Angie Birds

I have been seeing quite a "diversity" of cowl tops in terms of drape and depth.

Michael Kors, Macys $89.50

Ann Taylor deep cowl top, $48

Vanessa Bruno, $320

Kwik Sew 3740 with options for a cowl or  scoop neckline. This is a popular pattern on PR with 42 reviews.  Since I do not have a top with an attached cowl collar at the neckline, I was inspired to give this pattern a try. 

As described by Kwik Sew:
Close fitting pull-over tops have scoop neckline. View A has cowl collar and full length sleeves. View B is sleeveless and neckline and armholes are finished with self fabric bindings. I sewed an "M".

What I like in particular about Kwik Sew patterns are their clear directions in a user-friendly format (pamphlet style) which make them ideal for beginners and for anybody wanting to make something that is gratifyingly "quick, easy, and reliable".

Favorite Features
My likes outweigh the dislikes, because there is nothing really to dislike.

As raved about in earlier reviews of this pattern, the cowl style collar is cleverly drafted, with the upper collar slightly larger than the  under collar.  The ends of the each collar piece are stitched together, forming the center back seams.  The upper and lower collar pieces are then stitched right sides together (center seams and notches are aligned) at the un-notched edges before turning inside out to be ready to attached to the neckline.  Since the collar is sewn with the under collar adjacent to  the "right" side of the neckline, I worried that my overcast stitches would show.  Magically, they did not due to being "hidden" or pushed down beneath the upper collar's cascade of fabric, while still keeping a discreet neckline. 

I was pleasantly surprised that the cowl collar did not need additional fidgeting to get the layers of fabric to align nicely.

I noted that I should have gone with my instinct to sew an "S" instead of an "M" at the shoulders due to it being a tad wide at the shoulders.



Fabric Used:
First version:  A viscose lycra jersey from EOS, printed with birds flying out of their cages.

Second version: A poly jersey from Joann's printed with concentric circles and  trimmed with "scalloped" edges.

Pattern alterations/modifications
My typical adjustments: decrease the width and length at my upper back. I made a 3/4" petite adjustment at the printed line.

I "borrowed" the short sleeves from my Jalie 2921 scarf collar pattern. It was not a perfect "match" but I managed to successfully fit the sleeves to the armscyes as I sewed them "flat" instead of "setting them in".

Recommendations I wish that I had purchased this pattern earlier!  I plan to make several more tops varying my neckline and sleeve options.  Not only does this pattern sew up in a short amount of time (i.e. cutting fabric and sewing the pieces together in one evening), this pattern lends itself to an infinite number of style combinations. For instance, although not pictured on the envelope, you could create a top with a scoop neckline and long sleeves. You could also raise the neckline and reduce the amount of "cowl" to obtain another distinct look. If you like cowl collar tops and yet do not have this pattern, I highly recommend this pattern for its ease of construction and fuss-free style.