Dandy Candy Stripe Tee - Vogue 8952

Pattern: Vogue 8952 (2013)

Pattern Description: View B. Loose pullover tunic that is close-fitting through bust with cowl collar and shaped hemline.

Pattern Sizing: Size Y (xsm-sml-med) I chose the largest size because it matched my bust measurement. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes and no. The pattern illustration is deceptive, cutting the top out according to the pattern layout did not result in vertical stripes on the body and horizontal ones on the arms. If I had actually thought about it beforehand, I could have compensated and switched the pattern layout, but I did not.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, extremely easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I was surprised that this particular pattern had NO finished garment measurements, not on the envelope or on the pattern pieces themselves. This was very disappointing. The pattern description explains that the top will fit close in the bust and it's obvious that it flows wider from that point but I would have liked to have known the amount of ease expected in the bust. I think that should be listed on every pattern, regardless.

Middle illustration is incorrect regarding the stripe placement.

Fabric Used: 2 yards red and white (50% cotton, 25% rayon, 25% poly) striped tissue knit from Girl Charlee.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Not being sure what the length would be (no finished measurements!) I chose not to make any changes before cutting the fabric. I attempted and succeeded in matching my stripes at the side seams and for a bonus (totally not planned!) when my arms are down they match all the way across!

Digging the stripe synchronicity!

I sewed the top together like I do all my knits, with two rows of stitching; one straight while stretching the fabric slightly, and then one narrow zigzag. I then finished the seams by pinking close to the zigzag stitching.

For some reason, the directions have the cowl attached only at the center back seam, meaning there is a raw edge and the wrong side of the fabric may be seen. This wasn't a problem with this knit but could be with other fabrics.

As it turns out, the Medium size did not have sufficient wearing ease and was too small. The sleeves are tight and were I to reach up suddenly I would surely rip a seam. Therefore, this top will serve as a muslin. I don't have a problem with that because I feel the horizontal stripes make me seem a bit more "boob-tacular" than I feel comfortable.

Last but not least: At the very end of sewing, while trimming the seam allowances, I snipped into the fabric below the cowl neckline! Ughhhh ... Some suspicious darning has taken place and is barely noticeable but still...this isn't one of my favorite makes.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will use this pattern again but not this view. I would say the pattern fits small and you should first measure the flat pattern pieces to see if the amount of ease will work for you, especially the circumference of your bicep and wrists.

Conclusion: As sewn, this pattern did not flatter my figure; however, I may like this pattern once I try it in a larger size and keep the hem from ending at my widest point. My initial interest in the pattern was to make it out of heavier fabrics such as sweater knits and I will still try out that idea in the future.