The Hayden Top from the April issue of Seamwork mag features a high neckline, subtle princess seams in the front bodice, a chunky bias cut hem band and keyhole button opening at the back neck. The shape is fairly box with short sleeves and available in cropped or hip length.
I love a boxy top (I mean my first pattern design was one after all :) So I knew as soon as I saw this pattern that I wanted to try it out. This version is really a wearable muslin, which means it's a test garment that's fully finished so you can wear it. It's a great way to test out the fit and practice the sewing techniques.
I bought the fabric almost two years ago on a trip to Chicago. It's a very cheap (about $3/yd) faux Liberty print cotton. I really love the print but after making the top decided that I really don't like it used as a garment at all. It just feels a little too fussy for me right now.
I cut a size 10 and view B. I was concerned that View A would be much too short but I know it just depends what you wear it with. The only change I made was to the angle of the shoulders. I tried on the top before finishing the neckline and the shoulders of the top stood up at my neck. I took in maybe about half an inch at the shoulder seams so that it would lay flat. I’ve also made the Almada robe (unblogged) from Seamwork and have the same issue with the shoulders.
How cute is that keyhole opening at the back neck? The neckline is rather high on this top and it’s a little challenging for me to get the top over my head. If I make this top again, I think I’ll do a scoop neckline and a shorter length. I finished the sleeve hems and the neckline with purchased bias tape. I really love the contrast it creates on the inside. Of course no one else can see it but I know it’s there. :)
To be totally honest, this is not super flattering but I think a fabric with more drape wouldn't do that poof out thing. I'd also like the sleeves to poof out a little less. Unfortunately, you can't see the lines of the pattern because of the print of the fabric but it does have some really nice design lines. This wearable muslin is a great example of how fabric choice really, really, really matters. Done in a solid with a little more drape and it could be perfection.
I've really enjoyed reading and sewing patterns from Seamwork Magazine over the last few months. In case you're not familiar, Seamwork is an online publication from Colette patterns that is published on the first of every month. It's full of great articles and has two new patterns every month that take three hours or less to sew (my favorite kind!). As a subscriber (just $6 a month), you get monthly credits to download patterns that you can save or spend as you like. If you use this link to subscribe, you can get half off your first month subscription (and I'll get a little bonus from them too). The great thing about signing up now is that there are a whole lot of patterns in the library to choose from.
