If you read my pattern reviews, you know I purchase a lot of my fabric from Vogue Fabrics. Frequently, I go to the Remnant section first. To see what pretty fabric I can find at half the price. Of course, the fabrics are short cuts; I haven't seen anything over 2 1/2 yards in length. And that's okay when I'm making separates, especially knit tops, summer knit dresses and slim skirts for myself. DD can get a jacket or a pair of slacks because of her size; it doesn't take as much fabric for her.
This next review is about a top that I recently made using
Simplicity 7013 (OOP) and some mesh fabric that I found in the Remnant section. The length of the fabric was only 1 1/2 yards. You can definitely see through it. At the time of purchase, I didn't think about the two great tips/tutorials that Ann Steeves wrote about mesh knit fabric,
here and
here.
I ended up with a fairly decent knit top, but I have to wear a cami underneath it to "protect" myself. Lol I was lucky to already have a red cami that I had a few years ago, It's trimmed with black fold over elastic and is the perfect concealer.
Pattern Description: Simplicity description only states Misses' knit tops. I'll add six knit tops with sleeve and neckline variations.
Pattern Sizing: sizes 6 - 20; I used size 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? My version did not look like any of the views on the pattern envelope. I used the front and back of View F and the sleeve of View A. I like the one sleeve look, but always feel like one arm maybe cold while the other is comfortable.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I just looked over them; didn't really follow them because of the changes I made. But they look pretty standard.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the many options. And the fact that you can mix and match the pieces to fit your personal style. No dislikes.
Fabric Used: Mesh knit from Vogue Fabrics.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Construction changes:
I eliminated the facing. I cut a stripe of fabric about an inch shorter than the circumstance of the neckline and about 2 1/2 inches wide. Then sewed the ends together to create a circle. Next I folded to create a bias facing. Pressed. Stitched it in the same manner as a bias tape to a neckline or armhole.
I didn't hem it. The fabric does not fray.
Design changes:
Instead of using the pattern for one particular view, I combined the bodice of View F and the sleeve of View A.
I didn't do a FBA. It's not a bad fit, but there are a few horizontal lines. No pulling or tugging to get the top down though.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I probably will try another view later. And yes, I do recommend it if you have this pattern.
Conclusion: This is an easy pattern that a beginner can sew.
Next, I review the skirt (B5566).
