Pattern Description: From the StyleArc website – “Cowl neck top with build-in [sic] cami.”
Sizing: 4-30. I made a 10.
Fabric Used: Soft and Lightweight Rayon Jersey in Heathered Sand for the main garment, Soft and Lightweight Rayon Jersey in Heathered Oak for the contrast cami. Both, of course, from Gorgeous Fabrics, and – bonus! – both on sale through tomorrow.
Machine(s) Used: My brand-spankin’ new Juki MO654DE that DH gave me for Christmas! I used my Pfaff for the hems
Needle/Notions Used: Pro-Sheer Elegance Light Fusible Interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply, Stretch 75/11 needles in both the Juki and the Pfaff, thread.
Tips Used during Construction: Anything by The Pressinatrix, Tips and Tricks for Sewing With Knits.
Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes.
How were the instructions? They were minimal but acceptable. This pattern is so well drafted I didn’t need them at all.
Construction Notes: The instructions have you use Vilene tear-away stabilizer to stay the neckline seams. I don’t have any Vilene, or any other brand of tear-away at home (there’s been a little bit of a snow incident recently which has kept everyone in the Northeast indoors), so I opted to use lightweight fusible interfacing instead. I think it’s actually a better choice for my fabric. It gives needed support to the seams, but doesn’t add any bulk at all. Also, the instructions don’t have you stabilize the shoulder seams. I didn’t at first, but the seams were pretty wavy. So I pulled out the stitching, fused a thin strip of interfacing to the back shoulder seams, and restitched. Much better!
Just a touch of interfacing will give you a smooth shoulder line.
Also, the cowl drape on this pattern has a tendency to flip to the outside. Rather than permanently attach a small washer or button I opted to simply pin a medium size safety pin in the hem. That gives just enough weight for this fabric to keep it draped gracefully in place. Plus I can remove it for washing.
Little pin, big difference!
Likes/Dislikes: Love it! Another pattern from StyleArc that is a real winner. I needed to make something quick while I’m still working on the Marfy coat, and this fit the bill. It took less than 2 hours, from start to finish.
Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? Yes and yes!
Conclusion: Another winner! Here’s a picture of the front and back on Shelley:
I love the drape in front.
And the smooth back.
And here, even though I totally suck at selfies, I took one for you. As you can see, Shelley is not my body double.
Look at the streaks on that mirror! Remind me to fire the housekeeper. Oh, wait…
Happy sewing!
