Here I am with another Pattern Emporium garment! This time it is the Starstruck Side Tie Top.

As per the pattern website: The Side Tie Top has a beautiful silhouette with an easy & flattering fit through the body. It drapes to one side with a tie finish at the hip. Choose from a variety of sleeves including short, long, bishop & full flounce. It is so comfortable you’ll think you’re wearing a t-shirt & is perfect for your drapey stretch knit fabrics.

There are seven sleeve options, and three neckline options.

I chose to sew the cuffed long sleeve (avoiding hems, how lazy) and the higher scoop neckline.  The neckline is bound rather than banded, which allows for a really nice narrow finish. I elected to cut the ‘tall’ length, even though I am short, to give more torso space. You can vary how tightly you knot the side tie.

The tie edges and bottom hem were neatened on the overlocker then turned to the inside and hemmed with a twin needle. One of the many interesting things about this top is that the body is cut in one piece. There are no side seams; just shoulder seams and a centre back seam. The sleeves are inserted in the round, as there isn’t the option to do them in the flat without those side seams.

The fabric is a pretty slippery poly/spandex knit from Spotlight a couple of years ago. I really like the colours, and pattern matching wasn’t really possible due to the cut. I did make sure that I had the directional print running the same way on the sleeves and the body, phew!

I liked this pattern so much that I sewed up another one, this time in a softer knit, possibly cotton/viscose/spandex, with a fine green/grey stripe. It’s exactly the same style and pattern pieces, but sits slightly differently because of the different fabric. It’s also a winner!

Help me to decide – what version should I sew for summer? I’m thinking of the lower scoop neckline and short sleeve…