This spring, I went on a t-shirt binge. I sewed up five of my favourite patterns in one weekend, and blogged about why I love them all. So when Patterns for Pirates asked if any of the CSC editors would like to try out some of their patterns for free, I jumped at the chance!
I was on the lookout for something a bit different than what I’ve sewn before, so I settled on the Everyday Elegance top. According to their websites, “This beginner/intermediate pattern has all the style you need in a loose, flowy, comfortable shirt! It can be made with a woven or knit material, but works best with fabrics that have a soft drape. Sleeves are 3/4 with button tab, that can be worn year round. The longer curved hem is perfect to pair with leggings, skinny jeans, or your favorite work slacks.”
I sewed mine up in lightweight rayon jersey. My measurements are 42-37-47, which but me in the XL on top and XXL at waist and hips. The pattern suggests sizing down if you use a knit, but I cut a size XL anyway… then ended up trimming off width on each shoulder as I sewed to make sure they hit at the right spot! I also took width off the side seams and sleeves, so if I sew it again, I’ll definitely size down.
I really like the box pleat in the back, and the dipped hem. I’ve been wearing this top with jeggings on the weekend, and enjoying the look! I’m 5’2″, and didn’t adjust the length.
The sleeves have fun details, like the gathering at the shoulder and the cute button-tab. I found them very voluminous though, and in a knit that volume all seemed to drape under my arm to give me bingo wings! Once I slimed them down, I like the shape better.
The PDF went together easily – it’s designed not to need any trimming, so that saved a step. The pattern pieces all went together well, including the collar, which I was worried about! (Can you believe this is the first collar I’ve ever sewn? Bras or jeans, no problem, but collars scare me!) I chose not to clean-finish the collar seam with binding on the inside, but the instructions do include that option.
Speaking of instructions, this pattern is illustrated with photographs. They are fairly clear, but I did find them more confusing than line drawings! Perhaps some people like pictures better though? I think it depends what you are used to.
All in all, I enjoyed trying out a new-to-me pattern company. I think the Everyday Elegance top has lots of nice details and made a very wearable tee that would work on many body types. My only gripe with my finished shirt is that the solid pink shows lines and lumps from bras and jeans underneath it – this is why I love to wear patterned prints! I also chose a copy of Patterns for Pirates’ Summer Kimono to try once the weather is nicer. I think it’ll make a great cover-up on sunny days.
Size Range: 4.5 out of 5
The pattern runs XXS-XXXL, bust size 30″ to 48″. This is one of her early patterns with a more limited size range, but more recent releases go up to a 54″ inch bust!
Instructions: 4 out of 5
Detailed and illustrated with photographs.
Construction Process: 4 out of 5
I wonder if the neckline could have been more cleanly finished with a facing?
Final Fit : 4 out of 5
After tweaking the sizing as I went, I’m happy! I’d suggest using a sloper or tried-and-true pattern to make sure you cut the right size at the shoulders, especially if you sew it with a knit.
Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5
I’m happy with how my Everyday Elegance top turned out! Patterns for Pirates has a lot of designs with inclusive sizing, including a cute nautical bikini that would be fun for Swimsuit Month in June.
This pattern was provided to me for free. All opinions are my own, of course!
It’s something in the air, as I had never heard of PfP before last week.
You did a lovely job with this design. I am impressed with the pattern itself, and more impressed with the price. For the amount of hacking I do with patterns (don’t we all?) , I appreciate being charged an amount that is relevant to the number of pieces in the pattern, not the number of skylights at the pattern company.
Thanks for the review, I look forward to giving them my business.
Price is such an interesting thing… I’d rather pay $20 for a pattern I trust than $8 for a pattern I’ll have to adjust heavily… but when price AND design come together, it’s a lovely thing!
It looks great on you – a lovely relaxed-but-pretty vibe. I’m glad Patterns for Pirates has brought itself to your attention. I came across them a few weeks ago while looking for swimsuit patterns, and what struck me was the size/shape range in the models as well as the patterns.
It’s nice that they have such a range of figures represented! I’m assuming those are their testers?
The color and that print are the yoke are both lovely! I like the back pleat, too!
I hated the first top I made from the print, so I’m happy the scraps were used more successfully! 😉
Oh I love this shirt and the color 🙂
Thank you! I always feel happy in bright pink!
Love the color and the print together. From your pics, it looks like I would need to make a forward shoulder adjustment to give me a better fit. around the neckline
That’s a good idea! The weight of the longer, fuller back pulls everything backwards…