It is many, many years since I made anything except children’s clothes from a pattern pulled right out of the envelope. But as I explained in my earlier post, I ran with Pavlova without any alterations.
I don’t regret it one little bit. And this is going to be possibly the shortest pattern review in the world ever.
I cannot rave enough about this pattern. It’s brilliantly drafted. The instructions are clear and very easy to follow. Did I mention I didn’t need to make a single alteration to the pattern?
The resulting top is just lovely. And it’s sooooo comfortable to wear. I’ve already worn it twice, on both occasions to full day meetings where it’s stood up to long train rides, stiflingly hot meeting rooms, and me bending and stretching, without the faintest hint of a paparazzi moment with my bosom.
I’m wearing it with the ties at the back, simply because I don’t need any more bulk at the front. I like the way I can arrange the ties to create a cummerbund effect. I also love the way the pattern on this fabric flows around the garment.
Now if you’re wondering why I’m standing like some demented wannabe superhero, it’s because I’m desperately trying to draw your attention to the sleeves.
They are a little loose, no?
I stand by my original assertion of Steph’s genius. This isn’t a problem with the pattern…nope, the reason that the sleeves are loose on me is my shape. I hold my weight around my middle but have proportionally slimmer arms. The pattern is drafted for someone whose limbs are as slender or plumptious as the rest of their body, not like twigs on a snowman! 😉
So I am going to take them in a little. Just because I prefer a slimmer fitting sleeve.
Other than that…this is pretty darned perfect and I’m a very, very happy girl. I cannot wait to make another version of this and highly recommend you make it too! I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Pendle Stitches 
Looks so good on you and that fabric – wow!
Thank you…on both counts!
Very nice!I did laugh at the twigs on snowmen comment – if that is the only problem it is a very easy fix. I look forward to seeing more of these 🙂
It’s a ridiculously easy pattern to make and I’ve done the fix…it took me all of 15 minutes! And I am not a speedy sewer. I’m scouting for my next fabric for this. I will be making it again.
You are adorable and that fabric is amazing! I have proportional twig arms too…
You are very sweet. I love this fabric. I have a little left over to make a simple tee out of. Happy me! The twig arms are a bit more pronounced at the moment but I’m getting back to eating healthily again (thank goodness) and hopefully you’ll be seeing less of me in the coming months.
Very nice! I really like the wider sleeves, but then, I’m a sucker for a kimono sleeve!
I like the wider sleeves on others but on me….not so much. I’ve done the alteration and love this top even more now!
Love this! I want to make a few of this blouse. It looks so easy and effortless, yet so cute and stylish! Hooray for selfish sewing. You owed yourself some.
I haven’t made myself much at all this year. I do need to change that as I detest clothes shopping! This is such a great top. It goes with everything and feels like you’re wearing pyjamas yet looks really smart. I can’t say enough good things about it!
Yay… finally we get to see this creation! And it was worth the wait. I have my fabric for a Pavlova wrap top now but this gorgeous weather has pushed it down my list in favor of more summery clothing!
Thank you. It’s way too hot at the moment to be sat at the machine…but I’m dreaming of this in wool jersey for autumn/winter with some skinny trousers and loafers. Swoon!
yay for the win- that is a great print on you too!
Thank you.
This print was the first thing I saw in the shop and I kept walking away because it was a little pricey for me. But I simply couldn’t leave it behind, and I think I made the right decision!
What fabulous fabric. The Pavlova looks awesome on you. One day I will get to this pattern on my loooong list of things to-do 🙂
My “to sew” list is crazy long. Nearly as long as my “to knit” list! 😉
I can’t wait to see Pavlova on you…I think it will look awesome on you too.
You look fantastic!! I love the style of the top as well, and completely appreciate your comment about no paparazzi moment with your bosom. I’ve always stayed away from wrap tops for that very reason. Seeing your results, I will have to put this one on order!
You won’t regret ordering this. Having a substantial bosom and small children makes you very aware of the neckline on tops. I had a couple of unfortunate moments in the early days (thankfully I always, always wear pretty undies) and since then have been raising necklines like a madwoman. No need here! Its’ just perfectly designed.
I like the sleeves- it’s kind of kimono-y, I think it suits it. I love your fabric choice too. Hey, hows The Historian? It’s on my ‘when I get around to reading a book of quality’ list……
Thank you! I have taken the sleeves in a bit and I think they look even better. I must get a photo soon.
The Historian is great (and I must change that because I’m reading something else now…doh!). It was the second time around for me so that could say something about it.
Excellent- thats a good book review!
Yay, I’ve been looking forward to seeing how it turned out! I really love it. Why oh why haven’t I made up this one yet… It’s in the fall plans For Sure. Great fabric choice!
Why HAVEN’T you made this one up yet????? It’s an amazing pattern. The fabric is a little warm for the 30+ degree weather we are astonishingly experiencing at the moment…but it’ll be cool again in a couple of weeks 😉 and it will be on permanent rotation then!
What a lovely top,l’m so glad it was easy to put together
Thank you. The most time consuming part is the topstitching…but you know I love doing that! 😉
I’ve been waiting for you to post this. It looks great and the fit is perfect! The fabric is fabulous. I agree with Anne that I like the kimono look of the sleeves. I made two of these during the sewalong and they did get a lot of wear in the cooler weather.
Isn’t it just the greatest top? Simple to make. Easy to wear. Looks fabulous. You really can’t ask for more.
I nearly fell off the chair when a read about your superhero remark. Too funny! Wonder Evie! I like that! I didn’t realize Pavlova had kimono sleeves. I also prefer slimmer sleeves (I always take them in) so I would try what you suggest.
I’ve done the alteration and am pleased with the change. The front, back and sleeves are all cut in one piece, with just a facing and the ties sewn on as additional pieces. It’s a genius piece of drafting.
Maybe the next one could have a big WE logo on the back….. 😉
lovely! it’s such a great pattern. i love steph’s patterns as i don’t need to muslin – just pick the right size and trust in the fab drafting. there’s always a fit check included so you can finesse the fit. definitely a reason why i have made 2 of all patterns she has released so far!
Thank you. Having followed Steph’s journey I really didn’t expect anything less, but even so it’s really odd not to have to hack a pattern to bits before even getting it on the fabric. I have a piece of fabric in the stash that I’m hoping I can wiggle a Pavlova skirt out of too. And some lovely ponte for a Tiramisu. I think I may become a Cake obsessive! 😉
Evie this Pav is lovely. I too love the way the pattern flows around and you know, I like the fuller sleeves on you too. It does work, though you prefer it otherwise. I do think there’s a certain kind of magic in a Cake pattern and this is proof.
Steph does has a certain skill. Some other pattern companies could learn a lot. She has done such in-depth research and it really shows.
Thanks for the Pav-Love-A (couldn’t resist). I do adore this top!