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A few months back Style Arc in addition to their usual free monthly pattern, were doing a 3 for 2 deal on their new tops so I picked up a few including this casual Maggie shirt.
I thought it would be ideal for summer and easy to sew. While it is both of those things, I feel a bit blah about the finished garment, there just seems to be too much fabric and it feels like it keeps slipping backwards although a belt helps. The illustration seems more accurate than the line drawing.
Style Arc Maggie
I used a black and beige printed cotton and although it is lightweight I'm wondering if something drapier would work better. I cut my yoke on the cross grain rather than use a contrast, I do like how it wraps over the front.
The instructions are as usual quite sparse, but adequate. The front is cut in one piece and you need the pattern piece in front of you to figure out how to fold it to create the front pleat and placket correctly but after that it is very easy to put together.
I finished this up except for the buttons, put it to one side and filed the pattern away, that's how unexcited about it I was. A few weeks later when I finally got some buttons I didn't refer to the pattern and ended up putting them on wrong so they are visible instead of being hidden in the placket. Too late now and I suppose it's not a big deal, but it does remind me even more of a pyjama top now!
Despite all that, it is ok and is in versatile enough colours that I will wear it, but I was reminded of a burda shirt I made a few years back that I wore till the fabric wore out, I think I will stick to that one in future for this type of shirt. It took a bit of digging, but finally found it - 06/2008-105.
I really like this on you. I'm sorry it's not a fave. That said, I thought the style was similar to something I'd seen with BWOF before. Thanks for saving me the time digging around and looking for it!
ReplyDeleteThe cut-on sleeves will make it feel a bit weird, and the blouse does look good on you, hopefully you will get a lot of wear out of it.
ReplyDeleteThat collar and neckline does look lovely on your though. I like it with your hair up.
ReplyDeleteI think it works very well styled with those jeans and shoes.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks quite smart styled as you have done.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not pyjama to me. It looks nice on you and that fabric is lovely. Give it some time and you might start to like it.
ReplyDeleteI can see why you loved and wore the burda version - it has waist definition which you wear really well.
ReplyDeleteForunately the SA top looks great even if it isn't as comfortable to wear. I have a lot of garments like that in my closet.
I like it too, but I like the lines of the BWOF one better.
ReplyDelete-Sewingelle
A little time in the back of the closet and you may come to like it more. It looks really great how you styled it!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with everyone - I think you've styled it well, and it definitely looks very wearable and not like a pajama top. But I also agree with you - I think I like the lines on the Burda blouse better, maybe because there isn't quite so much extra fabric? One of the fun things about sewing is being able to experiment with new patterns, but one of the sad things is that they don't always end up being a favorite. Hopefully you will grow to like your top, but if not then there is always another sewing project!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't look like a pj top to me either, you styled it very well.
ReplyDeletehmm, I kind of agree with you. I am not a fan of the shapeless top (having said before that they remind of medical scrub outfits - the famous V1427 top.I just made a top that I am not pleased with either. must be something going around :)
ReplyDeleteonward to something better!
I love how you paired the top with the jeans. I hope you grow to like the top.
ReplyDeleteYou can't beat a black and white top for versatility. Great print.
ReplyDeleteI like the top -- not pajama-like at all! I tend to prefer more fitted tops, so I'm a fan of the Burda style, but I think your top is very wearable, especially with the belt.
ReplyDeleteI like the top on you, you've styled it well! However, the neckline seems just a tad too high. I wonder if it would feel like less fabric with the neckline lowered 1 to 1½ inches. That is, if you feel like making it again!
ReplyDelete