Pattern Description: From StyleArc’s website – This staple piece is a great wardrobe builder with comfort and style. Soft gathers over the bust stitched into the neck band makes this top very flattering for all sizes. 3/4 length sleeves allows this to be worn all year round.
Sizing: 6-30. I made a size 10
Fabric Used: Soft Lightweight Rayon Jersey in Woodrose from Gorgeous Fabrics.
Needle/Notions Used: Stretch 65/9, Pro-Tricot Fusible Interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply,thread.
Tips Used during Construction: Sewing With Knits, Press that Bad Mamma Jamma, Mesh Tutorial.
Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes. It’s worth noting that the gathering (at least on the size 10) is not as pronounced IRL as it looks on the illustration. It’s there, but it’s more subtle than it is on, for instance, the Paula Jersey Dress.
How were the instructions? They were quite good. I didn’t really use them because this top goes together beautifully, but I like that StyleArc has added pictorial instructions for the tricky parts.
Construction Notes: I changed one major thing, thanks to the fabric that I used. This particular jersey is more geared for layering. I cut out the front piece and I realized that it would be too sheer on its own for New England winter wear, and for my own comfort. I’m no prude, but it’s a little sheerer than I wanted, so I decided to double-layer the front and back pieces. I used a single layer for the sleeves. Here you can see the double-layer front next to the single-layer back on my gridded cutting mat:
I basted the layers together and treated them as one. Other than that, I made this up straight out of the envelope. I didn’t even do a FBA. I serged all the seams and hemmed it using a narrow (.5 mm)
Likes/Dislikes: Typical StyleArc, this pattern is beautifully drafted and goes together without a hitch. It fits, even without an FBA, and I love it!
Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? Definitely to both! I will make a bunch of these. StyleArc is quickly becoming my go-to pattern company!
Conclusion: Great pattern, goes together quickly. You can make this up in an afternoon from start to finish. Here’s a picture on me (I’m not wearing makeup, so you don’t get to see my lovely mug).
This is a winner.
Happy sewing!
PS – The nail polish I’m wearing is a new OPI “liquid sand” polish in Stay the Night. It’s pretty cool!
Your top looks great on you and I like the fit.
Nice to hear their patterns are well done…..
I do have some of their patterns, really should try making one up
Great top. I am yet to try Style Arc but must have a go. They are getting some great feedback across the blogs.
Great top! Great job! I like this one day / one hour projects …
Thanks for reviewing these tops, Ann! I agree with your thoughts about the Ann top. It’s really flattering. I sewed it up recently, and i liked the rouching, too. I’m getting ready to sew the Eva top, which I received for ‘free’ in my most recent order. Style Arc is becoming my favorite pattern line as well! Kate
Looks really nice, and good call on doubling the fabric. Did you shortent the placket at center front at all? The line drawing on the pattern makes that look quite a bit longer, along with the more pronounced ruching. I haven’t tried any of their patterns yet, but looks like it might be worth a try!
Janee, I didn’t change anything at all. I’ll do a post later showing the pattern pieces. Even with the minor issues, SA has become my favorite pattern company. The important drafting is spot on!
I have followed your lead o
and ordered some Style Arc patterns. I seriously wish they were downloadable
I have the patience of a boiling tea kettle and want them now not on a slow boat from Oz
Love it! Looks fantastic on you.