It’s been quite some time since I’ve been able to participate in a pattern test. With my responsibilities for work, family and motherhood, it’s been a challenge to commit to tight pattern testing deadlines of 2-3 weeks. Depending on the construction and skill level required of the pattern, 2-3 weeks can go by so fast especially when juggling other life obligations. However, I missed pattern testing so much. It’s a chance to be an essential part of a pattern makers journey with their upcoming pattern. You are not only previewing the pattern ahead of the launch date, you are also adding valuable feedback to make the pattern and instructions that much better than when you first received the files. It’s honestly exciting to me and I was determined about committing to that testing timeline for at least one time this year.
That time finally came this past February where I had the pleasure of pattern testing the recently launched Syd Tie Top & Dress by Sydney Graham (@hisydgraham). It’s a loosely fit top and dress pattern that comes in sizing ranging from 0-34. It has four views (two top views and two dress views), but this pattern has great hacking potential which I value in any sewing pattern. For the last couple of months, I enjoyed watching Sydney share her different iterations of this pattern so I jumped on the opportunity to submit a form to pattern test as soon as she sent out the tester call out.
Sewing The Pattern & Fabric Choice
I chose the print-at-home option to print my pattern. I already knew my schedule in the weeks ahead during the pattern test would be a beast so I wanted to get my hands on the pattern as soon as possible to make my plans. The toughest part for me was narrowing down my fabric choices. I intended initially to make both the sleeveless top option and the sleeveless dress but I only realistically had time for one. You can use most materials with this pattern but the pattern recommends fabric with more movement and drape. I narrowed it down to two fabrics: one was a Japanese satin and the other was a flowy, unknown material with polka dots, a bit of stretch and has transparency.
I ended up going with the satin because with the transparency of the other fabric, it would require me to either line it or create a complimentary colored tank underneath which I didn’t have the time to do. Now that I had that decision out of the way, it was time to sew it up.
This pattern is suitable for confident beginners with images and instructions that are well thought out and thorough. It actually comes together really quick and I would certainly add this to my list of palette cleanser and afternoon sewing projects. I was intrigued by how Sydney had a why behind the why for each design detail which I loved but she also encourages the maker to add their own creative spin. With this pattern, I sewed up my first mitered corner and the steps were so clear and simple that I honestly wonder why I took so long before using this technique.
Pattern Size & Modifications
My measurements put me in between a size 14 and 16 but I opted to sew a straight size 14 since this was a looser fitting top. My first modification to this pattern was adjusting the apex of the dart by moving It up by 13/4 inches. The dart on the pattern is naturally positioned lower than your bust point and because the pattern is loose fitting, it’s positioning won’t take away from the look of the garment, especially when using lighter fabrics where the dart is less noticeable. However, since I was using satin in a brighter fabric, I figured that the apex of the dart sitting a couple of inches lower than my bust point would be noticeable so I adjusted it. I also omitted the neckline and center front top stitching because I liked the look of the satin without it. Apart from those modifications, I sewed up the top as instructed.
Check out my reel on this top below!
Future Sewing Plans
All in all, the Syd Tie Top was a fun sew and came out so cute. That bow detail has me googly-eyed over this top and I cannot wait to make more. I have my eyes set on making the top version again but this time with short sleeves and hacking the bodice to include a peplum. I also want to make the sleeveless dress version as well because I can see it being a dress I’d often reach for. Just need to find the right fabric that will allow it to be as versatile as I imagine it being. Be on the look out for those to hopefully be made in the very near future. Until my next make loves!
Love,
Christine
Create & Pray 