Oh Ricki, you’re so fine…
What year WAS that song written?* Why does it feel part of my era? Whenever I hear the name Ricki it’s the first thing that I think of. Now I can think of the Style Arc Ricki top instead.
This is my “wearable muslin”. It is so wearable that I am wearing it right now as I type this blog post.l I made straight size 12, no alteration. It’s roomy, which I think suits the style. At first glance the primary appeal of this pattern was the back.
The two back pieces wrap over one another beautifully, and don’t actually seem to gape open during wear (although I think that your fabric choice would influence that). They do however create more weight at the back of the top than at the front and tend to pull the neckline toward the back, which can make it a little high at the front. The sleeves are slightly bell shaped. I was concerned that the wider hemline could be annoying during wear, but that hasn’t worked out to be the case.
The pattern drawing and description from the Style Arc website are as follows:
RICKI TOP: This back wrap top is perfect for a weekend project! The back is fully wrapped and is designed to cover the back but retaining the look that is so popular at the moment. The long sleeve is slightly belled or make it with the new longer short sleeve. This top is perfect for the new Scuba fabric but can be made in almost any fabric be it woven or knit.
FABRIC SUGGESTION: Knit jersey, Crepe, Ponte, Scuba, Linen
This version was sewn in striped french terry from Clear It. It was very easy fabric to work with. Construction was on the overlocker as per usual, with hems secured with Vliesofix tape then twin needled. I did pay attention when cutting to match the stripes as well as possible – and think that I did a pretty good job! I’d like to try this again in linen for summer with a short sleeve. I think it would be lovely and cool to wear, with the added interest of the back wrap.
* yes I googled it – and was reminded that the song I was thinking of – released in 1982 when I was at high school – was Mickey. Ricky was the “Weird Al” Yankovic parody. It’s a bit worrying that I remember the parody as well as the original…
This is lovely! I love it with the scarf!
Hi there Abi – bet that you could make something with a similar back feature. Thanks for commenting and therefore introducing me to your blog. Shall get my 12 year old daughter to start reading yours! I bet she will want to share some style tips. Keep on sewing!
Oh gorgeous, looked at this pattern last week and wasnt sure about the back flaps but love yours
I love that you are busting out the spring colours! It goes beautifully with the scarf!
I remember that song very well. I actually came across it recently on Throwback Thursday on Spotify.
I’ve just bought that pattern but haven’t sewn it up yet. I really like your version and can’t wait to sew it up – I think it’s a pattern with a lot of possibilities.
I love this top! Makes me want to get the pattern.
Yeah yeah Mickey is so fine, as is the stripe matching and love the flouro 👍
Love that back! So many patterns, so little time…
Like the top, LOVE the fabric ( I think I mentioned on my blog, I have a thing for neon lately!). And I never knew about the Weird Al parody before, will have to look it up now!
Ha, sometimes the parody and the original get mixed up in my brain – as I was reading your post, I could “hear” Toni Basil singing Ricky and not Mickey! Anyway, to the top – I love it. These colours look so good on you, and this looks like another classic StyleArc pattern! I really must make a few more of their patterns…
Very nice top. I love that scarf with the stripes, Great colors.
Since I’m older than you, the “Ricky” song from my youth is Steely Dan’s “Rickki Don’t Lose That Number.” That was pre-teen for me, but just barely.
Not that much older Debbie – now I have that song going through my brain as well!
Thanks for the heads up on the front being dragged back . That alone would make that top a no for me.
It would be quite fabric weight dependent I suspect Willo. This was french terry – I’ve made a second in Scuba (to be blogged this weekend I hope) and it didn’t do it as much. Will be interested to see how it works in linen when I make a summer version.
This is much fun! I love the stripes on you!
What a cute top! Very stretchy? Could a beginner make it? Love stripes always, that color combo is so intriguing, and it would be a departure from the plain ole striped shirts (RTW) I have now. Really enjoy scrolling through your makes, so nice! Oh Ricki you’re so fine….Ricci don’t lose that number……..my feet will be tapping all day.
I love the orange stripes. It makes the top more eye-catching! ^^
That scarf is ROCKING with those stripes. Great job!