Pattern Review - New Look 6813 Top

Pattern Description: Raglan top with sleeve and neckline variations. Pleated, full skirt in two lengths. I made View A, the scoop neck top

Sizing: 6 to 16. I made a 12.

Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes, though I haven't entirely finished it. I still need to do the topstitching, which I will when I get my Coverstitch Machine all set up.

How were the instructions? I didn't use them, but I will comment on one part of them further down. This is a very straightforward pattern and it is well drafted and goes together rather easily, as long as you are paying attention. Why do I say that? Because, dear reader, if you aren't paying attention, it's really, really easy to sew both sleeve backs together and not notice it until after you have set them in to the arm. You know how I know? I wasn't paying attention. Doh! I spent last evening while the jerk pork was cooking picking out black stitches from black fabric. My eyes are still aching!

Fabric Used: A fabulously soft Fireworks in the Night Sky jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics. This is soooo comfortable. It almost feels like wearing your favorite flannel jammies. One thing to be mindful of is the placement of the white dot pattern on the print. You don't want a "bulls eye effect", if you get my drift.

Construction Notes: I mentioned above that I didn't use the instructions. I did, however, note that they call for you to attach one neckband to the neckline of the top. Then they have you turn up the lower seam allowance of the neckband facing, sew the bands together at the top, then hand stitch the facing in place at the neckline seam. I'm going to rant for a moment. Can you say Becky Home-ecky? It's so obvious that the pattern companies (and I am not singling out New Look - all the Big 4 companies do it this way and it drives me crazy!) are merely cutting and pasting instructions from the Pleistocene era. Technology and times have changed, so let's move it up to the 20th Century, shall we? Grrr... snort!

Okay, rant over. Here's how to do it to get a much cleaner finish. Sew or serge your neckband and facing together at the top edge. If you are using a sewing machine, trim your seam allowances to 1/4 inches. Turn right side out and press. Baste the lower edges of your neckbands together. Serge or sew the lower edge of your neckband to the neckline of your top. You'll get a result that looks like this, and takes far less time than the "standard" way.


Likes/Dislikes: Aside from the neckband application, there was nothing I didn't like about this top. One minor nit is that the neckline is quite wide on the scoopneck version I made. I made it once before in the V-neck, and I think I like that neckline better. It's more bra-friendly. I wish this pattern had a long-sleeved version of the top, but that's also a minor point.

Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? I would and I do. I think this is a great little top pattern that will work well for many fabrics. I could see making a whole lot of basic wardrobe pieces from it.

Conclusion: A real winner! Here's a picture of the finished top: