The fabric is a natural-colored 100% linen from WinMil Fabrics in Boston. The inside is finished with French seams.
I suppose I made view D, though I made the neck ruffle substantially larger:
I had cut out the drapey sleeves in View D, but realized after the neck ruffle was stitched on that both that and the sleeves would have resulted in way too much ruffle goin' on.
If sewn per the pattern instructions, the neck ruffle would be quite twee, which I don't think would have looked right. The pattern piece is an approximately 8" by 4" rectangle that is folded in half and basted together. The piece is supposed to be cut 3 times and sewn together. I widened the ruffle by 3 inches, lengthed it by about 6, and cut it only twice; I cut the second piece in half so that the ruffle seams could be placed at the shoulder seams. Instead of folding the fabric in half to finish it, I did a narrow hem along the whole edge, which was super-easy and faster than it sounds.
I don't know how I feel about this top; at times I feel that I love it, but then feel that it's just okay. The pattern irritates me: it's a pull-on style, and to accomadate getting into the garment without a closure, the shoulders are wide - wider than the pattern envelope would lead you to believe. Because of the wide neck, it feels almost like an off-the-shoulder top, and that wasn't really the look I was going for. I think that's the slight hesitation I have about this one.
A lady today commented that she loved my top; I dunno, maybe it is a winner. How do you feel about it? (No offense will be taken if you think it's meh!)

53 comments:
I like that you made it in a simple, natural coloured linen. With the fabric being so simple I think the ruffle works. I probably wouldn't like this style with a busy print. A little off topic, but wow, you can wear white jeans- and look nice! I'm so jealous.
I really like this top. Natural colored linen is one of my favorite fabrics and the style of the top is perfect for it. Your instincts were right on about widening the ruffle. With the white pants, it's a very chic ensemble. A winner!
Really great top. I like the linen,especially paired with white jeans. A winner!
I keep meaning to make up this pattern and, having seen yours, think that it's a definite must for summer. Your top is perfect to co-ordinate with so many different summer time outfits. The linen is lovely and the extra-large ruffle is beautiful!
Definitely a winner! Love the change to the ruffle you made and the fabric used. I'll echo the "very chic" description in the other comments before mine.
I like it. I made this pattern twice and was not happy about the outcome, the pattern runs large I think. I like how you changed the ruffle neckline and the linen fabric really makes this work
I like your version much better than the pattern. I'm not a ruffly kind of gal, but I really like your interpretation.
I love the top! Since it's a great neutral, you can wear lots of fun colored heels with it with no worries of the colors clashing.
I love the changes that you made to this top. I have made this twice view A and B which I really like. Was thinking of making this view and will have to change the ruffle like you did. Love!
Very cute...thank you for sharing! I have been looking for that "perfect" summer top pattern this past week! I will be at my fabric store tomorrow :)
Fantastic interpretation of this pattern. The longer ruffle if so much nicer.
Neat O. I love your linen blouse.
I love your blouse. You make me want to buy this pattern!!! Love the longer ruffle and the fact that you didn't put the ruffle around the armhole. So Cute!!!
I've tried this pattern and wasn't too excited about it, but I really like the look of your wider single ruffle, I think it is much better than the pattern view D, especially in a simple natural linen.
I think your top looks so chic and classic. A keeper for sure.
What a lovely linen top! I love the loose look of it without being shapeless, and it looks as though it would lend itself to being belted if you chose to do so. You wear it well!
Linda
I like it. It looks cool to wear, and has a romantic vibe.
I like its classic-ness and I just am gaga for ruffles, but I made a dress in almost the exact same color fabric and I felt so blah in it! I couldn't figure it out until I realized it needed a pop of color - funky jewelry and all that. It is just one of those colors that can wash certain skin tones out.
I love it! I'm so glad I bought this pattern because of the many options and it's good for layering.
I think the color is meh, honestly, but pair with a fun cardigan or bright blazer and you've got a hit!
