Pattern name: Patterns for Pirates Everyday Elegance Top
Size range (with measurements): XXS – XXXL (bust sizes 30/31-46/48)
What size did you make? XXXL
What are your measurements, height, and body type? Bust 47″, waist 39″-41”, hip 48″, Body Shape: Celloish, Height: 5’7″, Bra size: 38F
What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?: I didn’t make any adjustments. I toiled the main bodice and thought about doing a swayback adjustment, but the rayon I used had such a soft hand I don’t think it would have made a difference.
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?: I didn’t love the instruction style of P4P. They use a photo approach, which can be much more confusing than a diagram. They also said things were optional, which honestly probably aren’t. Things like using interfacing on the collar pieces, which I wish I would have done. They also seem to complicate things. The collar attachment was strange. Instead of attaching the collar so the collar piece encases the raw hem, it give you two options- cover it with bias tape or serge it and leave it raw. I covered in it bias tape, but should I make it again I will attach the collar in a more traditional method. Another gripe I had with the instructions was that there’s not pattern piece layout. I did fine without one, but then it has you cut additional pieces using measurements. I had already cut my pattern out, put my scraps in my scrap box, and started sewing by the time I realized that I needed to cut a 2×12 piece to finish the neckline slit. Why wouldn’t you just include that in your pattern pieces? It also never tells you to stay stitch, which I did. Using drapier fabrics you will stretch out the neckline, collar, or both. Overall the instructions seem very strange, and used non standard and more difficult construction techniques to achieve simple sewing tasks, like the collar.
How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?: For as much as I hated the instructions. I actually like the fit of the pattern. The length works well on my body, but would definitely come out more tunic shaped on shorter people, or people with a shorter torso than mine. I like the sleeve tab, and I have shorter arms and am constantly rolling up my sleeves. The back pleat is nice in a drapey fabric as well.
Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?: I think I would make this pattern again with some tweaks. The original pattern calls for a gathered sleeve cap- I think I’ll install it as a regular, no poufy sleeve next time. I will install the collar in the traditional method for a cleaner finish as well. I will also use interfacing, as it’s really not optional to get things to lie correctly.
Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources (blog posts, fitting books, tutorials) that helped you sew this piece up?: The fit is generous and relaxed, I didn’t have to do much fitting. If you’re using a stiffer fabric you might need a swayback adjustment.
Pattern Rating System:
Size Range (1-5): 1 Straight sized pattern, no matter how many X’s they add in their sizes.
Instructions (1-5): 2 Just strange, and not very helpful.
Construction Process (1-5): 4 everything came together well, except a few things I mentioned above.
Final Fit (1-5): 4 Pretty good, a few tweaks I could make, but fairly flattering.
Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation: 2.75 The instructions and sizing killed this pattern rating. The actual pattern pieces and fit of the garment is fine though. I wish all patterns would just go by bust sizing. Marking a size 18 top as XXXL is just a downright strange sizing system.
I started making this pattern and had a similar reaction to you to the instructions. Then I decided I hated the gathered sleeves… And that the back was too loose for what I wanted… I ended up mashing it up with a concord tee (this pattern says you can make it up in knits although I’m not sure id try!) and I like it. It did take me a lot of head scratching to work out the collar instructions though. In the end they weren’t that hard but the instructions were not great! I was missing a piece because of needing to cut it myself rather than having it as a piece. Not a fan of that either I have to say.
I have to fix the hem on mine and then it will get some wear. Hopefully it looks as good as yours does!
I echo everyone”s comments: That’s one great looking shirt–fabric choice too!
Nonsense sizs? Really? Gimme straightforward sizing, understandable instructions and layout illustrations for seamsters who prefer them. After Burda’s occasionally bizarre instructions, clarity is a must. Gathered sleeve caps? Rare in affordable RTW; whimsical in expensive designer garments. The goal is no nonsense fit when honest reviews are sought. Crossed this indie pattern company off my list.
Great construction, great garment, honest review.. You always come thru!
Thanks Paige, a very helpful review. You and I have the same measurements so I am thrilled to hear that you didn’t have do to an FBA, I have looked at this pattern before and thank you also for the heads up re: the instructions,to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Elizabeth
Thank you for the candid review. I also hate the X sizing system for patterns. Those of us who need to grade up or down automatically have a harder time knowing where to start. I am a busy mama of two toddlers – I don’t have time to make multiple muslins just because I can’t understand your sizing system!
Your finished product is quite lovely!
You look great! I think that print would look beautiful on you in any pattern. The colors really open your face and draw to your eyes out. I haven’t tried a P4P pattern, but I have noticed some PDF only pattern companies use a LOT of photos in their instructions, which can be helpful. But they do tend to shortchange diagrams when they go photo-heavy. Personally, I like some of both.
And is it just me, or are more patterns going away from using interfacing, even to the point of not including it all?
Looks great on you! Your fabric choice adds much. Any resign flaws are hidden by the great print.
I’m loosing patience, too, with the move to X letters & away from sizes.
It’s refreshing to have an honest review that includes real criticism. Reviews that sell patterns rather than inform make me question the reviewer.
I bought this pattern and though the instructions were WAY too long, with a ton of confusing pictures. Thanks for the heads up that they aren’t useful either. That’ll save me some time, I can ditch them right away. I don’t understand why it is that everything in sewing needs to be dumbed down and made optional. Like you mentioned, interfacing really isn’t optional if you want a nice looking collar. And a crappy finish will always look crappy, so why not do it properly?
At the end however, it’s a very cute top on you. The color’s a knockout and you look fab. 🙂
Thanks for this very helpful and honest review, The top looks good on you, but that is clearly *despite* the instructions, not because of them!
I think it’s better for a pattern to have no instructions rather than faulty or misleading ones – at least there’s a chance, then, that an inexperienced sewer might refer to a good reference book, or a reliable website!
Great review Tanya – very detailed and honestly preparing anybody considering buying this pattern for the challenges ahead 🙂 I do love your blouse though – it is flattering – those flowers are colourful and lovely. The way this blouse drapes around your body just looks lovely. So if I were you, having gone through the worst of it I would make a couple more for good measure 🙂
Kathleen – I’m glad to see it wasn’t just me who thought this review was initially published under Tanya’s name!
Yeah, I set the post up and had forgotten to switch the name to Paige.
I really enjoy the top, despite my issues with the pattern.
I too made this pattern over summer and also struggled with the collar, It came out kinda weird and I think were I to make it now, I’d google for ideas on how to attach it in a simpler way. I’m pretty new to making clothes and the P4P patterns seemed to suit me back then (I liked their Sweet Tee and Peg Legs best!). Apart from the collar, the rest I found fun to make and I did a rolled hem because the turned hem didn’t lie right (my fault more than anything else!)
The shirt came out huge on me, even though I used the sizing recommended. I did make the waist tie belt but prefer loose shirts so in the end just took in at the side seams. The shirt is great for hot summer days as I used a very light cotton mix I had in my stash (a mis-purchase online) but I really can’t see me making another one. It just feels too shapeless as it stands from the pattern.