Barbara's Useful SWAP part three

Some of you may remember my great success with Indygo Junction's London Jacket a while ago.

Since I am so in love with that pattern I do what I usually do when I find a winner and emailed the company with a link to my review. As the result of that exchange Indygo offered to send me a copy of the next pattern I reviewed to give away to my blog readers, on the agreement that my review would be exactly what I thought.

That pattern, and the next in my SWAP tops, is this one:

It is sort of zany (that's what I am calling it) and I completely, absolutely am crazy about it. This really is a well-drafted but simple pull-over top and just made for large bold prints - something I love but always have a hard time figuring out how to use.

Here is my version, on the quiet dummy until my whole SWAP is done and I do a photoshoot or what passes for one of those around here.

Now you might think this is pretty wild, but if you have ever met me in person you would know this is my personality - for better or worse. This is the only kind of floral I can wear:

On a hanger. This way you can see the pleat. After I made the pleat and hemmed the top I went back into the inside and edge-stitched close to the fold of each side of this box pleat, right down over the hem too, to help the pleat keep its shape as this is a cotton. The tunic view has you actually edge-stitch the pleat from the outside to set the pleat. 

You are supposed to notice I matched the print on the patch pockets. Really I had no choice with a print this obvious.

Crooked placement on a dress form. Oh well. Still a great top.

Having matched one pocket I had to do the other one. The skill level is amazing.

I am very taken with this pattern. How often do you get something that really is this easy to sew, a cotton around the house top even, that has some style? I think I look wonderful in it with slim pants or my Magic Straight skirt.

A few observations:

• The collar in cut on the bias and not interfaced. I made the shorter version somewhat lengthened in this top and a single layer collar. If I did it again I would use the collar version for the tunic when is doubled and folded over.
• The neckline is very early 60's and wide. Take advantage of the four raglan seams and the seam down the top of the sleeve to fine-tune this opening a bit. Baste first, try it on, and then commit.

I will definitely be making more of these (could be lengthened to a dress too) and the first person who emails me directly with a name and address can have a copy of this pattern sent out to her.

After two hits I am going to go back and look at a few more of patterns from this company - as a garment sewer I had never considered their line for someone who is not a quilter, which just goes to show, well something I am sure.

More than anything I am pleased to sew something so easy that doesn't compromise drafting quality.

Now onto cutting out the next few tops for my SWAP before I go back to work full-time.