I like it a lot. The changes you made suit you very well. I have some grey blue linen and I may try this pattern with your changes.
I like it - it's a winner. As soon as I saw the photo I was reminded of a Calvin Klein dress I just saw in a Nordstrom's catalog. It was the same natural color linen with the same ruffle neckline.
I like it, and I don't usually like ruffles! I think hemming it was the right idea, and I think in neutral it looks really sophisticated. A yes from me!
I love it! Ruffles are always fabulous in my book and the neutral colour makes it a staple top! win-win!!
What a gorgeous Summer top . It's perfect from the colour down to the ruffle . You did right to widen it it looks great . You have great vision , I wish I did lol !!
it's a gorgeous top. İ saw a similar pattern on Burda April 2010, and planning to sew it.
I really like it! And I also like the color you chose.
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A little hesitant you say... sister-girl, the top looks great on you. I am not a ruffle chick, but could see wearing one like that, modifications and all.
i love your top! its very pretty and it wouldn't fall out of style anytime soon. your modifications make it look better than the pattern's example, in my opinion.
Awesome blouse! This is one of these great pieces that is workhorse in your wardrobe. great job on the sewing, it looks fab!
That's very pretty. Very feminine, and cool looking.
i think that maybe it would be better in a fabric with softer drape. but it does look very comfy and summery. i like it. :-)
This top is very photogenic to look at. But sometimes a garment just doesn't feel right, even when people say we look fabulous. And you do look fabulous!
I like it! Next time you want to make larger ruffles use circles, you won't get so much fabric at the neck edge. But this one is a winner IMO!
I LOVE that top! I'm going to have to pick that one up.
Gosh, this is so obvious! It's a hands-down winner. It looks like you bought it in a chi-chi boutique in the Hamptons. Wear it proudly and often!
Just a thought: Try some turquoise jewelry with it. I think a little shot of color through accessories might make you love it more.
To me, neutrals are a big "meh". And ruffles are too precious (blah). So please take this as the compliment it is: it's a keeper for sure. And the wider neckline screams summer. Chic and fun. ;-)
So cute, I love the fabric!
Thumbs up!
Sooooo cute!!
Your version is so classic and elegant. Enjoy wearing it!
I really like this top worn with these jeans!
Thank you so much for your nice remark about my dress. Re whether 'who ripped off who"; I haven't seen the Vogue pattern you made up, but my guess is that it is a case of both companies being "inspired" by a runway trend, as usual. The Burda style magazine is issue 08/2009, hope that helps!
Personally, the color isn't to my taste. Though, I do love the pattern. The ruffles came out great, as well!
The ruffle is really what makes the top. I think the changes you made to it were perfect. Definitely a winner!
Firstly, you look beautiful in your photos.
The blouse ever so romantic . You have sold me buying this pattern and sewing it up. Although, I don't think it will look quite as stunning on me as it does you.
elise
This top is gorgeous and you look fantastic. Thanks for posting the notes about the pattern alterations, although you based this on an existing pattern, you have elevated it into an entirely different garment.
I think it's a nice fit, and the neutral color makes the ruffle more sophisticated. A winner!
Oh I love your top, I tried to sew a similar ruffled one yesterday and it turned out horrible :( But now that I see yours I'm going to try again!
I love the look in the linen fabric!
I think it suits you and the style is current. In fact, I am looking at it trying to think of a way to make one for myself!
I'm not a fan of ruffles in general, but I think your top looks great! The wider ruffle and linen really make it work for me.
Oooh, that top is the prettiest linen top I have ever seen. I need to make one too. I do like ruffle and in this top it is really flattering
I'm new to your blog but think this piece it great, and flattering on you. If it's blousier in person than it appears in the photos you might want to consider belting at the natural waist with a skinny-to-medium width belt in a same/similar color (I am picturing braided jute) but if it fits as the picture shows I think you have a winner.
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