Cowl-iflower

  Cowl tops from Ann Taylor Loft,

After seeing several reviews of this pattern, I purchased this seemingly stylish and versatile pattern. I admit that I am hooked on making tops with a "draped" neckline.

"Misses' tops: Top A has front and back stitched pleats, front drape, lapped back and extended shoulder seams; top B has stitched front pleats and drape; top C has front drape and contrast loops."  I sewed a "M", adding 3/8" to the sides. Due to the extra ease that I encountered, took in the seams again returning to the "M" at the sides.  I sewed view "B" and added the short sleeves that came from a Burda knit top.

Fabric Used:
What remained of a stretch matte knit jersey purchased from fabric.com that I used for a previous project.  Now I know what fabric.com meant by "large" floral print:  one flower occupies an entire top!

A PR member referred me to this top available last year on the Saks Fifth Avenue website.

A knit top, from February 2010 issue of Burda WOF, #112.

This floral fabric was also featured on a Butterick 5456 dress.

Directions
They were fine with overall presentation with clear diagrams. Before stitching the shoulder seams, I was able to easily figure out the placement of the front facing, being "behind" the back piece

Favorite Features
You can quickly get an on-trend top from just two basic pieces, the front and the back. I was impressed with the amount of drape at the neckline, without a "plunge".



Modifications/Alterations
* I originally had intended to sew view "A" with the cap sleeves, replacing the "lapped" back with the back of sleeveless view B to be drafted with the cap sleeves. Instead, I sewed the entire view B and added a pair of set-in type of sleeves cut from a Burda pattern for a knit top that I traced a few months ago.

*Performed my usual 1" petite fold between the bust and waistline.

*Added sleeves from a Burda knit top and trimmed off the excess ease at the sleeve caps.

Recommendation
I plan to sew more versions of this pattern.  If you are looking for a quick self-gratification, this is the pattern.  This pattern is ideal for showcasing the print of a fabric.