Three Tops from a Freebie Two-Piece Pattern

Here is a free, downloadable pattern for a two-piece sleeveless top (can be easily converted to a dress by adding length) with a "keyhole" front opening. I would describe the top/dress having more of an "elliptical cutout" above the bust.

It comes in a misses' 6-8-10-12. 

No instructions are included, just the 12 pattern sheets in a PDF format to be taped together. 1/2" seam allowances are included.  The "keyhole" front opening can be left unfinished or finished with either a tiny hem or zig-zag.

In order for the pattern sheets to print out, instead of a miniature version of the pattern on one 8 1/2" by 11" sheet, I selected the "poster" option.

www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/cute-top-with-key...

 

It was simple to sew and fun to experiment with different looks.  I made three tops from this pattern!  It provides a nice silhouette that flares out gradually at the sides. However, I had to take in the lower portion, below my hips, to reduce the sideways extension.

The first (right) and third versions (left) of this top were sewn with fabric remnants of previous projects. 

First version (right and my least favorite): matte jersey from a knit dress in my previous review.
 
Second version (center, fabric cut on the bias): A colorful charmeuse or satiny type of polyester designed by "Suede Says" 

Third version (left, fabric cut on the bias to strategically get the pattern pieces to fit): A stretch cotton that was used in a Simplicity cropped jacket and a Vogue peplum top. 



On my first version, I cut the "ellipse" or "oval" exactly as marked by the size "12".  The size of the cutout was not flattering on me, emphasizing my bust. The keyhole "cutout" came out surprisingly larger using the given cutting lines.  After my efforts in stitching a tiny top-stitched hem, I obtained what I call a lopsided and "wavy" ellipse. One tug below the bust can be quite a revelation... I did not like the way it came out after a tiny top-stitched hem, resulting in what I call a lopsided and flimsy ellipse. One tug below the bust can be quite a revelation...

I  felt "hopeful" after seeing a Helmut Lang dress on Ellen Page. It has an "asymmetrical" opening.

A 2013 Tony Ward gown with a somewhat "crescent" cutout.

I omitted the keyhole front on my second version.

Just like for my first version, I lowered the neckline 1/4" and realized later that I would have to deduct from the width as well to prevent the neckline from drooping forward. I decided to keep the neckline intact as I did in my third or "botanically printed" version, which worked fine.

 I wore this just recently at our annual local county fair.  It was a very bright and warm Tuesday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Other Pattern Alterations/Modifications 

*For all three tops, I used my typical 3/4" petite adjustment at the waistline. 

* I bound the edges with 3 bias strips (bands) that were cut from the same fabric with a 1 1/2" in width, so that one that will be long enough to encircle the neckline, and two will be long enough to encircle each of the armscyes. While stretching the bias strip a little, I pinned the "right" or visible side of each strip to the inside along the corresponding edge.

* After the stitching the right side of one strip to the inside, approximately 1/8" from the edge of the neckline or an armscye, stopping a few stitches before and after a reference point (such as the center back of the neckline and the upper part of the side seam for the armscye), I stitched the seam of the "band", trimmed the excess length, and resumed stitching the rest of the "band" to the edge of the neckline or the armscye.

*I turned the strip to the outside, tucked under the raw edge just above the seam allowance, folded and pressed down to the desired width of the "band" so that it covers the seam stitches. Then I top-stitched near the edge of the folded edge of the "band".


Here is my third version (my favorite) from this free pattern, made from a fabric remnant of two previous projects (a Simplicity jacket and a Vogue peplum top).
The keyhole had a tendency to stretch out (as evident in my first top in the leopard print). So for the third version, I cut a much smaller "ellipse" or "oval" because I was not thrilled about the original size (less flattering on me) on the leopard printed knit. Top-stitching is not enough, there should be a better way to "bind" the edges to prevent gaposis.

Conclusion:
Convenient pattern to use with fabric remnants that are at least 3/4 yard. You could even squeeze a top from slightly less material depending on your pattern placement. 

At one of the fair indoor exhibits, my daughter Heather being cool in this "Monopoly" race car (there is no "GO" for this vehicle) before having our yearly fried kool-aid indulgence at the fair.

Having some Fun-opoly