Hello again lovely sewers.
Back from my holidays and back into the sewing room, I wanted to share a fab pattern that would be a perfect addition to your wardrobe or suitcase. The Imogen by Sew Me Something is a light, floaty top with raglan sleeves, pretty gathering around the neck and long and short sleeve options. Perfect with pants for work, or with jeans and sandals for brunch with pals, this is an easy to wear wardrobe staple. Described on the packet as a Shakespearean heroine “steadfast, loyal and an all-round good egg’, who could resist really?
Imogen top by Sew Me Something
Pattern name: Imogen top from Sew Me Something
Size range (with measurements) 8-22 which is 32″/26″/35″ to 46″/41″/49″ (82cm/68cm/90cm to 118cm/104cm/126cm)
What size did you make? I made a size 20, which is 44/38/47. My actual measurements are 44/40/50 so there is plenty of ease in this pattern.
Imogen pattern envelope
What are your measurements, height, and body type? I’m 5.5 “(166 cm), and after visiting a few European museums recently, I would describe myself as Rubenesque (doesn’t that sound much more exotic than Pear or Apple?) I have a 16DD bust, curvy hips & thighs and very generous upper arms, so often require a Full Bicep Adjustment.
What adjustments did you make and how long did they take? None, I’m very happy to say this one works straight out of the packet, huzzah!
What fabric did you use? The pale pink version is a soft drapy rayon, the short sleeve version a very light cotton lawn.
Imogen top in rayon
Imogen top in cotton lawn
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you? I think the designer’s experience with teaching sewing & pattern drafting shows, and the instructions are clear and logical, with thorough explanations for each step. The trickiest tasks are the placket and attaching the neckband, but a newbie taking their time and following the instructions carefully would be fine (the pattern is described as “beginner”) Sadly I completely ignored my own advice (twice!), rushing to finish the pink version the morning of my birthday lunch, and hemming the sleeves on the lawn top about 30 mins before heading to the airport on my holidays….hence the slightly wobbly necklines! Do as I say, not as I do….?
How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape? I’m really happy with the fit, loose but not billowy (yes, that is a word, I checked!), with a pretty neckline and sleeves that allow unhindered waving/hailing of a taxi/lifting of a wine glass, all important considerations.
“loose but not billowy”
Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make? I will make more Imogens; it’s a pretty, versatile top that is comfortable to wear, relatively quick to sew, and can be made in a variety of fabrics for different effects. I would like to make a light linen version, and I have some pretty yellow peachskin that is also on my to-make list (another bird print, what is it with me and birds??)
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? Don’t rush! Take your time and follow the process carefully. Particularly when using a slippery minx of a fabric like rayon, rushing will make your finish less than perfect and your swear jar very full. Also bear in mind the generous amount of ease in the pattern, especially if like me, you usually have to do a Full Bicep Adjustment.
Another view of my cotton Imogen
Pattern Rating System: (1 is the lowest score, 5 the highest)
Size Range (1-5) 4: Largest size is a size 22, so the size range could be broader, but do consider the amount of ease.
Instructions (1-5) 5: Instructions were logical and thorough, with clear illustrations and tips to improve the finish.
Construction Process (1-5) 5: The top came together well.
Final Fit (1-5) 5: I am really happy with the fit, particularly as I didn’t need to make any adjustments!
Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation 4.5: Aside from the limited sizing, this is a great pattern, which I will using again, first up in a light linen for Spring (I might even make one without birds on it!)
For additional photos/info, please check out my blog www.plumkitchen.co.nz. Please note I used the PDF version of this pattern (there is also a printed version), which I purchased myself.
I love this top. I’m so glad I recently found this website. Is there a problem with the subscription process. I’ve tried several times to subscribe and I get no answering email. I’m an old lady who wants to get back into sewing. I have lots of fitting problems and a huge stash. I have gotten lots of inspiration from you lovely ladies. Thank you for sharing your sewing journey.
Hi De, thanks so much, it is a great resource & so inspirational to see what others are making!
Such pretty tops! I have full biceps, too, so it’s nice to know that the ease is sufficient without having to do an adjustment. Lovely fabric and great review!
Thank you, yes I think its one of the best things about sewing your own clothes, no strangled arms, whoop!:)
Love both of these. They look gorgeous on you. I have a few metres of the pink egrets and I have wanted to see it made up, so thank you. Where did you get the other fabric? I love that also.
Thanks Meg, the other fabric is a cotton lawn by Monaluna https://monaluna.com/ , really lovely to sew & wear 🙂
I love egrets. 🙂 Both of those tops are so flattering. It also does look like it would come together easily. Great write-up! Would love to know where you bought the rayon birds. 😛
Thanks Stephanie 🙂 The fabric came from https://www.spotlightstores.com/nz here in New Zealand, but I think this fabric is all over the place! A work colleague came in wearing a shirt in it from Zara in Australia, I have seen two separate news readers wearing tops in it, and a girlfriend n the UK sent me a pic of an actress wearing a top in it in an episode of Hollyoaks (UK soap!) 🙂
This is a flattering top on you….make a fall flannel top.
Thanks Laura!
Looking at the models picture, it appears a little short for my taste. But on you the length seems fine. Maybe it the strong color they used. I’m taller than you but not really tall. Do you think I would need to adjust the length? By the way your tops look fanstastic.
Hi Sheila, Ive just measured from the top of the neckband in the middle at the back to the hem and both tops are just under 25 inches , I personally dont find them short (and its something Im quite concious of, I hate having to pull my tops down!), but it does depend on how long your torso is, I hope this helps 🙂
I see that you are 5’5″. The top doesn’t look very long in terms of “rear coverage.” Did you shorten it or is that the actual length?
And,for the record, I like birds! The cotton lawn is very nice. Most I see are florals so this is a nice variation! Thanks!
Hi, and thank you! Measuring from the top of the neckband in the middle back, both of the tops are just under 25 inches long, I find that fine but it would depend on your torso length and how long you like your tops, I think it would be really easy to add some length if you prefer 🙂
The pattern is very nice and the way it is made up looks easy to do. The fabric is beautiful and looks beautiful on you.
Thanks Dianne! Its a lovely pattern, not to complicated but such a lovely result.
Absolutely gorgeous! I have a RTW top with a similar pattern and have been meaning to search for a pattern – this is perfect! Love the cotton lawn version particularly- looks comfy but not too billowy as you say.
Thanks Linda, isnt it the best when you find a pattern that is like the RTW you love BUT you can make it in any fabric you want, whoop!
Top looks gorgeous on you, I can only wish to be able to wear a lovely top like this one. My measurements are way larger than the biggest size measurements in this top and unfortunately unable to buy the pattern but thanks for sharing.
Thanks Helen, Im sorry the size range isnt inclusive for you, it is disappointing when you find something you love but cant make it work 🙁
This looks so nice on you. It is a lovely neckline. Can anyone tell me the best way to purchase this pattern from the US?? Are they available in the US? Thanks.
Hi Ann, thank you, I brought the PDF version of the pattern online at http://www.sewmesomwthing.co.uk , there is also a paper version , which can be posted to the US if you dont like using PDF’s (I personally find cutting and taping really relaxing while watching TV, but maybe thats just me!):)
Sorry, that was http://www.sewmesomething.co.uk 🙂
I have a couple of Sew Me Something patterns and I do love her instructions and the fit is amazing on me. I don’t have this one however and now seeing yours I think I’ll have to revisit that! Beautiful tops – as you say, “billowy” 🙂 comfortable and cool for summer in all sorts of fabrics. I agree a linen will be lovely.
Thanks Kathleen 🙂 Look fwd to seeing yours!