I have been eyeing off Waffle Patterns for some time now.  I first came across them through the Oliver + S pattern shop, but I didn’t actually hit the “buy now” button on any until I saw the Vanilla Diagonal Knit Top.

The description from the website is as follows:
+++ DESIGN
*Asymmetric dolman sleeve knit top. 
*The diagonal pattern cutting makes unique drapes and silhouette.
*loose fit with hem and cuff bands.
*3/4 sleeve length.
*Border or plaid pattern fabrics will make diagonal effect on the bodice.
*2 options for the neckline.
*Very easy to sew without difficult details.

This top is similar to some of those found in the Japanese sewing book series Drape Drape, as well as one in the latest Great British Sewing Bee book and I’m sure I’ve seen similar from Kwik Sew and McCalls.  Anyway, the finished samples that I saw on Instagram and the pattern page were enough to make me buy this one.

I liked the V-neckline option that came with this pattern, although I did have a number of difficulties when sewing it. V-necks with narrow bands on knit fabrics can be challenging – but I got there in the end. I also liked the diagonal hemline and the 3/4 sleeve – and of course, the fact that it was a loose fitting top with plenty of drape.

The above photo is my “check out my stripe matching” photo. The lovely cotton/spandex stripe came from Rathdowne Fabrics. It is a beautiful quality fabric and was lovely to work with. I sewed size 40, which was smaller than my measurements would have suggested, but I could still have gone down another size. There is loads of ease in this top. My hip size is a couple of sizes smaller than my waist, and this style really does need to fit around the hips in order for the volume to be a little more “contained”.

The above photo shows that the top is a fraction large through the shoulders and neckline – a little bit flashdance, maybe? However, it stays on my shoulders, so is perfectly wearable as it is. I think that this is a great pattern, and the sleeve and hem bands just make it a bit more wearable for me than other draped/twisted/asymmetrical tops that I have seen.

The jeans are Style Arc Misty jeans, in a brilliant “comfort” stretch denim from M.Recht that I will buy by the bucketload if it ever comes back into stock.