So I am testing using my mobile tablet to post to my blog. This could be a revolution to better blogging for me since I am so bad at sitting at my desktop to post – I know a laptop would be nice or I should say a new one, but the tablet came first. I wm loving the tablet right now!! I am using WordPress for Android mobile, downloaded via my Google Play app on my Andoid tablet.
Pattern Rating:
This is classified as Vogue Design Basic, and it is an easy knit top pattern.
Vogue 8670
Pattern Description:
Close-fitting, below hip length tops with front darts, raglan sleeves with length variations, stitched hems and neckline variations.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes and no — I made view C which is a drawing, and the neck appears to be a loose turtleneck top — the finished top is very similar to the drawing except the neck is not a close fitting as the drawing shows — as a matter of fact mine is more of a cowl neck — and I used the suggested fabric, a jersey knit.
Vogue 8670 Completed
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that I cut a size based on my high bust measurement, I made no alterations, and it fits like a dream! My dislike is the sleeve are pretty long! I usually have to add to patterns for sleeve length, these I didn’t and I could actually reduce them an inch or so; I left them longer this time around. I also dislike that the neck does not fit as the pattern shows in the drawing.
Fabric & Notions Used:
No real notions on this except thread! The fabric I used is from the JoAnn’s clearance table again, beautiful hand to the fabric though! The fabric is a rayon jersey knit, I always love this stuff.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn’t make any! If I make any changes in the future it would to shorten the sleeve slightly.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will add this pattern to my TNT patterns, the fit is excellent for my body! I also have to add that this is the best raglan style pattern I have ever made. I seriously thought that raglan’s just weren’t for me after making several over the years — but obviously I just needed a good pattern!
Conclusion:
I want to conclude with some reflection. Before writing this post I looked at Pattern Review to see other reviews of the top, and was amazed at what others had to say, here is a link so you too can see: Vogue 8670 — I was surprised at how many thought it was a mediocre pattern or needed modifications. One reviewer wrote that the shirt was too long. I have to wonder if anyone really looks at the pictures and reads the description of the pattern? The picture shows the top is hip length, look how long it is on the drawn models, even the written description states ‘hip length’. I guess what I see in a top and the fit I want is different than what others see or want — but either way I love the pattern!
Pattern Rating:
It is rated as a ‘Kwik Start’ pattern, which makes it a learning pattern or beginners pattern. I wanted another pattern to add into my stash of quick easy knit tops.
Kwik Sew 3766
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Besides the fabric differences it looks pretty close — I did mix it up a little, I made the scoop neck to with the long sleeves, opposite of what they show on the envelope.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Instructions easy? Heck first you take a Kwik Sew pattern then you add a ‘start’ to it and you get baby step instructions. Honestly though I briefly glanced at the instructions, then went on my merry directions of my own 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
My like is the great instructions of the pattern, I also always like how well the Kwik Sew neckbands turn out. What I disliked about this pattern is the ‘close fitting’ part, I should have read that better before I bought the pattern.
Kwik Sew 3766 in Brushed Interlock
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I made some changes then forgot others! I hate it when I get so into wanting to sew the item that I miss some of my alterations. So this is one of those tops! I first realized that the bodice would need to be adjusted, the waist portion would be way too tight for my fluff. I decided to increase the waist by just extending and straightening the side seams. I also increased the length of the top. I thought this would be enough through my fluffy middle, with that change made though I forgot to check the bicep! So I have sleeves that are way too tight! ugh!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I’m not sure I’ll really sew this again. I would have to fix the bodice further, the middle of the top was still too tight for my comfort, it really needs a slash/spread of the bodice opposed to my alteration. It also needs the bicep area slash/spread to increase the size for me too. I don’t think the overall sizing I chose was wrong, went with my high bust, the shirt fits good in the shoulders.
