Vogue 9057 is the pattern that comes with the Tilton sisters’ Craftsy class, the Artful T-Shirt.  I really enjoyed the class, and although I’ve been sewing with knits for a long time I still learned a number of useful things that can be applied to sewing any tee.  Since the pattern came with the class, I thought that I’d better try it out!

I sewed view D in an almost jumper weight knit from the Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 table. This knit doesn’t have a great deal of stretch and doesn’t appear to contain any spandex. It’s pretty much two-way stretch. I decided to sew size Medium (12-14) after checking the measurements of the pattern pieces. The envelope says that the 12-14 is for a 34-36 inch bust – well, mine is definitely more than that, but I knew from experience that there was likely to be adequate ease. I was right.

I did take a decent fold out of both the front and back pattern pieces at waist level to shorten them to account for my height. I knew that these were likely to be quite long otherwise – once again, the tape measure helped to figure that out! I also didn’t pay much attention to the neckband pattern piece, but cut a long strip to the width I wanted and determined the length in the same manner as Gillian’s tutorial.

Construction was shared between the sewing machine and the overlocker, with a zig-zag stitch used for finishing. I rather like the wide sleeve hem allowance included for the 3/4 view D sleeve – it would be very easy to apply the Craftsy class techniques to this pattern. Since making this top I have sewed view D a second time, and have sewn views B and C. I think eventually I will sew up every view. I like the fitted shoulder and upper chest to bust, with the gently flared body. Apparently the pattern is designed so that sleeves are interchangeable and necklines will nestle together – it’s a real mix and match pattern. I look forward to sewing more!

I am SO behind with blogging garments that I have sewn.  Every now and then I think I’ll just not bother, but then I remember that I really do like to document what I’ve made for future reference.  And I know that others appreciate seeing patterns on “real” people.  So I will catch up at some stage, with blog posts out of order, sometimes months after the garment is sewn.  So please bear with me!

This is the Style Arc Pearl top. Details from the Style Arc website are as follows:

PEARL KNIT TOP: The gorgeous draped side panel cleverly creates an interesting pocket detail.  The asymmetrical hemline adds a stylish effect to this on trend top.  Mix it up by using different textures or colours.  FABRIC SUGGESTION: Jersey knit, any soft drapery knit, t-shirt knit

I sewed it in size 12, in a viscose/lycra knit from Tessuti (a Christmas gift to myself – does anyone else do that?  I bought it and wrapped it and put it under the Christmas tree…) The colours are absolutely me – especially when my hair is freshly dyed.  The neckline is higher than I would prefer, and to me it looks a little higher than in the illustration.  However, I do have a forward head and rounded upper back, so on my shape necklines can often look and feel higher than illustrated.  That is something that I need to keep in mind as I get older and spend most of my time looking forward (either on the computer for work or pleasure or sewing or reading or crocheting or texting).  Scoop that front neckline lower, and consider other appropriate adjustments!

This top is not terribly fitted, which suits me fine, especially at the moment where I am experiencing some cognitive dissonance with my weight gain and consequent increased belly deposits. I don’t intend to change my diet or exercise regime, so my weight isn’t going to drop. I enjoy food and a glass of wine, and have found that every time I have dieted in the past I just end up fatter six months later. Intellectually I am fine with my weight and shape, especially since all my other health indicators are well within range, but sometimes how I look in the mirror doesn’t match up to the picture of myself that I have in my head! So tops that skim my midsection work very well for me.

The main appeal of this top is of course the little draped pocket. It’s actually very easy to sew, being incorporated into a few seamlines, and adds an extra touch to what would otherwise be a fairly basic tunic length tee. I really like the slim sleeves, especially in this fabric, and feel that they balance out the less fitted body of the top.

I think I’ll use this pattern again, and do recommend it. Just make sure that you choose a knit with nice drape so that the pocket can hang well.