Pink A Dilly

Tops and tunics in border prints are trending for this summer.  Here's is a Lucky Brand Jeans top from Macy's for $79.50

Pattern Description:

New Look 6964's vague description: "Misses' six sizes in one".

My description: Tops with sleeve and neck variations. View A has a wide V-neckline with encased ribbon tied at the center front and 3/4 sleeves with elasticized openings. View B has short flutter-like sleeves with the same neckline as view A. View C has the same neckline as A, except that it is sleeveless and the exposed portions of the ribbon tie acting as shoulder straps. Views D ad E are also sleeveless with variations of the ribbon shoulder straps and a horizontal neckline. View E has a ruffled front.

Pattern Sizing:

Misses' 6-16. I sewed a "12" at the neckline and armholes and a "14" at the sides. I found the top to run loose and could have gotten away with a "12" at the sides.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?For the most part, except I used a solid instead of a border print and my top came out shorter and baggier than what appears on the envelope, keeping in mind that my torso is vertically challenged. I suspect cinching the elastic more than I shouuld at the neckline (before stitching the ends closed), resulted in not only raising the neckline to a more modest level, but some bunching at the bust and hence, raising the front hemline.


Were the instructions easy to follow?

They and the accompanying illustrations together were fine. However, I changed the order of construction due to what I have been accustomed to do when constructing garments containing raglan sleeves. After sewing the center front and center back, I did not immediately stitch the side seams as instructed and the sleeve seams as directed. Instead, I sewed each sleeve to the corresponding front and back, much like sewing each flat, except that the top part of the sleeve forms the shoulder section joining the front and back sections of the bodice. Then I sewed the sleeve seams and sides as one continuous seam.

Favorite/Not-so-favorite Features

* I like the wide "V" neckline with a low (not the typical "Burda" low), but still modest neckline. But then the accetably low neckline could be the result of my use of elastic instead of a ribbon in the neckline casing.

*Simple to sew. For View A, there are only three pieces to work with: the front, back, and sleeve.

*I do like the 3/4 length sleeves, but they seem balloon or billow out more than what is pictured on the envelope. But maybe not quite as much as Spiegel's top from the summer of last year.

* In terms of construction, this top somewhat reminds me of New Look 6892, with the exceptions of having a lower neckline, center front and back seams, a keyhole opening at the center front, and uses a ribbon tie at the neckline instead of elastic.

* Has a more "boxy" fit and shorter lengthwise than New Look 6892.   Although I like the style of this top,  it is not figure flattering for me.

* After making my usual 3/4" inch petite adjustment at the line located between the bust and hips, I found that the back puffed a little at my waistline. Another 1" adjustment probably would solve that issue.

* I am not too fond of ribbon shoulder straps used for the sleeveless views. If I do make any of those views, I would replace them ties from the same fabric as the bodice.

*I added 1" to the length due to the pattern running shorter than expected.

Fabric Used:

Swiss-dotted lightweight cotton.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

*I sewed French seams at the center front and center back, sides, and sleeve seams. I joined the sleeves to the front and back in a traditional manner.

* Since I got carried away with the French seams, I inadvertently forgot to create the opening at the center front or the "keyhole" where the ends of the ribbon tie joined or enlaced. Instead I stitched the casing closed, which was tricky since it was a "V" instead of a "U" neckline.

*Replaced ribbon with 3/8" elastic for the neckline for more stability. I threaded the elastic with a safety pin through the neckline casing (starting and ending at the center back) formed by a 5/8" seam allowance at the hem. The directions called for a 3/8" allowance for the ribbon that is 5/8" wide.

*I cut on the bias a strip, approximately 21" in length and 1 1/2" width. I folded it in half right sides together, sewed it lengthwise 1/4" from the edge, turned it inside out, and tied bow which I tacked to the center front.

Conclusion:

If I make this again, I would go down a size, especially at the sides,  use a drapier fabric, and create the keyhole front.  This pattern is a nice and gratifying project to get me back to a routine of sewing again. It's a nice basic top for beginners to try.

I wish this top is wrinkle-free.


* I prefer the top I made two years ago using Simplicity pattern dated 1971.  The shorter sleeves and the gathered bottom are more flattering.