Conclusion:
I’m not sure if I should use the necklines from this top onto the arms and bodice of the Kwik Sew 2900, which fits much better. Maybe if I want to do the challenge I’ll alter the pattern. I’ll think about it … this particular top those is pretty much a bust, I’m not sure I’ll wear it much since the sleeves are so tight and the waist is still too tight too. Makes me sad because I love the fabric!
Pattern Rating:
Another pattern that is super easy and makes a quick top in a matter of a few hours start to finish; when you add this is a Kwik Sew pattern with great instructions, it makes a double plus!
Kwik Sew 2900
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I guess it does, what do you think?
Kwik Sew 2900 View B in Brushed Interlock
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like this pattern, it makes an easy shirt to make; in the past I’ve made this in all the views.
Fabric & Notions Used:
The fabric is from Fabric.Com, called a brushed interlock in ivory. When I got the fabric I loved it, but will say that since wearing and washing several times the brushed of the fabric is balling more than I’d like. There were no other notions besides thread.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I did make alterations to the pattern. I had made this top several years ago, since that time I’ve put on about 60 lbs (quit smoking, plus new medications). My previous tops were too short for my comfort, and I knew through measurements that it would be too tight around the waist (my weight gain area), my alterations consisted of lengthening the top, slash and spread to increase the waist measurements, and to lengthen the sleeves.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I have sewn it again, as this is one of the agains; I’ve owned the pattern for probably 8 years, have made it numerous times, will make it again I’m sure.
Conclusion:
This is a great staple pattern, I’m planning on making more, thinking about so summer tops — I’ve never used the pattern for short sleeve shirts.
Pattern Rating:
I’ve rated this pattern before, at least the shirt that I’ve made as super easy! This is view A of the pattern, great staple shirt that sews up in a matter of just a few hours.
Simplicity 2344
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It does, this fabric though probably hides some of the details.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions for this top are easy, but it is an easy top, very basic top.
Simplicity 2344, View A
Fabric & Notions Used:
This is a rayon jersey knit I picked up from Fabric.Com, this purchase is a big plus! This fabric was one that I really liked from the package I bought. I love the fabric, so it makes the top a bigger winner. The other notions used, was 1/4″ clear elastic, I use this in most knit tops to stabilize the shoulder, much as seen in RTW; thread was the only other notion used.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None! This pattern was a simple cut & sew! Love it!! I’ll make more! The body is long enough to cover everything, it is loose enough to give me movement to do chores, and it allows me to look nice with my jeans!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is the 2nd time I’ve sewn this top, the first time was for my daughter, this round was for me. I will make this top again!
Conclusion:
I love this top, will look for fabric to make it again, think it will be a staple for my winter clothes. I worry though how many times I can make the style — I’ve been toying with changing the sleeves, the neckline, etc to keep it in my stash!
Pattern Rating:
This is a great pattern for easy, wonderful details on a shirt with a collar, collar stand, placket, and cuffs. Although this pattern would be an intermediate it is a great learning pattern!
Kwik Sew 2953, OOP
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Mine looks somewhat similar, but it isn’t a drawing. I also fit mine so the shoulders are not dropped, but actually fits on my shoulder.
KS 2953 in green dotted flannel
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I don’t have any dislikes about the pattern. I have been using this pattern for almost 10 years, it is a standard go-to for me.
Kwik Sew 2953 in Black & White Paisley style flannel
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
The only design change I made was to lengthen the sleeves by about an inch.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would recommend this pattern to anyone that is interested learning more about sewing detail oriented blouse, because the instructions are wonderful. I have sewn this blouse before, and again — and will sew it again!
Conclusion:
I just love flannel shirts in the winter, they keep me warm while doing the chores. My only problem with most RTW flannel shirts are they are so sloppy fitting, and generally I have to buy a man’s shirt to get the sleeve length I need — so making simple flannels in fun fabric is super great! I love sewing!
I promise I will move off the pattern soon! But I loved the faux twin-set so much, and the jacket that I could see more of these jackets in different colors!
