Double Take with New Look (6402)

I could not believe it has been "sew" long from my last post!  I took a few days from my 2-week fall vacation (our school district had "fall intermission" during our year-round calendar) to sew a few items.  New Look 6402 (re-issue of an earlier pattern) struck my fancy, in particular views "A" and "C".  For both tops, I sewed a "M" at the shoulders tapering to a "L" at the hips and VERY easy to whip up.

Fabrics: the sleeveless (view "C") in a knit "refashioned" from the lower part of a maxi-dress (that did not fit) purchased on-line from Venus.com and the long-sleeved one in an "Italian streaky psychedelic viscose lycra knit" (a soft, drapy knit) purchased from EmmaOneSock.com.  I had a feeling that the maxi dress on clearance (also non-returnable) would not fit being a small (the "M" and "L" sizes were out of stock).  Once I received it and tried it on, no luck! I put it aside and hope to "modify" it later into a wearable garment for myself.   

 

The directions are sufficient if you are familiar with sewing basic tops.  I did my typical 1" petite adjustment at the waistline.  


My first version of New Look 6402, view "A" with the long sleeves. 

 

For the sleeveless version, the lower part of the maxi dress was barely enough to accommodate the front and back of the top.  I kept the bottom hem of the dress intact.  I did not acquire the "symmetry" of the fabric print due to the dress not having it to begin with.

It seemed that the dress was sewn "against" the grain and so that sleeveless top was "fitted" as compared to the long-sleeved version.  I could have further stabilized the neckline in a strip of the same fabric as I usually do, but decided to follow the pattern directions of "turn under and stitch".

 

I sewed two other tops during my vacation, a knit draped top and a Sandra Betzina Vogue twist top 1477.  I'll post as soon I have photos taken.  

Geez, stores are already displaying Christmas/holiday items!  2016 is not done yet!!!

Mad for Galactic Plaid

Happy New Year to You All!

A quick glimpse of our 2015 year in review.  


Heather is now on her second semester of 7th grade.  I will be "50" this year.  My husband and I will be married 17 years.  Thank you to those who have known and supported me in PR and the blogging world for nearly a decade. Where did all the time go?

After a nearly 2-month sewing "dry spell" (occurred after sewing my daughter's "Starbucks" apron for Halloween), my "sewing mojo" returned that enabled me to sew two twist tops from Burda 6911. I wore this second version today on a lunch date with my husband and it was comfortable. 

Pattern Description:
"Sophisticated, entwined front parts give both the shirt and the dress a special look. The bi-elastic jersey provides shape retention and a perfect fit. The dress has got a flared skirt with nicely draped panels."

Pattern Sizing: 
Misses' 8-20 I sewed a "12" at the shoulders tapering to a "14" at the hips.  

 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? 
Yes. Since I did not use a softer knit, the twist portion for my top had more bulk and hence, the fabric below the twist did not drape freely. You can achieve the fit you want by a change in the stretch of the fabric. Mine was form fitted due to the stability of the knit.  

Fabric Used: A poly/lycra knit from EOS. 

  
Following Directions
I thought they were fine especially with the accompanying diagrams.  I have read about how tricky the "twist" step can be and resolved myself to take my time and study the diagrams thoroughly.

The diagrams clearly show the appearance of the front facing after folding the fabric edge towards the inside along the fold lines, and where to stitch the lower bust seam after folding the front until it matches the "curved" lower edge. Each front seems like one enormous "blob".  But once I studied carefully the diagrams that show "which goes where", it was easy to figure out where the side seams will be after matching the markings (they pinpoint where the "gap" or opening through which the wearer's left front fabric piece passes through forming the "twist".

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Not much the pattern, but more of the fabric's characteristics.  A knit with more drape would lessen the "bulk" of the twist at the center front and some odd type of puffy protrusion below my bust.


Alterations/Modifications
* Petite alteration of 3/4" at the waistline; 

* Used a large safety pin to "thread" left (wearer's) piece through the gap formed by the lower bust seam of the front right piece. 

*Sewed the sleeves "flat" (before sewing the side seams) instead of setting them in per the directions.

 Conclusion: 
I would sew another one or two, but not in the immediate future.  I am still going through my pattern and fabric stash!

Once I studied carefully the layout of the front pieces and figured how it correlates to the diagrams (they became clear after looking at them for some time), this top is really easy to sew.   

