Twisty Business

I have had this Simplicity pattern by Cynthia Rowley in my stash for months.  Once I found a suitable fabric, I took this pattern out of hiding.  I used the remaining Liberty of London Tana cotton lawn from my "Suede says" dress.  I sewed view "A" with the "twist" neckline. I sewed an "8" at the shoulders (should have used a "10" instead) and a "12" elsewhere. I still had to take in the sides to reduce the billowy effect.

 My neckline had a "cowl" effect after attaching that tricky twist band to the neckline. 

The Directions
The directions were satisfactory except for those that pertain to the twist band for the neckline.  I probably made the top more difficult that what it really is.  I sewed the shoulder and side seams and attached the bias bindings to the neckline and shoulders (sewn to the inside and topstitched on the outside of the top). When I arrived at the steps of the "twist" neckline, somebody encountered some "twists" of fury...

I spent more time fiddling with the "twist" neckline than sewing the entire top with the bias binding. The twist band is created from two rectangular pieces cut on the bias (front and back) joined at a seam along its width, stitched together lengthwise (right sides together), stopping 3" from each end. However, I cut the back piece on the cross-grain due to a fabric deficit. After turning the wide "tube" inside out, I experienced some uncertainty about the extent and the number of "twists". "Twist band four times" seemed straightforward until I actually started the twisting. Hmmm, either it was 4 half turns or 4 full turns. Fellow PR'ers Buttonfaith and Birdie suggested 4 turns and obtained lovely results. Despite how many and what type of turns I make: 4 half turns or 4 full turns, my neckband looked strange. I  have a suspicion that the incongruities of my neck band was due to not being able to cut its back piece on the bias.

Once I settled on 4 half turns (because it looked more manageable than the "twisted rope" look from the 4 "full" turns), I "opened out" the ends of the neckband and sewed the inner seam (right sides together) to close the "loop". The part that took the most time while sewing this top was attaching the neck band to obtain an "eye-pleasing" cascade of twists.

I nearly gave up on the neckline until I did a PR search on this pattern to read the earlier reviews of the gorgeous tops made by fellow PR sewists. I noticed that the twists vary among the tops, which add to the uniqueness of each top. With that in mind, I became inspired to try again, fiddling with fabric placement while maintaining a "twist" effect here and there, and adding a little fold to compensate for the longer length of my band. Although I was not completely satisfied with the final placement of the twist neckline due to not achieving an aesthetically pleasing result, I felt fortunate to at least be able to get the band to somehow "fit" onto the neckline. So I accepted the premise that there is no clear method to place the band on the neckline to obtain the desired results. Maybe some other "random" placement might work. Disney's show "So Random" (seems like a "younger" version of Saturday Night Live) now has its "twisted sister", "Sew Random." Enough of random thoughts!

Favorite/Not-so Favorite Features
* The top with bias finished armscyces and neckline is simple to sew.
* Versatile pattern with neckline and sleeve options

* Unclear directions on creation of twist neckline band and its placement along the neckline.

* My placement and attachment of the twist neckline band affected the "center ruching" of the neckline.  Hence, I experienced a "tug of wear" at my upper bust

* Even though the neckline took time for me to complete, it adds to the unique styling of the top.

Alternations/Modifications
*1" petite fold at waist

*Took in the side seams an additional 1/4"

*Shortened the bias strips for the armscyes to reduce positive ease.
*Created a tie belt in the same fabric

Recommendations
The top makes a nice camisole/tank sans the twist neck band. Even though I had some issues with the twist neck band, I still would recommend this pattern based on the sleeveless/round neck top that potentially provides many styling options.

If you have this pattern in your stash, give it a try.