Simplicity 2336
There is not much more to say about this versus the faux twin-set. I didn’t put the faux part in this one, just the jacket! This is a very fine, thin sweater knit I picked up from Fabic.Com. I really like the fabric, think it looks nice with the ITY knit top I am showing here that I made or one of the other tops I have! One of the best things about this little jacket is how incredibly fast it goes together!
Simplicity 2336 View D with top View C; in Sweater Knit
Pattern Rating:
This is one of those extremely easy patterns, but I even made it easier! I’ll explain in my changes later in the post.
Simplicity 2336
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It looks like the pattern, that is what little of it you can see on the pattern envelope. I think this on of those little jewels within a pattern that is simply overlooked because they give so little emphasis to it.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I believe the instructions were easy to follow, but I didn’t follow them because it is basic shirt, easy to sew in my sleep. I made changes to the pattern also that caused the sewing to be slightly different.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The items I didn’t like about the pattern I changed! First item is that there is suppose to be a seam in the back, but I placed it on the fold. This would work if you wanted to make a sway back adjustment, but I wanted a quick top. Second, I raised the neckline because I found it to be a little low on the first version that was part of my faux twin-set. Then the third item I changed was the neckline. The pattern originally wants to use a facing that is sewn in then flipped & top-stitched. This so often seems over kill to me on a knit. I choose to make a strip of fabric, folded in half, slightly stretching it, sewed it into the neckline. It is such an easier way to do the neckline.
Simplicity 2336 View C
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
As I stated earlier, I put the back on the fold opposed to having a seam in the back. I changed the neckline by raising it and by doing a neck binding opposed to facing.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I like this top, not so much the fabric, so I will make this top again. I think it will be one of those staple style tops for my wardrobe.
Conclusion:
I think this is a nice little top, especially with the small changes I made! I am surprised how it is almost hidden in the pattern. Since most of my wardrobe is farm-style work clothing that I want to look a little nicer in this pattern can easily be a staple pattern!
Pattern Rating:
This pattern is suppose to be rated easy, but the results are less then desirable!
See & Sew B5513
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It does look like the pattern envelope, but it so huge! And to top it off the neckline sucks!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were easy to follow, that isn’t the problem!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I dislike lots about this pattern! First no where do they give you the finished measurements of the top, therefore the only way to estimate the correct size is through their measurement charts and actually measuring the top on the pattern pieces. Even with all that the amount of ease is horrible, this top is like a big ole sack!
See & Sew 5513
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I tried to change the neckline, as the pattern company has us using a facing for the neckline? Really on a knit I am using a facing? I just don’t understand this concept! I tried to use a strip fold-over on the neckline, but didn’t do so well. I should have used a smaller piece pulling it a little to cause the neckline to lay down better. In the end I don’t care, it isn’t worth picking the stitches to fix the neckline because I hate the top!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will never sew this pattern again, it will be trash can material now that I’ve written the review.
Conclusion:
It is a wadder! 
Pattern Rating:
It is another blouse pattern, so probably another intermediate pattern rating. It is easier than some blouses since it doesn’t have a full placket, or sleeve cuffs.
New Look 6598
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I believe it looks similar to the envelope, but it is another flannel blouse for me!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were easy to follow, simple enough overall.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I don’t like the facing they use in the back collar area, it seems over-kill to me, if I made it again I would get rid of this facing piece. I don’t like the way the button placket area lays either.
Fabric & Notions Used:
I used a flannel purchased on sale at JoAnn’s. This was a two-fold for me — I love flannel and being cheap it made great wearable muslin fabric! The button are simple stash buttons, who knows where they came from.
New Look 6598, View A in purple & white plaid flannel
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am not sure I will sew it again, I’m putting it on the back burner to think about. I can’t decide if I want to make the alterations to the pattern to make it for summer cotton shirts.
Conclusion:
I’ve been wearing the flannel of this, but I am constantly pulling on the front, as it feels like it doesn’t quite fit right. I know though that it fits better than most RTW tops, so I keep wearing it! After all the horses don’t mind how well the top fits