Ever since we saw the new STAR WARS movie, the print of this fabric reminds of "light sabers galore". Go figure what two words are inscribed in my hoop earrings. Happy Sewing!


Have a wonderful holiday season.  Best wishes for 2016. 

 

Simplicit-tea and a Starbuck-etful of Seasonal Sweets

From 2006 to 2011 (age 3 to 9 years), I have faithfully sewn Heather's costumes for Halloween.  In 2012, I purchased a "Little Red Riding Hood" costume from "Party City", in 2013,  a "Bat Girl" t-shirt dress from "Hot Topic" (sequined cape was sewn) and last year, a jacket and pants from "Forever 21" for her "Tris Prior" of "Divergent" look. 

 

This year, she asked me to create a Starbucks barista apron. The cap is purchased at Amazon, and happened to be a close math to the color of her apron. 

i used Simplicity 1240 that contains apron patterns sized for adults, children and even for dolls!  I sewed a misses' "S" for my 12-year-old daughter.

I used view "A" as the principal pattern coupled with the upper band of view "B".   We used iron transfer paper specifically for ink-jet printers to apply the logo to the bodice and omitted the ruffles on the lower edge. 

 

Directions:  They were easy to follow especially if I had adhered to one view. I used the pieces of view "A" and the top portion of the bodice of view "B". This is really an easy, but slightly time consuming pattern due to hemming the lower edge of a-line garment and along the left and right back edges. My arms got a good workout from not "pumping iron", but from "iron pressing". The weight of the fabric did not allow for the straps to be sewn at one edge and turned "inside out". So I followed the directions to sew a small top stitched hem at each edge (after lots of iron pressing for the hems to sew flat nicely).  

 

 

Favorite and Not-So-Favorite Things: The apron had a nice silhouette. My daughter mentioned that the apron looked more like a "party dress" (being a-line) than a work apron. I told her that her Starbucks apron is customized for her and meant to not look exactly look like the actual ones worn by the employees. But it did make customers and the young lady at the register of a local Starbucks give us a double take as we walked into the cafe. There was nothing really to dislike because this is a nice basic apron. 

Fabric Used: JoAnn's woven with cotton blend, medium weight.

Modfiications/Alterations:   

I sewed view "A" without the neckline trim and replaced it with the self-faced segment and the straps that tie around the neck (instead of the straps that "criss-crossed" at the back). My daughter hoped for the hoop neck (much like the Starbucks' actual aprons), but I did not get that detail directly communicated to me. So, she was satisfied with the apron "as is". 

*Since my daughter did not want the pockets and the ruffled hem, I omitted them.

For the familiar logo, we printed it on "iron transfer paper".  

Purchased at Staples  


Recommendations/Conclusion:
I recommend this pattern as a good basic apron which is straightforward to make if you omit details such as the pockets and trim.

 

Heather collected a "Starbuck-etful" of nearly 7.5 lbs of treats on Halloween night (although she gave away the Snickers, Reeses, Milky Ways, Butterfingers, Baby Ruths, Twizzlers, and others that did not appeal to her). So I snapped quick photos with her "Starbuck-et" and a back view of her barista outfit, with wrinkles and all after her "seasonal" barista venture. 

A Tri-Wrap-Along with McCall's 7249

I found the opportunity to sew before returning to work this week after a 2 week hiatus. I was not able to find this pattern at my local JoAnn's and instead purchased one on etsy. 

Pattern Description:
MISSES' TOPS AND DRESS: Close-fitting, pullover tops and dress have gathered front overlay and stitched hems. Designed for medium-weight moderate stretch knits.

I sewed a short sleeved version of the top.  

 

Pattern Sizing:
A5(6-8-10-12-14), E5(14-16-18-20-22).  I sewed a "12".


Fabric Used:
Rayon/lycra knit from EOS in a vibrant "triangles" print. The split colors of the shapes make the white triangles to appear as "right-click" arrows. 


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the crossover style, which acts like figure "camouflage".

McCall's 7249 was fairly simple to construct, while paying attention to the marked circles and fold/facing lines and especially the placement of the overlays at the "V" part of the neckline to avoid the bulk after turning them to the front of the top, thus concealing the neckline seams.

"Understitching" is necessary to stabilize the overlay to the neckline after turning it from the inside to the outside of the top.  I noticed the slight "waviness" or "undulating" characteristic of the neckline as that on McCall's model on the pattern envelope.  It seemed to result from a tad of "tugging" at the gathered ends of each overlay that was extended and secured via machine basting ("crossing over") to the opposite side below the armhole.

