Do you get obsessed by patterns, and suddenly, that’s all you want to make? Pretty much every season I fall in love with a new pattern that reflects my seasonal aspirations. In this case, the Hey June Santa Fe top has caught my eye, and all I can think is, “Life would be better if I was swanning around in a loose trendy top!”
*Spoiler: I’ve made 3, and life is indeed good.
Hey June describes the pattern thusly: “THE SANTA FE TOP is a loose, flowy tank or dolman sleeve top perfect for dressing up or down. Views A – C feature an optional center front and back seam, and views D – F feature side insets. Choose from narrow tank top straps, a sleeveless top, or a dolman style short sleeve with a cuff.”
The size range is XS-2XL, which means up to a 46.5″ bust. I’ve had several people mention to me that the pattern ran large on them though, and with all the ease built in, I think you could definitely sew it if you are outside the size range. (I’m 42/37/47″, and I sewed an XL based on my bust measurement, even though my hips are 5″ larger than that size. I did add a little to the side seams as I sewed, but basically, fit your bust and shoulders, and don’t worry about the rest!)
My first version is in polyester ITY knit (you know, that stuff that feels like think bathing suit material and never creases?). I really like it! I did a straight hem instead of the pattern’s curved hem, so that I could use this border print. I also finished the neck and arms with normal bands instead of folded binding. It’s just my preference, and more reliable for me.
Here’s a better look at the shape of the pattern, and the amount of ease at the hips!
One thing worth thinking about is the length. In the instructions the designer says that it’s most flattering hitting at high hip, and recommends not making it as long as the widest point of the hip. I’m only 5’2″ though, and this is the drafted length on me… so if you are taller, keep in mind you may want to add a bit of length to your first top so that you can trim it to just the right length for you.
My second version shows the curved hem as drafted. This version is made from rayon jersey – you definitely want something with lots of drape. I think the tee has an overall boxier shape, since the shoulder isn’t as fitted as with the tank. My tee rides back through the day, so I think I need a forward shoulder adjustment. (Be aware that the back and front length are equal, so the hem rides higher in front because of boobs. You could add more length in if you wanted.)
Size Range (1-5): 4 Good, but could go bigger.
Instructions (1-5): 5 Clear and professional.
Construction Process (1-5): 5 Easy as pie if you are used to knits
Final Fit (1-5): 4 I’m happy, but if I was picky I’d do some adjustments.
Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation: 4.5 A great pattern! Nice to have a swing pattern for knits with a good size range.
You thought I was done? NOPE! One more Santa Fe – what I’m calling my “Grown Up” version, made in black knit crepe.
PS. My fellow Editor Meg actually made this pattern before me – check out her excellent versions here!
Hi Gillian!
I really like the tops you’ve made! Makes me want to buy the pattern myself! 🙂 But what really got me interested was the fact that you*re exactly as tall as me! (we will say tall, right?) I live in Finland and the pattern supply here is rather limited and most of the indie designers are totally unknown here. So I’m asking could you recommend some patterns/designers that in your experience work particularly well for us short girls?
I just sewed one as an XL as well. And after measuring the pattern, I decided to not add more hip ease, despite being 5″ bigger in the hips than the XL. And it is perfect.
I did add an inch and a half to the length because I am 5’10. That was just perfect. 🙂
I”m glad it worked for you too! Finally, big hips come in handy to fill out all this ease! 😉
All three versions are great. A really great pattern with lots of options. As someone who is also 5/2″, I appreciate seeing what it looks like on someone in my height range.
I”m glad! I tend to forget how short I am, and I imagine I”m the same height as all my fav bloggers! Um, no! Just the other day i took pics with my sister and was shocked to see myself as short! 😉
I really like the second one, mainly because of the color and I don’t wear sleeveless much. They all look great on you! P.S. I have the exact same necklace you’re wearing with the black top! 🙂
Do you?? I bought mine second hand! I like it a lot, but it’s quite a lot of look, so to speak – what do you wear yours with?
I love that necklace on you Gillian. It looks great with the black version of the top. Thanks for the great review with all those tops. I’m definitely going to get this pattern
Usually I were it with my knit cream and slight gold thread sweater. It’s a 3/4 length sleeve, so I’ll wear a jean blazer over it. I have worn it with a button down shirt open at the top with it peaking out. It’s definitely a statement piece!
That sounds like such a chic outfit!
Awww! Thanks! That just made my day! 🙂
These look so cute an comfortable! Do you think this style of shirt would work on a curvy hourglass body with a large bust? I’m very drawn to this style but don’t know if it would look like a shapeless sack on me.
I say give it a try! I made one for my sister over the weekend, and she is a 36HH (43/35/45). Her comment was “This makes my waist look better than I thought!”, which seems promising! It’s definitely a tent, so from the side, it’s not the most slimming… but hemmed to the right length (shorter than the widest part of the hip), I think it’s quite fun and flatteringly modern!
Your obsession inspires me! I wouldn’t have considered the pattern, based on the pattern art. But you versions, really makes me realize the versatility of the whole thing!
I’ve actually made a few more versions since I wrote this post, and I continue to really like it! It’s even cute as a mini-dress!
Love the sleeveless versions on you and your fabric/color choices!
Thank you! I’ve got a short attention span for sewing in the summer, so this quick pattern is just right!