Monday, November 17, 2008

Patrones 273-14 - Rene Lezard Top

Pattern Description: Sleeveless top with front pleats, folded collar.

Pattern Sizing: Patrones 38-42-46. I made a 38. I'm a 38 in BWOF, but in Patrones, I'm usually closer to a 42. But since I made this in a stretch fabric, I felt comfortable using the smaller size and I guessed right.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, surprisingly, except for the changes I made.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Well, no. Patrones' instructions are in Spanish, which I don't speak, and look pretty minimal. I go through the magazines looking for patterns that I like and then look at the instructions and line drawing to see if I can wing it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The color actually struck me first, and then the pleating at the neckline. When I looked at the line drawing, I realized that (a) it was meant for wovens, and (b) it buttoned up the back. I almost changed my mind, but I really liked the pleats and the collar, so I decided to try it in a stretch fabric. No dislikes, though I think if I make it again, I'll add sleeves so I can get more wear out of it.

Fabric Used: Tan cotton jersey that's been aging in stash since before I started sewing with stretch knits. It seemed like a safe neutral color, and it is - it's almost boring, but it was also a piece of fabric I didn't mind risking if this experiment went south on me.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: You mean other than changing the type of fabric, eliminating the back buttons and adding about 1.5" to the length?

When I traced the pieces (only 3 of them), I was glad to see that the back piece was clearly marked for the edge, the center back and button placement. I used the fold line and cut the back on the fold as well as the front. The pleats and their direction were also clearly marked on the pieces, and the front was no trouble at all to construct. I sewed the back to the front at the shoulders and checked the fit before attempting the collar.

I'm not sure what the instructions actually were for the collar, but I sewed the two short ends, turned it right side out and pressed it, then sewed it completely around the neckline. This leaves the back of the collar open so that the collar points spread across the back. I think it's a pretty cool look. I pressed the collar seam down onto the top and topstitched it down all the way around, excepting the pleated area. The rest of the seam is covered by the folded down collar.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would definitely make this again, and again in a stretch. It's a very flattering neckline. I can't wear turtlenecks - don't like the look or the feel - but this has the height without the closeness, and I love how the back of the collar looks.

Conclusion: This was a very summery issue of Patrones considering that it was meant for October, but I think little tops like this have no season. I'm in the process of making a little black cardigan to wear over it - I needed something plain so that the pleats and the collar would still be front and center.

8 comments:

Meg said...

I love this top. Very classic.

Lori said...

Great looking top, wonderful neckline.

AllisonC said...

How funny, I just received this magazine today and thought exactly the same as you about this top - good to know it works in a knit.

luckylibbet said...

Terrific alternative to a turtleneck! I too love the look of the collar at the back.

-E said...

sweet :) Totally classy, and yet not stuffy-

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Okay like, so like, can I like, see it on you, pretty please!

Susan said...

That came out wonderful!

Connie B said...

That was my favourite thing in that issue! And I get to see it in person on FRRRIIIDDDAAYY!