However, there were moments when I became "twisted", prompting me to re-orient the overlays to their proper positions (with the gathered side edges of the left overlay already attached to the right side seam) before crossing the right over the left overlay.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1.  My typical 1" petite adjustment at the waist

2.  Narrowing the upper center back 3/8" from the center

3.   Adjusted the placement of the gathered edge of each overlay on one side of the front (between two marked open circles) by adjusting the locations of those two marked open circles.  

      (a)  Raised the placement mark (open circle) from 2" to 1"  below the armscye.   This will result in raising the upper edge of the gathered side of each overlay (left, right)

       (b) Lowered the placement mark 1" for the lower gathered edge of each overlay.  The marked circle moved approximately from 4" to 3" above the lower edge of the front.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'll put a second version on hold for now.  I would recommend it, if you like this type of mock wrap style. 


Conclusion:
After patience working with the gathering, layering of fabric, and getting out of a few "tangled" moments with fabric, I am satisfied with this top. The soft rayon/lycra knit that I used made the top comfortable. 

From sundancecatalog.com, with similar styling but long-sleeved, $68.  The neckline is "wavier" than mine!: 
 http://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/55415.do?code=GGLBASE&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=PLA&utm_keyword=Flattering+Vanessa+Tee,+Crossover+Panels,+Front+Shirring+%26+Raglan+Sleeves+T-Shirt&kpid=55415&kpid=S498191

 

Some Peppy-Lum With Vogue 9084

Peplums continue to trend (it seems that they are here to stay) and here is a rare find on the web, a top with a curved front seam from Anthropologie.  This also has an asymmetrical ("high-low" or "mullet") hem which has made a comeback and has not quite disappeared. 

When I was not able to find a particular Vogue since my local JoAnn's has not been quick in replenishing their pattern drawers with the latest McCall's (i.e. beyond the 7200's) and Vogue envelopes (i.e. beyond the 9100's) for the past month now, I discovered this Vogue (9084) and decided to sew view "A".  It has been awhile since I sewed a sleeveless top with a jewel neckline and especially one with a peplum.  What appealed to me was the "drop waist", reminiscent of the late 1980's and early 1990's dresses that I wore.

Pattern Description:  
"MISSES' TOP: Top (fitted through bust) has flounce variations, back zipper and narrow hem. C: stitched hem on sleeves. B and C: wrong side shows on shaped hemline. Purchased bias tape to finish necklines, and armholes A. FABRICS: Broadcloth, Crepe, Ponte Knit, Lightweight Denim." Views B and C have the asymmetrical flounced peplum. All views have the "drop-waist". I sewed view "A", the sleeveless version,

Pattern Sizing: Misses' 8-10-12-14-16 I sewed a "12".  

 

Fabric Used: Rayon/lycra knit from EOS in a vibrant "triangles" print.  The split colors of the shapes make the white triangles to appear as "right-click" arrows.  

 

Instructions
They were adequate and easy to follow, along with the diagrams. As for such  procedures as to apply a zipper (depending on the type you use such as invisible or standard) or to hem a circular skirt, I recommend referring to any of the plethora of useful tutorials available online or in reference books. 

Favorite/Not-So Favorite Features
I like the front and back darts for shaping. Since I am not completely sold on asymmetrical peplums or in the case of views B and C the "mullet-style" or "high-low" hems, I opted for view "A". The front and back hems of the peplum skirt are level. The back portion of the skirt is shorter, landing well below the waist, where the front portion of the skirt is longer due to the curved and higher front seam. The "high-low" seam of the bodice and the skirt along with the differing lengths of the front and back skirts with the level hem, especially seen at a side view adds an interesting dimension to the peplum. Stitching a circular hem requires patience. At times, as I experienced here, it can feel like watching paint dry.

Alterations/Modifications
*Made my typical 1" petite adjustment at the marked line. 

 *Omitted the zipper due to using a knit. 

*Instead of using bias tape as directed, I cut 1 1/2" wide strips of fabric to finish the neckline and armscyes.

 *To stabilize the lower hem, I applied some gluestick on the edges before turning in a scant hem and turning in and stitching a 5/8" hem. I also iron-pressed the edges for a smoother finish.  

 

Recommendations/Conclusion
For now, one from this pattern is sufficient. If you like this variation of a peplum, give it a try.  

