Doctor T Designs

Moving right along here is my second Wardrobe Sudoku item, Simplicity 3536.  I’ve actually made this pattern before, though last time I made view D.

This time I decided to cash in on the cold shoulder trend and made view B – the cowl neck with the open shoulders.

Here is an updated and re-written pattern review for this view of the pattern.

Pattern Description: Women’s Knit Tops with six options.  I made view B – cowl neck top with open shoulder and gathered sleeve details.  This pattern is now OOP.

Pattern Sizing: (4-6-8-10-12) or (12-14-16-18-20).  I made a size 18, though I should have gone down.  Before starting on the Wardrobe Sudoku contest I re-measured myself, and was a bit shocked at my high bust measurements.  I’d always used between a size 10-14 before, usually with a FBA, but my latest measurements indicated that a size 18 was the way to go.  It was not.  I should have made the size 12, and graded out at the waist and into the hips.  The top is still too big around the neckline, and I took it in quite a bit along the side seams to help with the fit.  This isn’t a problem with the pattern.  Honestly, I am well aware that my bust size has been changing dramatically the past few years and I think this panicked me into tracing too large of a size.  I should have gone with instinct and used the size 12 for the shoulders and graded out at the waist and hips.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions are great, though I used my serger and coverstitch to do the construction, so I didn’t pay too much attention to the techniques used in the instructions.  The construction order is great, though, and it gives a nice finish to the inside.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope once you were done with it?  Mostly!  I cut too large of a size in the shoulders, so the cowl is a bit deeper than intended, but otherwise it looks very much like the drawing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about this pattern?  Likes: The style has lots of nice details, and it was super easy to sew.  I also know that I want to go back and make other views from this pattern as well.  Dislikes:  None, really.  I just wish I had cut a smaller top.

Fabric used: Some sort of thick sweater-type knit from the Michael Levine Loft.  It is super soft and drapey, but doesn’t fray or unravel.  Sewed up like a dream, and really cozy to wear.  And Loft fabric is always super cheap to boot.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I left the button detail off the sleeves (I wanted them to look a bit more casual).  I also used the serger and coverstitch exclusively for construction.  I tried adding the elastic to get the ruched hem, but it didn’t look that great, so I decided to use the gathering technique from the sleeves on the hem as well.

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?  I’ve used this pattern before, but for a different view.  That shirt has finally bit the dust (it lived a good long time though!), so I am very interested in making another.  I’m not sure how long the open shoulder trend will last, so I might make another view of this top, though I’m a bit more interested in view A for future versions.  I would definitely recommend this pattern if you have a copy in the stash or if you can find it somewhere.

Conclusion: Really pleased with this shirt!  Definitely going to be a great addition to my wardrobe – both in totality and in the Sudoku contest!