New Look K6344 Pattern Review

New Look 6344 

I received this pattern free with Dressmaker Magazine.  I've never made or owned a top with pleats around the neck line, and it looked good on the pack so I was keen to try it out.  

I decided to make view C and use a soft viscose challis.  I found this lovely black and white polka dot fabric on Minerva Crafts here, which is really super soft, and only £4.99 a meter ! Viscose varies this is a loose weave, slightly heavier very soft one with lots of drape which is what I thought would work.   I must say because it's so so soft and the weave is on the loose side it the pleats do pull at the fabric.  (Remember to pre wash viscose as it does tend to shrink a little on washing). 

The pattern instructions were really clear.  I cut a size 12 , I would normally be between 12 and 14 for tops as I have wide shoulders but the measurements put me at size 12 and because it's loose fitting I was confident I'd prefer the 12.  The neckline is bias bound which I assume is because view d has lace shoulders so you couldn't have a facing as it would be visible through the lace.  I do prefer neck line facing especially as my viscose was soft I think some interfacing on a facing would have helped the neckline over time with lots of washing.  I also would have preferred no top stitching showing around the neckline as the stitching cuts across the pleats which I don't think looks as soft.

Here's my finished version, I shall wear with a black jacket or cardigan through winter so I think it will be perfect.   I've already worn it and I'm delighted with it just need to think about what fabric to use for my next one !!

I put a hook and eye in the back instead of the button suggested on the pattern, actually I didn't need to open to put over my head so could have done the back as one piece.