I asked my very young fashion consultant (my 12 y.o. daughter, of course) if the style was "o.k." on me because I was not sure about the flounced front being suitable with my figure. She told me that I looked "hip" for a change and the skirt actually camouflaged whatever I wanted to hide. Just recently, she photographed me wearing my new top in front of one of her favorite novelty stores in downtown San Diego. 

Bow-hemian

It is about time to sew a woven top after looking at my fabric stash. This pattern has beckoned me for weeks now.
 

 

From Patternreview.com's description (New Look's description was vague): This easy to sew pattern includes a three-quarter, long sleeves or sleeveless tunic/top with split neck and optional shirttail hem and front pockets. The pants are elastic waist pull-on with tie front. I sewed view "C" that included the "laced-up" front consisting of tie made from the same fabric threaded through 6 loops. Instead of letting the tie "suspend" as shown on the model, I tied it in a bow.  

The directions are written in a logical fashion. The diagrams helped especially in constructing the front facing and the hoops through which the long nearly spaghetti thin ties were threaded.


Size: U.S. size 10-22. I sewed a "12" at a top tapering to a "14" 

Fabric Used: From fashionfabricsclub.com, "Peach beige, dusty orange, aqua blue, aqua green, magenta purple, black and white modern floral print. This very lightweight, soft cotton/polyester fabric has faint woven pinstripe. " I wore a camisole beneath my top due to it being semi-sheer. 

 

Favorite/Not-So-Favorite Features
I like the style of this top reminiscent of 1970's peasant tops. It is comfortable, a tad loose-fitting, but not sack shaped. The keyhole neckline with each tie end threaded through 3 of the 6 hoops (left edge, right edge) is a distinctive style feature. I was not certain if what I see as a "slight sweetheart shape" of the front of the neckline was intended after binding it with a bias strip (cut from the same fabric). As I compared my blouse with that worn by the model, I noticed our necklines look similar. The interfaced fabric facing went over the a portion of the bound edge at the front of the neckline, hence, producing the same type of curvature. But the "lattice effect" on the keyhole front looked elegant on the diagrams, but not so on my top. The number and width of the hoops do not work well with a lightweight and semi-sheer fabric. So, instead of leaving the ties suspended loosely as shown on the model, I tied them into a bow. 

 

Modifications/Alterations
* 1" petite alteration at the waist 

*Added 4 colorful beads at each end of the tie (and then knotted each to end) for embellishment and as an alternative to stitching those itty bitty ends of the narrow ties. *Omitted the side slits. I am not a fan of them.

*Omitted the side slits.

*French seams


 Conclusion: The style works well to showcase the print of the fabric. I recommend this pattern due to its ease of construction and classic style. This is an on-trend piece and works well with slacks, jeans, and skirts. The top was comfortable that I wore it all day to work and back-to-school shopping with my daughter in the early evening (took the photo with shelves of containers).

Return of the Mock with New Look 6301

 This week I added three garments to my wardrobe.  I sewed two sleeveless tops (this time with the mock turtleneck) from McCall's 6796 and a faux wrap dress from New Look 6301.

Pattern Description:
Mock wrap dresses, with sleeve options

Pattern Sizing:
U.S. 8-20.  I sewed a "12".  After sewing the dress, it seemed that a "10" at the shoulders would have been better with this pattern.

 It is a fairly simple pattern to sew.  The cutting and sewing with my slight modifications altogether took nearly 7 hours (with a few little intermittent breaks).  I barely glanced at the directions  and just looked at the accompanying diagrams as cues.  Previous reviews of this pattern provided me with lots of inspiration.

Fabric Used:
ITY jersey from fashionfabricsclub.com

 
Favorite/Not-So-Favorite Features
I have always liked wrap dresses.  Maybe because I omitted the neckband and opted to topstitch a narrow hem, my neckline was uncomfortably low prompting me to wear a camisole underneath.   In my case,  I don't think the narrow neckband would make a significant difference.  The skirt for views "A" and "B" flared out more than expected due to being deceived by the model wearing view "A" shown on the envelope.  It seemed that she was wearing the skirt from views "C" and "D". 

Also it has been a while that I sewed a top or dress where there are separate pieces for the left (with the large pleat)  and right front bodice with the two pleats at the end, or simply my "sewing sense" has been misplaced after not sewing for awhile.  Instead of cutting one of each, I made the unintentional "goof" of cutting the left bodice twice (double layer of fabric).  So I omitted cutting the right bodice, replacing the right bodice with the "extra" left bodice piece.



