Feather-ation

Pattern Description:
HP Pattern 1072:  relaxed fit "v"neck and cowl neck knit tops.



Pattern Sizing:
Multi-sized 6-26.

I sewed a "10" at the shoulders and neckline and a "12" elsewhere. and According to my specified measurements, I was supposed to use a "14". Although I went down a size, still encountered excess ease at the waist and hips. Maybe the word "Very" should precede "relaxed fit" in the pattern description.

Some trendy "Cowl-fornia Girls"

Fabric Used:
A polyester-lycra knit from Emma One Sock. Being somewhat slippery and fussy, I encountered a few missed stitches along the way and annoying "waves" in the hem. I experimented with several topstitching options, to reduce the "waves" in the hem.

After some shopping on a lovely sunny day, Heather, my 8 y.o. daughter, quickly snapped this photo:

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, after making a minor adjustment to the bodice modesty panel, which HP refers to as an "insert" panel.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I would not say "easy" because there are no diagrams or visual cues that accompany the instructions. If you have sewn lined knit tops, then you would be able to follow them with little or no problems. I was able to glance at them and go "on my own".

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the overall style with the cowl front (topstitched edge) and flared sleeves, except for the slightly low back and the tendency for the top to "slip" from the shoulders. I probably would not experience this if I used a more "stable" type of knit.

After thinking that I "carefully" cut the pieces, aligned and stitched the lower armscye of the modesty panel with that the front of the top, something looked out of sync. My modesty panel which was supposed to land above the cowl, came "draped" below it because it seemed to be drafted wider than it should be. I had to add a few stitches 2 1/2" from the stitched seam of the side of the modesty panel "secured" to a portion of the front armscye in order for the modesty panel to rise above the plunging cowl neckline as illustrated on the pattern envelope. By doing this, I omitted the need for elasticizing the neckline.



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
* I performed my usual 1" petite alteration at the waist and taking in the modesty panel as described earlier.

* I added a waist tie belt in the same fabric. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am not sure if I would sew it again. However, I plan to "borrow" these sleeves to use for another pattern. If you have this pattern somewhere, give it a try.

Conclusion:
It still is a fairly easy top to sew. I was able to sew the entire top, despite some fidgeting with the modesty panel and the stitching, in one entire morning.

Enjoying chicken soup at the home of grandma and grandpa.