Montrose Top round one

Anytime Jenny releases a pattern, I jump on it.  I’m all about support because I can’t complain about stuff and then not support people when they try to meet the need.  I’m getting pretty good at fit and I can and I have adjusted patterns to fit my body but I still purchase patterns designed to make sewing and fit easier.  I’m excited to see all the possibilities of sewing, it’s still a challenge, it’s still exciting and it’s still frustrating!  The chest is a bit snug on this top, I measured myself but I still find it snug in the upper chest area.  I graded up to 20 for my next one but this wasn’t an out the envelope make for me, my next fabric has a bit more drape.  After this next round of adjustments, hopefully it can be a good block to use with modifications.

I’m totally a selfish sewer and I have over 600 patterns, most of them dresses that I can’t seem to part with.  I admit to buying patterns that are very similar to one another but as I get more advance I become picky.  I had a conversation with a friend about trendy patterns and the new stuff, I sound like an old woman when I say ” that young stuff isn’t for me”.  What I mean is, for where I am right now and my lifestyle, I don’t have a need for tons of specialty patterns ( off the shoulder, one shoulder, midrif showing etc..)  I realize I can make adjustments to make things fit my needs, but truthfully, I need to pick a few specialty patterns not as many as I have.  I work in a conservative environment so I have the freedom to add a little color and texture, I  keep it holy lol.  If I worked in marketing, advertising or sales where trendy was encouraged, I think I would sew more trendy or maybe not.

Self drafted ponte skirt

 I like to go for well fitting garments that can be mixed and matched.  I have a few items that are so unique that I don’t wear them as much because although I know I can wear what I want, I try mix things up so I get different looks.   I’m hoping this will be a good “block” for woven tops and with a few adjustments and modifications, I hope to get tons of looks from it.

LL

Need to lower the dart and the bust fits snug

Pattern Description:

 
Elevate your style with the Montrose Top! This timeless pattern features
two variations: View A is a scoop neck blouse with short sleeves and
curved back yoke, while View B shows off lace fabrics with a jewel neck,
elbow length sleeves, and keyhole back. And, there are standard or full
bicep sleeve options for both. Whether you choose a delicate,
embroidered tulle, or flirty floral voile, the Montrose Top is sure to
be a hit!

SEWING LEVEL:Beginner (set in sleeve, minimal fitting, no closure)

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, as per indy patterns, there’s some extra hand holding and tips.  Cashmerette patterns have you press darts up as this works well with fuller busts.  Also, there’s a sew along on the Cashmerette site.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 
Easy basic pattern, I like that it comes with a separate full bicep sleeve pattern piece, it’s so nice to not have to do that.  This is a basic pull over top, I would say that it’s semi fitted sleeved shell that’s great for layering.  I don’t love the back yoke, I’m not a fan of curved back yokes, I perfer straight or two piece yokes, curved yokes that are higher tend to not be my favorite.  Also, it’s a bit short, that could be because I’m 5’9″, I usually add an inch to tops, but I had to add two inches after making this one. 

Fabric Used:  Cotton and Steel cotton Lawn another pre-cut from FabricMart, you see my trend?

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 
I cut an 18 cup size E/F, I fall in the C/D but I like the fit of E/F could be because of my growing belly (not from a baby, but from fat!  I’m working on it though).  After making this one, I lowered the bust dart 1/2 inch, depending on my bra, I may only have to lower the dart 1/4″.  I’ll play this one by ear.  I cut the front pattern piece before I made my length adjustment, so I made it high low by adding two inches to center back and grading to nothing a the side seams on the back pattern piece.

I cut size 20 back pattern piece, this was just in case I need some extra room, I have a slight round back.  I think for me this (cutting size 20 back) will depend on what fabric I use, this lawn was not as drapey as I’d like.  I graded the front pattern piece from 18 at bust to 20 at waist and hip ( I should have cut a 20 for the extra ease), I didn’t need it in the waist as the waist is generous but I did need it at the hip.  This is loose in the back so I’m not sure if I need a sway back or not.  I did not make a forward shoulder adjustment and I needed to, my forward shoulder is about an inch forward ( thanks bad posture and computers).  I wonder if I should line this instead of using bias binding something to think about.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Oh yes, and yes!  I’ve already made my adjustments to the pattern and picked out some fabric with good drape.  And yes, thanks for asking, I remembered my shoulder adjustment!  I made a little flounce for the sleeve and I have some neckline ideas so I plan to use this basic top to get lots of different looks.