Friday, February 04, 2011

Hot Patterns 1114 - Mighty Aphrodite Draped T-shirt

Description: Semi-fitted hip-length T-Shirts have a gently shaped silhouette, a boat neck with an asymmetric pleated shoulder, and an adjustable, ruched and draped side seam feature. These T-shirts are designed so that you can mix up the sleeve details for maximum fashion mileage...a classic full length sleeve, with optional ruffled cuff and hem detail? No problem! Elbow-length draped sleeves for a chic, feminine look? Fine! What about a totally directional look with one draped and one classic full length sleeve? Why not! These dramatically styled and ridiculously flattering T-Shirts will work for day, evening, weekends and work, and they look amazing worn over a simple pencil skirt, a flat-front straight-cut pant, or your favorite jeans.
Sizing: 6 to 26

Instructions:  I found them good for every part but the pleats, I really had to fiddle with them to get the pleating in the right direction and all lined up.  I made this shirt twice in the last two days and the pleating wasn't easier the second time either but worth it in the end, it really makes the shirt.  In fact, I think doing the pleats almost took as long as the rest of the shirt construction.

After I had the pleats stitched and the front and back shoulder seams sewn, I thought the neckline looked way to wide and low.  This wasn't a concern after completing the top, the neckline drapes beautifully.

Likes/dislikes:  I have liked the look of this tshirt since the moment it came out, it just took me until December to get the pattern ordered.  The shirring is just fantastic.



Changes:  I added 1" to the sleeves.  I made one change on the black and blue version top, cut it out incorrectly.  So the pleats and shirring are opposite of the pattern envelope.  You cut the front out in one piece (no fold) so the right side needs to be up, well guess who didn't do that. 
Next time I will make the ties a few inches longer.

Fabric:  The blue and black floral piece is a jersey (with no lycra) from Denver Fabrics, the bold black/white and pink is an ITY from fabric.com.  I had just enough of this print to match the side seams and the sleeves, it is a wide stripe and I was happy I could cut out the sleeves so matched across the body



Conclusion:  This is a fantastic pattern with so many options for different looks. I am pleased with both tops but favor the black/white ITY top much more.  The fabric is better, has recovery and better drape.  Also, the blue/black floral is a bit thin and needs a cami.  I think the key to this top (well, any pattern for that matter) is the correct fabric.  I know I will wear the black/white version so much  more.

I have plans for the short sleeve version in a solid knit, that drape on the short-sleeve version is gorgeous.





15 comments:

  1. Gorgeous blouses.

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  2. What cute tops! I wear knit tops just about every day (only a woven blouse or two even existing in my closet) and it's great to find a new twist on a knit top. Would love to see you model one of them if you have time for a photo shoot.

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  3. These look great! Of course, the most important part of any successful garment is the right fabric. Unfortunately, we really have only one chance with any fabric, and if it's not the perfect match ... I do like the pleating and gathering on these tops.

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  4. Because of you I want to sew again! Now I have to get my serger fixed! Dang thing eats my fabric!

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  5. wonderful looking top! I may have to add this pattern to my list :)

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  6. You have really "topped" yourself! These are gorgeous. Totally.

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  7. Both tops look fantastic. I love the Denver Fabrics one alot.

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  8. I really like both versions! I love how you used a stripe- never would have thought of that myself.

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  9. I hadn't seen this pattern, at least not that I can remember. I should pop over to HP's site and see what I have been missing! Nice work on both! I recently acquired the blue and brown floral fabric too and it is so fun to see it made up into something. You are right about it being thin, but I think it looks great done up in this pattern.

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  10. Wow, Lori, these are great!

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  11. Just lovely, I like the b/w alot also

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  12. I love both the fabrics that you have used for these great looking tops. I think that the time and effort you put in to make the pleats has certainly paid off.

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  13. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your choice of fabrics! you are really on a roll these days! Nice pattern...again, I can't say enough about the fabric...especially that black and pink print.

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  14. I am getting ready to make this pattern using a bamboo rayon knit. You did a perfect job with both versions - and the way you matched the stripe shirt body & sleeves is awesome!

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