Simplicity 1617 On the 18th

I purchased this pattern last week at JoAnn's, reinforcing my addiction to another cowl front top/dress. What better way to jump-start my return to sewing.

Pattern Description:
"Misses; knit mini-dress, tunic and top, with front variations." I sewed view "F", the top with the cowl front.

 Sizes:  Misses' 4, 6, 8, 10, 12. I sewed a "10" at the shoulders and a "12" elsewhere.

 

The drape and the "extended" shoulders of the magenta top worn by the model remind me of Etro's $850 top from Saks Fifth Avenue:

 

Fabric Used:
A soft rayon/spandex knit, "Yigal Azr0uel tribal emblem montage knit" from emmaonesock.com.


Instructions
They were easy to follow.  I am singing a song of praise to Simplicity for the diagrams! I did not experience any challenges with reinforcing the shoulders (I sewed a piece of bias tape at the back shoulder seam), making the two pairs of pleats at the shoulders, adding and positioning the back facing with regards to the front facing at the neckline, or the overall construction of the top. 

 

Favorite and Not-So-Favorite Features
I like this top mostly due to the cowl which drapes at a proper depth, while still exuding style. The drape of my cowl neck more closely resembles that of the model wearing the magenta top than the illustration which drapes downward.  My shoulders like hers also tend to "slide back". The sleeves were not as "fitted" as they appeared on the model, which I would have preferred, but then I appreciate the comfort of them being slightly loose or their relaxed fit. The rectangular back facing, with its negative ease, is simple and convenient (for non-owners of sergers) to use thus reducing the tendency for "gaposis" below the neck. Although I like the shoulder pleats, I plan to adjust them to narrow the shoulder width. I do agree with previous reviewers of this pattern that the length of the top might be a propos for the taller ladies whereas petite ladies such as myself would need to perform our usual petite adjustments at the waistline. 


Pattern Modifications
*Took in the center seam at the upper back in 3/8"

*Shortened the top 1" at the petite adjustment line at the front and back

*Skipped the elasticized ruching at the sides to opt for a tunic style.

*For a tunic look, I added 1 1/4" at the lower edge before hemming. My braided belt that I purchased at Kohl's two weeks ago seems to coordinate nicely with the fabric and style.

*For bell-style inspired sleeves I lengthened each sleeve 1".


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes! I recently added this pattern to my list of "reliable" patterns. I definitely recommend this pattern for its style and simplicity in construction. It is one of those "sew-in-the-morning-and-wear-in-the-afternoon" type of projects!


Conclusion
The cowl or draped front trend is here to stay...