Day-To-Night

Pattern Description/Sizing 
 "This sleeveless top has a drape front neckline which drapes elegantly at the front, making this top perfect for a dinner out or for clubbing all night long! But as well as being great for night time, this top is elegant and great for daytime at the office...

... Make it in a soft rayon jersey in a color that suits you well for an elegant look or make it in a fun print or a shiny fabric for a night on the town. The back neckline and armholes can either be finished with Fold Over Elastic or invisible elastic." The pattern ranges from a XS to a 4XL. I sewed a "M" at the shoulders and arms, tapering to a "L" at the hips. The pattern does not include seam allowances.  I purchased this pattern download at patternreview.com


Fabric Used: First version (dress): Soft (rayon?) jersey with red/aqua animal print from emmaonesock.com.   I was able to extract a dress from this pattern and a sleeveless top (from a "retro" pattern) using 2 yards of this fabric. 

Animal prints or safari inspired prints seem to continue trending. Speaking of multi-colored animal prints, here's a dress from designer Faviana.

Second version (top): Silk twill from gorgeousfabrics.com.  Because I cut the top on the bias grain, it is roomier than the photo suggests. Also, I noticed that the shoulder area behaves differently than that on the knit.  I actually prefer the "cutaway" shoulder style on me.

A JS Boutique "cutaway shoulder"dress from Nordstrom:

 



 On the topic of "polygons": 

From Dillards, a draped front top with smaller hexagons.

 I recently tried on a knit mock wrap dress in an octagonal print.  The wrap portion was higher than usual, which did not work out well on my short-waisted torso.

 

(More)

 Now "back" to the main topic of discussion, Maria's pattern:

 

Pattern Instructions 
They were written well accompanied by helpful photos, especially those for (1) pattern cutting and assembling the pieces, for (2) attaching the fold-over and the invisible elastic to finish the neckline and armscyes and (3) sewing the shoulder seams showing the placement of the front facing folded "behind" the back piece. I like Maria's use of photos of the actual construction of the top.


Favorite Features 
I can only rave about the ease of construction (only two main pattern pieces, front with draped facing and back formed by only 8 sheets (2 x 4) of the printed pattern taped together) and the "instant" chic of this top. Draped necklines are here to stay. In terms of the fit, it is one of the most figure flattering tops that I have made. 


Modifications/alterations:
First version:

 

*I lengthened the top to a dress. 

*The back was narrow enough for me to omit my usual modification in the upper back.

 *Instead of using foldover or invisible elastic, I cut a rectangular strip of the same fabric that is 1 1/2" wide and 9 1/4" long to bind the armscyes. The length might change depending on the type of knit you use. For the back of the neckline, I was able to top-stitch a 3/8" wide hem. 

 Second version: 

 

 * I cut the fabric along the bias. I attached a band along the lower edge (after removing 1 1/2" from the edge of the blouse) 

 *I used bias strips cut from the same fabric to bind the neck and armscyes. The method I used is identical to the one used in a review (just before this one) of three tops from another downloadable pattern. 




*I also sewed the sides in French seams

For both versions: *I made my usual petite adjustment of 3/4" at the waistline. 


Future Plans/Recommendations  
I don't think I will "retire" this pattern yet.  This pattern fits the bill for a quick gratification project and ideal for fabric remnants.  I highly recommend it all levels of sewists, especially to those who are new with knits.

Update: July 8:
I made version #3 in a Just Cavalli silk charmeuse from EOS.

 

I searched the web and found a $660 valued skirt in identical fabric on ebay.

I cut the two pieces on the bias.