Alterations/Modifications
*As previously mentioned above,  I omitted the neckband and did not use the right bodice piece due to my silly "goof". 

 

* Omitted my typical petite adjustment at the bodice fronts from my past experience sewing wrap dresses.  If I had a longer torso, I can easily imagine the waistline being not too far below my bust.

*Narrow back adjustment (remove 3/8" from the upper center back seam)

*Stitched the sleeves "flat" instead of setting them in. 

*Omitted the elastic.

*Took in the sides of the skirt, (from a size "12" to an "8")

*Shortened the skirt 3 1/2" to get the dress to knee length.

*Omitted the attached belt.  I did sew a long "detached" belt in the same fabric.  But I also like the option to use other belts.  I found a narrow red belt that complemented with the dress even more nicely than this wide brown belt I "borrowed" from a RTW top.


Conclusion:
I most likely would use this pattern once again, but using the more fitted skirt pieces and raising the neckline.  However, I still recommend this pattern.  It is fairly easy to sew.   You really cannot go wrong with a wrap dress.  It can flatter any figure.  

 


From Nine West: 

Two of a Twisted Kind from Burda WOF

From Macy's, a pair of keyhole necklined tops with a "twist"

 

Pattern Description
From Burda Style, page 19 of the February 2014 issue:
MANAGER CHIC, Jersey Shirt 130 B/C
This figure hugging shirt has something special: a cleverly intertwined neckline.

My description:  a knit top with a teardrop-shaped keyhole neckline, through which a gathered strap of fabric passes through and encloses this piece with a gathered center front seam. 

View A is made from double layer of fabric for the front and back (self-lined) and views B and C, a single layer for the front and back.


Fabric:
Most recent version:  a 4-way stretch rayon/lycra knit (20% in the width, 10% in the length), opaque yet lightweight with wonderful drape and a "dry" (not slippery) hand. The print is a wonderful "birds aflight" design in soft white on a black background  from EOS.

 


Original version:
Betsey Johnson's tangerine/indigo emblem unit, a soft, semi-opaque polyester nylon knit from EOS.

Favorite Features of  the Pattern:
There were only 3 pattern pieces to trace and 1 rectangular piece cut with given dimensions.  I used a different color highlighter for each pattern piece for easier tracing.  I used large white gift tissue paper, purchased from a party supplies store, as an alternative for tracing paper.

I like the dramatic keyhole neckline with a gathered strap or band, cut from a  rectangular piece of fabric (42 cm length, 24 cm width per the directions) whose both gathered ends (10 cm width) are first attached to the back of the neckline prior to being enclosed with the center front seam that forms the keyhole at the front of the neckline.

Not-So Favorite or Questionable Features of the Pattern:
The typical Burda Style directions and the construction methods, especially for the front, gathered strap for the neckline.  The gathered ends (from 24 cm to 10 cm) are stitched to the back of the neckline at two placement markings, before stitching the shoulder seams and turning in and top-stitching the upper edge of the entire neckline.  I wonder if it would have been better to just fold the rectangular piece, right sides together, sew a side seam, and turn the entire piece inside out, forming a strap with only the visible side of fabric showing. But the strap would most likely lose the "scrunched" look of the neck band which was the intended look.

Update with recent version: I made a strap (side seam and turned inside out) and did not worry about the "wrong" side of the fabric showing at my neckline.  This worked fine for this version.

Without adding length allowance , the sleeves are long, and probably meant to be "pushed back" as shown on the model.  Another thing I noted were that sleeves are really fitted despite my arms and legs disproportionally slender with respect to the rest of me. 




 






























Directions:
Typical, cryptic Burda Style directions.  I had to reread them twice to translate them from "Burda Speak".

There were 2 placement markings (vertical slashes)  on the back of the neckline for the neckband.  I was somewhat confused precisely where to place the gathered ends.  It would have been clearer  if there were two pairs of placement markings in which each pair shows the width of the gathered end of the band.  I should have basted (instead of immediately stitch) the ends while checking whether or not the "loop" will pass over my head and fit comfortably encircle my neck.  Burda does not mention doing this, probably with the assumption that we automatically check for fit. I had to place the ends of the neckband further apart  to accommodate the circumference of my head, which surprised me because I am not megacephalic.  Burda recommends cutting the strap with dimensions 39.5-50-50.5-41-41.5-42 cm corresponding to sizes 34-44.  I see this as only a guideline and adjust accordingly depend on the stretchiness of the knit and the wearer's measurements.  


