Gray Areas

As I was sifting through my patterns for knits, I discovered this one, "Fitted tops have neckline and sleeve length variations, stitched hems.."  I sewed view "E" with the shawl collar, wrap front, and long sleeves.  Sizing: Misses' 8-10-12-14.

I used a  Calvin Klein  semi-lightweight  and somewhat silky polyester (90%) and lycra (10%) knit from fabricmartfabrics.com

Oops! My non-intentional "misprint".

The directions were clear and easy to follow, with helpful diagrams.

Favorite Features:
* Simple to construct with 4 pattern pieces for the collared version.
* The cross-over wrap detail.
* Contoured fit at the sides.
*   The collar nicely encompasses the edge of the neckline and the cross-over portion of the right bodice.  I folded a wide band of fabric in half, wrong sides basted together, and sewed it to the right or correct fabric side of neckline.  Then I turned the band "upwards and inwards" to a preferred coverage and drape. 

Not-so favorite Features:
* Hemming the double-layered front.   To avoid "bulk" at  the lower edge due to the double layer of fabric to hem, I would cut the left front (under layer) a few inches shorter.

 * The gray band of print that transverses my bust area.  I was confidently certain in my pattern piece placement on the fabric prior to cutting that I would not obtain the "bullseye" effect, more noticeably from the cheetah or leopard spots. The minute I saw in the mirror the gray band strewn across my chest, I saw an illusion of me wearing the top of a halter maillot or some bikini top! I now accept it as a "design feature" to make myself feel better.


Modifications/Alterations
I made my typical adjustments: taking in the upper center back seam by 1/2" and making a 1" petite adjustment at the waistline.

Recommendation:
I was surprised that I had not sewn this pattern much sooner! Although it is currently "out-of-print", I still would recommend it for being not only very easy to sew, but for the varied style options as seen by the five views shown on the pattern envelope.

Conclusion:
I was bold to wear my new top to work the day before yesterday and was surprised to receive positive comments from female students. "I liiiiiiiiike (like) your top, Mrs B.  It's nice on you."  My gracious "Thank You" followed my initial reaction to myself of "Huh? Really?"

Often I hear students joke around with each other making me a skeptic about the statements they make in class.

Scene in my classroom from a few years ago and entering my early 40's:

Me (directed to the entire class) : Geez, my hair is already getting more gray due to worrying about you, especially where your grades are concerned.

Student (blurted out from his seat, with a puzzled expression on his seat) : Oh, Mrs B, you mean you have naturally gray hair?  You seem still young for that.  I thought you go to your hairdresser to get those "frosted" touch ups.

I thought that sounded and tasted like another type of Bologna Sandwich!

Then I found out some serious meat: his mom at that time actually had her hair "frosted".

  

Update, May 28, 2012

 
With the remaining fabric, I sewed the view with the scoop neckline. I used Jalie 2921 for the short sleeves, which worked nicely due to no extra ease in the sleeve caps. I dropped the neckline 1/2" from the center tapering to 0" at the shoulders, which is still higher than what I prefer.

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