This particular blog post is very well timed, because when I clicked over to the Love Notions website I noticed that all their patterns – including this one, the Forte top and dress – are currently 40% off!  Not sure how long the sale goes for, so if you fancy giving this pattern a go now is a good time for it.

Regular readers have probably already figured out what drew me to this pattern.
There’s a V-neckline with a centre front seam! Loose through the mid-section!
But actually, this pattern has a number of variations. From the website: The Forte top and dress is a great transitional piece to add to your wardrobe. Included are four body styles, two dresses and several sleeve options to mix and match. Mix and match the sleeve flounces or leave them off entirely. The Forte is meant for light to medium weight knits. Views B & D can even be made as dresses! This pattern is rated for confident beginners.

• Four top views:
  • A- gathered skirt peplum style with scoop neck
  • B- waterfall skirt with v-neck
  • C- classic tee with scoop neck
  • D- gathered inverted with v-neck
• Two dress views: B & D
• Six sleeve options to mix and match:
  • short with flounce
  • bell
  • gathered
  • plain short
  • plain mid-length
  • plain long
• A full bust piece is also include for ladies with a 4-6″ high bust to full bust difference– no need to do a FBA! The Forte is fitted at the bust with plenty of ease in the waist and hips.

I essentially sewed view B, but with plain long sleeves.  This top was really a muslin, and I used a lightweight finely striped knit that had been in my stash for a while.  It worked really nicely in this style.

A bustier friend of my who has sewn this found that the front seam cut across her boobs rather than just below it. I’m a C cup in bras, and wouldn’t want it any higher. I think that those with smaller boobs would be very happy with where that seamline sits. I won’t alter it for future makes, but it’ certainly something to be aware of. Take advantage of the FBA piece if your boobs are bigger than mine!

The back is quite plain. More fitted at the shoulder and upper back then loose through the body. I am starting to wonder if I should include a rounded back alteration in my arsenal, although I would use it judiciously. Something to think about – although first I need to get a forward shoulder and short back waist length alteration into front of mind before I cut into my fabric!

This top has already exited my wardrobe and found a new happy owner. It served it’s purpose as a wearable muslin, and I’ll remake it in a colour and fabric that feels more me. There’s nothing wrong with this; I just reach for other tops in preference. I will definitely be sewing it again though – possibly the view B dress for summer.