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The look of happy color!! My daughter loves pink, purple, sparkly, bright…you name it. Her mama on the other hand tends to stick with classic basics. But creating this coordinating hot pink look as part of the #sewhappycolor hashtag on Instagram proved to me that not only do I enjoy wearing bright color, it was actually a bit of sewing therapy. This winter has been a long one in Colorado. Lots of clouds, snow and cold which believe it or not, isn’t really our normal winter routine in the Mile High City. Usually there are plenty of warm winter days mixed in to melt the snow we get and sunshine to help ward off winter blues. Sewing with this fabric proved to be a little boost of happy mixed in these dark, cold days! And the sweet little ruffles on this top are so fun to wear. Read on to see my review of this DIY Ruffle Neck Top: Simplicity 8264.
DIY Ruffle Top: Simplicity 8264 Pattern Review
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
Cynthia Rowley pattern sized 4 to 20 includes mini dress, top and pants. Bell bottom pants have rectangular patch pockets with slanted inserts. Top and mini dress has a touch of feminine with ruffle on stand-up collar and sleeves. Choose fabrics such as brocade, damask, poplin, sateen or denim. Create mix or match separates.
PATTERN SIZING:
4-20. I cut an 8 bust to 10 hip in this top. My measurements usually put me in a 10-12 but I tend to size down in big 4 patterns and prefer this for the fit. However, I am currently working on the pants from this pattern and there is not much ease at all…so be careful when selecting your size and check the pattern tissue for final measurements.
Supplies Needed:
Pattern: Simplicity 8264
Fabric: This can be made in a variety of woven fabrics. For my top I used a mystery fabric I picked up while thrifting. It feels spongy like a scuba but with very little stretch. This fabric was around $2 and I was able to make my top and my daughter’s coordinating dress from it! Score!
Complete the Look: I wore these earrings and jeans from Amazon with this top and LOVE both:
Women’s Skinny Stretch Jegging
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Yes. I think it reflected the top, view B well. I did not make any pattern alterations.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
While I wouldn’t say there is anything super difficult about this pattern, the instructions around the neckline area left me puzzled. For starters, it instructs you to stay stitch 1/2 inch at the neckline, the next step is to attach binding at 3/8 inch…huh??? So you have all your stay stitching exposed?? Then attaching the ruffle to the neckline is done after the binding is sewn on which leaves a mess on the inside (or at least mine wasn’t looking too hot). The ruffle is supposed to be pre-finished on the short ends, but then you attach the zipper and are supposed to turn the binding in, maybe?? I don’t know- clearly I was confused on this zipper/neckline. If someone films a tutorial please let me know 🙂 I must have been reading something wrong.
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
The ruffle details, the fit of the bodice and length of the sleeves and bodice- I basically like it all. I don’t love how short the dress is, but I haven’t made that view yet.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
I am currently working on the pants, might make the dress and I think I want one more ruffle top to try to tackle that ruffle/neckline again!
CONCLUSION:
This is a fun cute top. Perfect to throw on with jeans or dress up for a night on the town. For little fabric and time you can have yourself a great new piece. I hope I can better work out the zipper/binding/ruffle details so my inside can also look good!
I made my daughter a coordinating hot pink dress to wear with me and will add that pattern review to the blog soon!
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Until next time,
Happy Sewing
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I