Today we continue in our Self Care Sewing week by sharing a newer pattern from Seamingly Smitten - the Raglan Sleeve Split Neck Top. This is quite a fun pattern to play with, and I swear every version of it that I see looks completely different from the one before. Check out Sarah and Brianne's take on this great fall staple...

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Hi There!  This is Sarah and I am here today with a review of the Seamingly Smitten Raglan Sleeve Splitneck Top.  This was a pattern that I was really looking forward to making, because it's a perfect look for fall. 

So here is a thing about fall.  I LOVE FALL.  Everything about it.  The cooler temperatures, the changing leaves, Halloween and Thanksgiving, the pumpkin flavored delights. All of it.  I especially love that I get to dress in layers and wear cozy clothes and boots.  So about this time of year I am looking for some new clothes to add to my fall wardrobe.  Enter the Seamingly Smittens Raglan Sleeve Splitneck Top.

The first thing you are probably going to notice is that mine does not have a split neck.  The pattern comes with directions to do both a split neckline and solid neckline.  I chose the solid neckline for my first one because I always like to make a first run to test for fit.  The split neck is a really cute detail and I am sure my future ones will include it. 

In addition to the split or sold neckline, this pattern has options for short, 3/4, or long sleeves.  It also comes with cutting lines for petite, regular or tall sizes.  I love that!  I am almost 6 feet tall, so not having to guess on how much longer I need to cut a pattern piece is a huge bonus to me.  The size range is also great; XS-XXXL (0-26). 

Dolman sleeve tops tend to be universally flattering, so this a pattern that will work for all body types.  I made a size large, my measurements were medium in the bust and large in the hip, so I went up to the large.  The only modification I made to the pattern was to  taper in towards the medium for the neckline.  The fit was very generous, and I will probably size down for any more that I make in the future, but the roomy fit is great for layering and paring with skinny jeans or leggings. 

If you are not ready to invest a whole lot of time into your wardrobe yet, this is also an extremely quick pattern.  It has 3 pattern pieces and there is no overlapping or trimming when putting together the pattern pieces (SCORE!).  All total, this took me about an hour to cut and construct.  I am not an overly fast sewist, so that is really quick! The directions and pictures are very clear and easy to follow. Plus there are lots of tips and tricks included. 

Overall, this is a great pattern, with clear instructions, quick assembly and many options and sizes.  Final note of approval: my 9 year old saw me wearing this and said "cool, did you make this? I like it!" That, my friends, is high praise from my 9 year old...

Until next time!

Sarah

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Hello everyone! I'm Brianne from Ali Cat & Co.

As fall peaks its' head out from behind the clouds, I've been thinking about long sleeves and dark colors. Seamingly Smitten's Raglan Sleeve Split Neck top for Women is great for season transitions.

Sizes include XS-XXXL (0-26), all in one PDF with 23 color photos in the tutorial. Tips and tricks for sewing knits are included. No buttons or zippers. This is truly a great pattern for beginners to advanced. Print to hem will only take up about 1 or 1.5 hours of your time.

Since it is finally getting cooler on the East Coast, I chose long sleeves, rounded neckline with a stretch lace. Stretch lace is my new favorite fabric to sew. Perfect for layering.

When considering buying a new pattern, the options always sell me. The Raglan has many, many options. So many, you'll never have to repeat the same combination. Plus, there are only 3 pattern pieces!

Neckline:
rounded or V-neck

Sleeves: includes petite and tall indicators
short
3/4" length
long sleeve

Shirt lengths:
Petite
Regular
Tall

What's the best part of the Raglan? Drumroll please....You can use woven or knit!

Let's chat about fabric choices. I wouldn't recommend quilting weight woven. You want a fabric with more fluid drape like chiffon, crepe de chine, knit, lawn, poly blends, etc. Depending on your size, you'll need 1.25 yards to 2.5 yards.

The fit. As a Raglan, it is semi-loose fitting. My measurements fell between XS and S. It is recommended to cut according to your largest measurement, which would put me in the small. I was hesitant to do so because it did not want it to be baggy. Instead, I measured the front pattern piece for S and XS at the bust, waist, and hip lines. The front piece is on the fold, so I multiplied that by 2 to get the full front measurement and compared to my body measurements. This helped me feel more confident that the XS is the better size for me. I'm 5'6" but all legs, so I cut the regular shirt length and tall for the sleeves (knuckle dragger over here).

I am ecstatic about the results. I love the stretch lace, the quickness of the pattern, and the look. Even the permanent roommate gave the thumbs up.

More ideas for the Raglan: fleece pj top for the cold winter nights, lengthen for a swimsuit cover with terry knit, or lengthen to tunic paired with leggings for a perfect fall outfit.

Remember to check out all Seamingly Smitten patterns!