Cowl-lifornia Girls

The draped cowl neck caught my attention when I purchased this pattern.  After my slight disappointment with my first version of this pattern several months ago, I decided to give it another try.

From 2004: "Misses/misses' petite top and belt: Unlined, loosefitting, below waist, pullover top has cowl-neck A, B: sleeveless. C, D: short sleeve. E: long bell sleeves. D, E: side seam slits.  B: self belt."  The front and back pieces are cut on the bias.

I sewed the "C" view with the flutter short sleeves, but with the longer length from either view "B" or "E".

Pattern Sizing:
8-10-12    I sewed a "12".

Fabric Used:
Cotton/rayon jersey from fabric.com

Favorite Features
*I liked the draped/cowl neck style and the sleeve options.

A Chadwick's cowl shell

Ann Taylor Loft's cowl shell

* The directions were satisfactory. When I made my second top from this pattern, I barely glanced at them due to a few modifications.
* I liked that it was much more easier especially after making the first version and discovering some "rough" spots along the way. After my disappointment with my first version that I made months ago, I decided to give this pattern another try.

* For my first version when cutting the front piece, I did not include the "extended" front facing that was to be folded inward along the marked horizontal line and the reinforced (with backstitching) clipped corners. I replaced the front facing with a topstitched narrow hem.

*For the second version, I included the extended front facing, which I prefer over my "non-faced" original.

*I only disliked the back facing and the original construction of the flutter short sleeves.  

Pattern modifications/alterations:
*I performed my usual petite adjustments on the upper back (3/4") and at the waistline (1").

* To narrow the upper back, I folded in 1" from the center back, for my second version.

* I lengthened each of the short flutter sleeve 1 centimeter and still found it short. Next time, I will lengthen each sleeve a full inch (approximately 2.54 cm).

* Since I was not using the back facing, I let the upper edge of the back neckline, extend approximately 5/8" past the short shoulder seam formed by the junction of the front piece (having self-facing that was folded inward) and the back piece. To avoid the back facing, I topstitched a narrow hem at the back neckline between the shoulder seams.

*I self-faced each sleeve to avoid the visibility of a "narrow" hem when the sleeves flop about. I cut an additional pair of the sleeves and sewed each facing to the lower edge of its corresponding sleeve, right sides together. After trimming the seams and "clipping" at the curves of the seam, I turned each sleeve with the facing inside out and pressed the lower edge. I machine basted the upper edges before sewing them to the armscyes.

*I sewed the sleeves in "flat" instead of setting them in per the directions. Or, I sewed the sleeves to the armscyes before sewing a little corner of the sleeve seam and the entire side seams of the entire top.



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I still would recommend this top. Even though this pattern originally came out 7 years ago, the draped front has been a classic and timeless style feature. This neckline has received more attention and interest after Pippa Middleton created a media sensation with her bridesmaid gown.

Also it was mentioned that Cameron Diaz wore the red carpet version of McQueen's dress at 2010's Golden Globes award. I liked Cameron's red dress that I snapped a pic of her in it during the show.

The neckline of the dresses worn by Pippa and Cameron reminds me of views E or F of Simplicity 3682 that I sewed 4 years ago.

Conclusion:
There are probably "better" patterns with a similar style to Butterick 4132.  This pattern is a keeper for now.

More draped/cowl tops

From Ann Taylor Loft:

From Chadwick's: