton from Gorgeous Things


Favorite Features
* The boat or bateau neckline
* The short dolman sleeves with splits at the upper arms, which gives the top a distinctive style.
* Flattering contour of the side seams of the front and back pieces
* Tie belt, which I borrowed from another view
* Few pattern pieces to work with: the front, back, front facing and back facing.
* The sewing directions' format was easy to follow with helpful diagrams.

Other Features
* The openings under the armscyes came low. Wearing a camisole underneath would resolve modesty issues after all the hems and topstitching had been sewn. When I make this top again, I would sew 1 1/2"-2" beyond the top circular mark on each side seam to close the under arm gap, while still not restricting freedom of arm movement.

*The upper back for me was somewhat roomy, suitable for a horizontal tuck.

Directions
Cutting layouts, other information, and sewing directions for tops A, B, C or D all occupied a double sided page. The directions and illustrations were simple to follow and sufficient even for a beginner with basic skills.

Modifications
* None, except for sewing a belt used for view D, a long sleeved version.
* If I make this top again, I plan to add a center back seam or a horizontal tuck to take in the upper back to prevent the little gap and hence, the back neck facing from peeping out despite the understitching and tacking. There goes the "one-hour"!


Conclusion
This was really a quick, simple and fun top to make! But I would disagree a little with the one-hour sewing time. Details such as split sleeves, sewing a sash, and finishing the seams took a little added another forty minutes for me. I am not a speedy sewer as I used to be.



This was the second "timed" top that I made and have been satisfied with the results. If you have this pattern or something similar, give it a try!