The “65 Minute Top”

I seem to be on a roll here, alternating between garment and quilt.  PatternReview.com recently featured a pattern maker I was unfamiliar with, Maria Denmark, and I was intrigued. The line is described as: “simple patterns for everyday wear, with detailed illustrated instructions, making them easy to sew, fit and wear for everybody – even complete beginners.” Sign me up!

I ordered her “Day to Night Drape Top” for download which she says can be made in 65 minutes with LESS than a yard of fabric! Okay so it took me 3 hours, but of course that’s just me.

Downloadable patterns print out immediately on your computer which is pretty cool for the impulsive sewer. I would guess it took me about an hour to print, trim each page, tape together, trace onto pattern fabric and add seams. Not a daunting process at all, just a little time consuming.

And then it took me another hour to find my manual, figure out the stretch stitch, find my stretch needles, the right thread, read through the pattern, test my stitch on the fabric, and wash and dry the fabric. And that doesn’t include 5 phone calls and one trip to JoAnn’s to find fold-over elastic.

I chose a delightful linen knit fabric in an oatmeal color from Fine Fabrics of Santa Barbara. I had never heard of linen knit fabric before but I am smitten: it drapes beautifully, has a nubby texture to glide over any unwanted bumpies and a nice sheen. Now that I’ve worked with it I hope to order it again in a great color-linen takes dye very well and there are will be many wonderful colors available in the spring.

I love the way the pattern is drafted. The armholes are snug and high and the shoulders wide enough to cover any bra. I love the drapey collar too-it takes just a little fiddling when you first put it on but it stays in place and adds elegance to the line of the top.

The pattern is very simple: 2 pieces! It calls for treating the armholes and back neck with fold over elastic which I had never worked with before. It took some getting used to. I don’t have a serger so I used the super stretch stitch on my Bernina which worked well for the seams.

It took me about 3 hours of sewing time but that included having to fiddle with the fold-over elastic. I tested it on a scrap and yet after my first armhole I still had to rip it out and try again. Ripping out the “super stretch stitch” and a zigzag stitch was no picnic!

The fit is off just a bit. I chose according to my measurements and made it up in the extra small which is a bit snug for me. I think the small will fit perfectly. I should have known better and allowed for larger seams on my first time through with a new pattern.

I will definitely make this up again. I can see this in a really nice silk knit or in a casual knit. It is a comfortable top with flattering lines-what more could I want? And next time I do think I can do this in 65 minutes!