I just completed my first attempt at the StyleArc Elizabeth top. It didn't go as well as I'd hoped, but I will persevere!
This is a simple top with a drape front, and can be made in a knit or woven. StyleArc patterns are sold single sized, so I bought an 8.
I used a couple of rayon-lycra knits, a black one from Mood and a multi-color one from CaliFabrics.com
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| Cuter in swatch form than garment form. Just because its green doesn't mean I should buy it! |
Tim advised me not to do it in two colors, saying it was too court jester. I think he would prove to be correct.....
I cut and sewed this pattern in about 4 hours, its pretty quick. It turned out very nicely, except that its not at all flattering on me and looks like a maternity top. But it looks great on a hanger! (I agree that I would prefer it in solids. Damn him! He is my Tim Gunn, I should listen to him.)
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| I think the look on my face sums it up. This post brought to you by the maternity section at Target. Not helped by my fabric choice. I hate when Tim is right! |
Its too long, so the back is especially unflattering (warning not safe for weak stomachs).
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| ugh. I gained 20 lbs this afternoon I guess. |
If you have slim hips this wouldn't be a problem, but it doesn't work on me. So I plan to take about 3" or so off the length, all around. Its also just too big. I know the front drape requires it to be loose fitting, but I could take 2" off each side seam and it would still be a loose-fitting top on me. (That's exactly what I plan to do: make it in a solid, take a few inches off the bottom and off the side seams).
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| the front piece stitched down for a couple of inches, so it won't blow open and expose too much. |
The version I made would probably look fine on a tall or pregnant person, but its not a good look for me. This isn't a knock on the pattern, its a fail on my part. But I think it has potential, so I'm going to try it again with the alterations.
***UPDATE***
Tonight I made some alterations. I took 3" off of the bottom, all the way around. I basically cut it so that the back of the shirt came just to the small of my back - no plopping all that fabric on my ass. Then I took in the side seams 2" ON EACH SIDE. And it is still loose enough to maintain the front wrap/drape without pulling open. I also tucked up the sleeves - I think they look better short or maybe 3/4 length, but on me, the elbow length looks matronly. I still don't like my fabric, but I like the shirt much better! Pics:
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| Oh look I lost the 20 lbs I apparently gained making this! |
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| Side view. |
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| Original sleeve length.... |
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| Sleeves a little shorter? Yes? |
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| Hmm.....do I like it? |
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| I feel SO much better in this version! |
I'm happy that this looked better with a few easy tweaks. It looked so cute in the line drawing, I really wanted it to work. I recommend measuring the flat pattern or even making a muslin (which I don't normally do with knits, or tops in generally, really!). I have made StyleArc size 8 patterns before, but this one seemed much larger, even considering the fact that it is not a fitted top. I took out 4" and it still has plenty of ease. This may vary with your body shape, or bust size; length will be the same. I'm only 5'4", so if you're taller then you probably don't need to shorten it.
I think I will make it again, in a solid color, with my new alterations. Now I'll go relax and celebrate my successful salvage mission!