Modifications/Adjustments to the Pattern:
It seems that Burda Style patterns are designed for a well-proportioned woman who is at least 5'6".  One petite adjustment is not enough in the bodice.   From experience in addition to my typical 1" adjustment at the waistline mark, I shortened the pattern 1", 7 cm below the armscye. This reduces the  fabric bunching, wrinkling, and folding at the back.
*Instead of finishing the keyhole by folding under and top-stitching, I stitched from the inside of the garment while stretching slightly, a strip of fabric cut on the bias (1¼" width) A ¼" from the raw edge of the keyhole.  Then I turned the strip  to the outside, tucking under its raw edge strip, pressed it and top-stitched near its edge.

Recent version: shortened the sleeves.


At a local bookstore for a photo and a copy of his new book:  Heather, Shane Dawson (You Tube star and author of "I Hate My Selfie"), and me.  Heather and other tween and teen-aged girls were just so thrilled to see and meet this cute young man.  In my day, it was pop/rock star RICK SPRINGFIELD, and for these young ladies, it is now "You-Tube sensations" such as Shane.  I still do not get what it is about screaming girls and You-Tubers. It is just the sign of the times.


Conclusion:
Hopefully after spending the worthwhile time altering the pattern and fiddling with the neckline, things will go smoothly for my next version.

After noting the quirks I experienced,  I still agree with the rating that this is a one dot or easy pattern .  The dramatic neckline makes this top a standout in this issue.  

True-ly Wrapped Up in the Moment

 Two months ago on a Saturday, January 25, 2015, I was so excited to see and hear 1980's pop sensation Spandau Ballet (of 1983's "True" hit single) live at The Wiltern in Los Angeles  (after waiting for nearly 30 years ago).  I wanted to wear something comfortable, fun and yet stylish. I wanted to figure out what to sew from the remaining striped fabric from a sleeveless top I made recently with a McCall's pattern. Then after sifting through my "to be sewn next" pattern stash, I found this Burda mock wrap top.

Pattern Description (Burda Style simply used "shirt") 

Cross-over wrap top with "folded-in" self-facing, front "inner" hem, back section's seam folded-in to align with the front, and long sleeves.  

 

I sewed a view "B", the longer version well past the hips.

Directions
The directions with the diagrams are satisfactory.  It is easy to "mix-up" the cross-over part, especially when I nearly forgot to turn the fronts so that the basted/stitched raw edge is turned in, so the seam is seen at the bottom for a smooth finish and the wearer's visible right front is over the left front.  Pressing the lower edge will reduce the wrong side of the fabric from showing, especially when the front section rides up the torso, for instance, while raising the arms.    
The second one I plan to make will hopefully go smoother.  Overall it is simple to make.

The wrap is 6 1/2" above the seam

Nearly 2 1/2 months later, second version: Due to the lapse of time from my first to the second top, I had to revisit the directions, especially for how to sew the side seams, being careful not to catch the right front's "turned-in" facing (at a marked line for a particular size), above the start of the angled slit in order to avoid "bunching" from a triple layer of fabric.





Sizes:  Eur 36-46, US 10-20
I sewed a 38 at the shoulders and a 40 elsewhere. The top is "fitted" on me.

Fabric: ITY jersey

Maybe I was going for this look in stripes, but with my wider stripes, I feel like a "referee".

 

"Honey, are you now their referee?

I also found the opportunity to wear this "referee" look of a top to the Spandau Ballet concert.   I also seized the opportunity to hug lead vocalist Tony Hadley (after telling woe me drove nearly 3 hours to Los Angeles to see them!) and drummer John Keeble, shake hands with Martin Kemp and take a group photo with the band during the sound-check/mini-rehearsal/meet and greet session prior to the fantastic concert.

 

Pattern Alterations/Modifications
I sewed the sleeves in "flat" instead of "setting them in" per the directions.

My 1" adjustment at the petite adjustment line above the waist mark.

Second version which I wore April 7,  a day after returning from our Spring hiatus:

Four ladies who had fun at the concert!

Recommendations/Conclusion:
It is a fairly simple top to sew once you sew the first version.  I like the overall fit, although the sleeves are a tad snug (first version due to fabric).  The neckline is undeniably conservative, but is balanced by a flattering and sleek silhouette.  I have another one to sew that I cut out (2 months ago, right after sewing the striped top)....already done ;-)