Pattern Review: M7603+ #Summersewchallenge 4th of July inspired

 Hi there!  I have another review for ya!  I participated in Brittany J Jones & Fo Alexander’s summer sew challenge on Instagram.  I find value in these challenges, because they get you out of your sewing comfort zone.  This top was one of my June sewing goals.  I’ve been in the process of moving and really tried to squeeze in all of my sewing plans in case I’d be out of pocket.  In rushing to make this top, I was completely oblivious to the way it was drafted, no darts (gasp) and I didn’t add any (double gasp).  It also didn’t occur to me that I could have taken my beloved Springfield top and modified (hacked) it.

I purchased some red white and blue fabric from Joann’s fabric with the intentions of making something “patriotic” way before July 3rd.  I tend to forget when a holiday is coming up and I didn’t want to forget so I picked up my fabric early.   I don’t know why I picked up quilting cotton, actually, I do know why, they come in cool prints, but they are not always the best for apparel sewing.   This top called for a nice fabric that drapes and well.

On to the review:

Pattern Description:

 
Loose-fitting tops have pocket, length and hem variations. C: Wrong side of fabric will show.

@Brittanyjjones  @_foalexander_

SEWING LEVEL: Advanced beginner.

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, I found no errors.  If you make adjustments to the bust or length, remember to adjust your button hole placement.  Also, I made my markings for the button holes and buttons on the right side of the fabric.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 
Likes:
-Basic tank top with lots of variations
-Trendy
-Length variations
-Pockets
-Easy construction

Dislikes:
-No darts
-No shaping in the back

Fabric Used:
Cotton

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 
I had to adjust the shoulders and armscye.  The top had enough ease that I didn’t require an FBA but it also had some gaping at the armscye.  Because the top didn’t have a dart and tons of ease, the cotton blend looked like a tent if I wore it untucked, I should have used rayon challis.  I pinned out an inch on each shoulder lifting the under arm seam and reducing the gaping in the armhole.  This adjustment was after I sewed the binding to the shoulder so it looks  homemade.  I wont wear this top, its in the donate pile, partly because of my fabric choice and my error in not putting in darts before cutting the fabric.  This was my error in looking at flat pattern measurements only and not taking into consideration how the top would and should contour to my body.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Maybe, but only after using my TNT top pattern to adjust the back pieces and add darts for the bust.  I will also need to adjust the armscye, someone made the longer version of view A with a drawstring, so I may try a dress with a drawstring hem.  I have better patterns in my stash that can be modified like my Cashmerette Springfield top I made here. 

I want to hear from you, did you make this top?  what modifications did you need to make if any?