Twice as Nice.

I've got two pattern reviews and two pattern pyramid giveaways today.

These are a couple of pieces that I've had in my wardrobe for a while. Here are my reviews:

Simplicity 2262: 

Misses' pullover fress or tunic, pull on pants and knit cardigan in two lengths. I made the long cardigan.

Size AA: XXS, XS, S, M. I made the small according to my measurements. Sizing was accurate

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, exactly.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
SUPER easy to sew. Good addition to my wardrobe.

Fabric Used:
Olive coloured ponte knit.






Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:No alterations.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would sew it again if I needed another one in my wardrobe. I'd choose a slightly thinner knit next time though. The weight of the ponte is a bit overwhelming. A thin sweater knit would be nice.

Conclusion
I've been able to fit this into my wardrobe quite easily and I've gotten some compliments when wearing it. I find it to be an easy wardrobe staple.

Butterick 5610:

MISSES' TOP: Very loose-fitting, pullover tops A, B, C, D. A, B: yoke extends to sleeves, front pleats and topstitch trim. B: contrast yoke and elasticized lower edge. C, D: neck band, extended shoulders and partially stitched front pleats. D: elasticized lower edge.

I made view A.

Size C5: (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) I made the size 10 everywhere except the back where I graded to the size 14 at the armpit instead of doing my usual broad upper back adjustment. It was an experiment that seemed to work out.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Sewing the inside corners where the yoke attaches to the bottom half of the front is tricky, but it was good practice. I really like the way the sleeves are constructed so they are lined and don't need to be hemmed. When I sewed this, I had recently finished my Minoru jacket and recalled Tasia's sewalong (attaching the sleeve lining to the cuff) when figuring out this bit of construction.
Other reviewers didn't like the wide neckline. I agree that it's a bit shifty when it comes to covering bra straps, but I find the wide neckline to be flattering. What I don't find particularly flattering is the side view—those pleats don't really lend themselves to a great side-silhouette, so please keep in mind that if you attempt this one, I would recommend a VERY drapy fabric.

Fabric Used:
This was a muslin that, if everything worked out, would be wearable (I wasn't sure about my "broad upper back adjustment"). So I used a super cheap poly rayon (??) that was on the $2/metre wall at Fabricland. Turns out the same fabric was used to fashion a giant wiener on the head piece of one of the girls in the production of "The Producers" I was in last summer. Now it's all I can think of when I look at this (wiener) top.

I used a scrap piece of broadcloth for the inside facing. The weights of my fabrics didn't match very well, and it affected how my sleeves hung. I'm not sure if it was a good thing to have a more stable fabric on the inside or not. It seems to be fine. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Just grading up two sizes at the underarm for increased mobility of arms. (broad upper back adjustment). It's been a while, but I think I recall that I had to even out the hem quite a bit—the fabric drooped quite a bit in the front where the pleats were. I only had room for a narrow/baby hem after I evened it out. This was to my advantage anyway because of the drape of my fabric. I will make a note to lengthen this about an inch in the future. I also bound the inside seams (another experiment) to make things neat. Serging would have accomplished the same thing and saved time.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
After I finished this one, I immediately went out and bought a beautiful piece of silk/cotton and then completely changed my mind when I got home. This is one of those makes where I needed to put it away for a while so I could forget about all of the little imperfections in my sewing. Now, I like it fine. It would be nice to try view C.

Conclusion
This top is as easy to wear as a t-shirt. I really should make another one in a beautiful fabric so I can wear it this summer. 

 

Now on to the good stuff

It was hard for me to pick what I wanted to keep from the pattern giveaway I recently won. the options were limited and picked-over, so I decided to do a little spring cleaning and shake things up a bit. I'm now offering TWO pattern pyramid give aways!! 

Pattern Pyramid A:

Pattern Pyramid B:

If you want, you can specify which pyramid (A or B) you prefer, no guarantees though. 

Here are the rules for entry in the giveaway:You must have an active blog.You must leave a comment and include your email.I will randomly select the lucky winners (2).I will then post off the patterns.
Anyone, anywhere can enter the giveaway by posting a comment below by midnight Central Standard Time on Sunday, April 14, 2013. 

Happy Sunday!