Array Top in rayon

Pattern Description: [from website] A statement and wardrobe essential that offers multiple variations to suit your personal style. Choose between a puffy bell sleeve with an elasticated hem, or a wide flared sleeve. Make your dress with the straight-cut body, or add the extra-long wrap-around ties to cinch in at your waist. You have the same options for the top, but you can also add an elasticated hem to turn your Array into a cute jumper.

Pattern Sizing: 1-8

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the sleeve options and that you can make it in different lengths – top, tunic, dress, and different fabrics – from wovens to knits.

Fabric Used: Rayon

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a few construction changes – instead of finishing the neckline with bias tape and top stitching, I made a facing and hand stitched it in place; I didn’t attach the ties to the side seams b/c I wanted to see what it would look like with and without ties. So I made one long tie, sewing the pieces together in the middle.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I plan on making another one with double gauze and attaching the ties to the side seams. This was my test version because I wanted to see how the shoulders would fit. The shoulders are dropped so if you have broad shoulders like I do, it will fit well. My shoulders are also a bit square and it still fit well. I will add a little more ease to the hips. My hips are 42″ at the moment. I made size 5 – bust 39.5″/118 cm, waist 31.5″/80 cm, hip 41.75″/106 cm.

It’s a simple pattern – front, back, sleeves, ties. Easy to make except if you have a fiddly woven fabric like the rayon I was using, the bias tape neckline could be tricky, which is why I decided tomake a facing for the neckline.

Conclusion: The weight of your fabric will greatly affect the sleeves if you choose the puffy sleeve with elastic at the wrist. The rayon I used was lightweight with a soft hand. A more crisp fabric will make the sleeves more dramatic and really puffy. And the flared sleeve will also be more dramatic. It would be interesting to try it in a knit fabric. The patten has a neck binding for knits. My only concern is that the tie may get rather thick so your fabric can’t be too heavy. To see more photos and to read more about it, see my blog post at CSews.com.