This is another black and white top for my Fall Neutrals collection ;) I used the
Rachel pattern by Jalie, which I've had for a while and been planning on making for all that time. Other reviews of this pattern are right; it's so quick and easy to sew up, and has a neat construction process.
I used a heavier knit from my stash which has been there a long time, as I don't usually buy poly fabric anymore. And I had a bit less than 1.5 m., don't know why I had this small bit but it was perfect for the Rachel.
I cut my usual Jalie size W/X. This works well in the short top but if I was making the dress version, I'd want to add more width to the bottom so would probably cut W/Y for anything going over my hips. I think if I used a lighter weight fabric the fit over the belly area would be too tight for my own comfort as well, so definitely look at the measurements of the hemline width before you cut.
The hardest part of this project was laying it out. My table isn't wide enough to accommodate a full piece of fabric laid out flat, so it took some finagling to get the large front piece of the pattern pinned down smoothly. After that it was clear sailing. I chose the sleeveless, short tie top view (fabric constraints necessitated it). The front piece has an odd shape, with the tie attachment seam resulting in a strange angle and big cutouts. It goes together ingeniously and the ties can just be looped over one another at the end to give a nice visual finish.
Because my fabric was heavier and pretty stable, I just followed the turn under and stitch instructions for neckline, armhole and hem. I'd either use knit stabilizer for a lighter fabric, or use one of the other options included in the pattern, a knit neckband or a turtleneck collar.
With 3 variations on the tie band and two sleeve options, plus the neckline variations, you could make a number of these without repeating yourself. It's a very quick and easy sew, with a great result. It's one of the only Jalie patterns only available in PDF because of the large and unusual shape of the front piece, but it's worth it. Definitely recommend!
