Hi Everyone! I’m back with a New Top Review! This time for the NEW Sandy by Sonia Estep Designs. I was part of the final testing team for this great new top and I have to admit this one was out of my comfort zone. I’m usually more of a “business casual” gal, but when this design came along I just had to apply for testing. I’m not a fan of that droopy, hanging off one shoulder look and this is NOT that. This off the shoulder sleeve is held in place nicely and shows just the right amount of skin.
This pattern is a very quick sew. The front and back are cut from the same piece and there are separate sleeve patterns. Usually I would be skeptical about using the same piece for the front and back, but in this case it worked out well for me. By designing the pattern this way, It can be worn off either shoulder. The narrow band fits perfectly around the neckline and holds the top into place. If you have a very full bust, you may need to make adjustments, but I didn’t have any issues. There are a couple of sleeve options with this pattern, long sleeve and long sleeve with cuff. I made the long with cuff, but will change to 3/4 sleeve with cuff. I liked the look of the sleeves pushed up but don’t want to constantly have to put them back into place, so I will alter this top by shortening them. 3/4 sleeves are my preferred length anyway. There’s also an option of add a kangaroo pocket in the front for a more casual look. I usually wear a size 12 in this pdf pattern brand, but I sized down to a 10 for a less oversized look. There’s also an option for a banded bottom hem. I didn’t choose this option but by adding bands there’s an opportunity to add a contrast color.
For this top, I used my straight stitch machine for construction. Normally I would have used my serger for sewing on the rib knit bands on the neckline and the sleeves. A serger seam on this heavy weight rib knit would have added extra bulk to those seams. Using a size 14 ball point needle worked very well on this dense interlock animal print. The band on the neckline was constructed in a circle, but I sewed the bands flat to the sleeves and then joined the under arm seams. So easy! This top takes minutes to make.
I would have usually used my cover stitch machine for the bottom hem, but I used a stretch twin needle for hemming. If you missed it, I recently shared a video on this technique using the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960. It turned out perfect. These photos on the right are of the inside and outside of the hem. Doesn’t it look great? And it has stretch!! Learn all about this technique in this video: Secrets for Perfect Twin Needle Knit Hems. It really looks and behaves just like a cover stitched hem. Give it a try!
I hope you find this review helpful if you’re looking for a top similar to this. I’m glad I tried something a little out of my comfort zone for a change. Sometimes we get so used to seeing ourselves in the same silhouettes over and over that a new design surprises us in the best way. That’s how I feel about this pattern. Lesson learned that I need to try different designs that I may not have chosen in the past. Now I’m on the hunt for some new patterns that I may have overlooked. That’s part of the excitement about sewing for ourselves, isn’t it? This top is a quick easy make and the pattern is on a launch SALE right now at 50% off. Don’t miss out!!
