Abbey Sewed

I sewed this top during the fall of last year and decided to review it now to coincide with the recent DVD release of "The 4 Complete Ed Sullivan Shows Starring The Beatles".

Pattern Description:

"Misses'/misses' petite top and skirt: semi-fitted top has shawl-like collar, front button and buttonhole closings. A: sleeveless, tie ends. B: short sleeves. C" two-piece short sleeves with drawstrings. B, C purchased belt. Slightly flared or flared gored skirt, below mid-knee or lower calf has waistband, front button and buttonhole closings."

I sewed a combination of views A and B: I sewed the short-sleeved version B using the ties from the sleeveless version A.

Pattern Sizing:

Misses' 8-10-12-14.

Fabric Used:

Printed themed cotton from fabric.com.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?In terms of the style, yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
From what I recollect, I was able to follow them without a fussin' or a fightin', my friend. Shawl collars are simple to sew, after having sewn a few. The fronts are joined at a seam forning the center back and from past experience, it is essential to clip as instructed (the corners of the front and the curves at the neck edges), and to carefully stitch the collar to the neck edge, pivoting at the marked circles.

If you are familiar with sewing shirts and blouses, the instructions close with steps for stitching the interfaced front facings and finishing the lower edge. I did not follow Butterick's hemming procedure of basting close to the fold, stitching 1/4" from the raw edge, adjusting fullness, and so on. It would seem wise to use a method that you deem appropriate, especially with the fabric you use. I was able to turn under the raw edge, press and stitch a 5/8" hem.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Likes

*Simplicity of construction

*Shawl collar

*Sleeve/sleeveless options

*Vertical darts for shaping

*Tie belt

My likes outweigh my few "dislikes" which I could easily fix:

*Decreasing my petite adjustment at the waist
*Lowering the placement of the tie belt.
*Borrowing a pleated sleeve style (to add a slight 'puff') from another pattern.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I performed my usual petite adjustments at the upper back and the waistline (1"). After wearing the top several times, I would have felt more comfortable adding 1" to the length and lowering the location of the belt a tad.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes! I wish I had sewn this pattern sooner. If you have this pattern, have a leap of faith and give it a sew. Have you had surprisingly pleasant experiences with patterns after having them sit in your stash for some time?


Conclusion
This pattern has some features in common with Kwik Sew 3620 such as the tie front and shawl collar.

I wish there are Eight days a week so I can find more time to sew. (This song is now one of our favorite car "sing-alongs". I hope you also enjoy a lovely compilation of rare photos in this video. )