I Made This: Polly Top

 
Happy Friday everyone!  I'm working from home today, and having a nice relaxing time too.
 
I have a new top to share with you today.  It's the Polly top from By Hand London and is highly recommended by me.
 
 
 
 
I initially downloaded this free pattern as I was looking for potential patterns to use for a class I'm hoping to teach.  I wasn't sure if this would be a good one to use, or if Colette's Sorbetto would be better.  Having made both patterns now, my preference is definitely the Polly top.  I'll tell you why shortly.
 
As you can see I've made mine from a single fabric, rather than having a contrast panel in the front.  You can still see that there is a panel there, it's just a lot more subtle.
 
 
 
There are no darts on this pattern, instead the curves of the front panel provide all the shaping at the front, while the back is just a gentle A-line. 
 
The pattern itself went together very easily - once I'd taped together the 30 sheets of the pdf download.  That's my only gripe with this pattern - there were pretty large borders around the sheets, it could definitely be made to fit onto fewer pages.
 
I used French seams for the shoulders and side seams, and for the front panel I used a standard seam, trimmed the seam allowance down and finished it with a small zigzag stitch.   I was a bit worried about how easily the curved front seams would fit together, but with plenty of pins they matched up perfectly.
 
I then topstitched my front seam, both to make the seam allowance lay flat, and to make it stand out a little bit more.
 
 

 
 
I wanted this top to be work appropriate so I made some changes to the neckline.  As drawn, the front and back necklines are rather low, and the armholes cut in somewhat. 
 
As we are not allowed to wear sleeveless or revealing garments in the office, I raised the front neckline by just over an inch and the back neckline by a good couple of inches.  I also widened the shoulders so the armholes aren't too revealing.
 
Below are photos of the pattern pieces as I altered them.  The green highlighted lines show where I should have cut for my size.
 
 
Back:
 



Front:


 
 
So why do I prefer this pattern to the Sorbetto?  Well, mainly the shaping.  I know many people love the Sorbetto, but I find it too boxy on me.  Polly seems to be drafted for my shape and I think it's generally a "cooler" style than the Sorbetto. 
 
I think you do need to use a nice drapy fabric for this pattern.  I used a heavy-ish polyester georgette which worked really well.  I'm not sure I would like it as much in a cotton lawn or quilting cotton, but then I'm not a great lover of cotton fabrics for anything to be honest!   I much prefer the drape of a crepe de chine (whether synthetic or natural fibres) or a viscose.
 
I'll definitely be making more Pollys.  I have some gorgeous ivory silk with random black splodges on that I think would work really well, and I also have enough of my Oonapalooza fabric left over for a top.  I may well use one of those fabrics to make the pattern as intended with the lower neckline and armholes, as neither of them are fabrics I would wear to work.   I'm not sure I can see myself making this with 2 contrasting fabrics though.  Perhaps if I found just the right ones... never say never!
 
Have you made this pattern?  Do you think you'd prefer this or the Sorbetto?  I'd be interested to find out.  
 



16 comments

  1. i haven't made this (but intend to! maybe next summer!). maybe some piping would showcase the curved seam without using contrasting fabric? i have made some sorbettos when i was starting but i don't wear them much - i think they need a drapier fabric. however i think if i was teaching it i'd use the sorbetto as it's more adjustable and would give students better fitting learning to take into future projects with the bust darts.

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    1. I did actually think of adding piping to the curved seam in a future version.

      I do agree to a certain extent with your teaching comment - I think we'll see how people like this one and change it if it's not that popular.

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  2. I can't bring myself to make a Sorbetto either, exactly for the same reason. I would have a go at this though. Possibly in a couple of plain crepe de chine, swapping the front panels round for each one.
    Lovely fabric, this one. Thanks for the adjustment photos; I'll use those.

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    1. Mmm, it would be lovely in some plain crepe de chine. I hope the adjustment photos are useful. I don't necessarily think there's anything wrong with it as drafted, it just wasn't work appropriate!

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  3. Looks like a great little pattern ~ will have to print it out and give it a go ... your one looks great ... J

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  4. Very pretty! And I like your changes to the armholes.

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  5. looks lovely leaving out the contrast! i do think this has a bit more swing than the sorbetto-- i've even been able to make it without the curve inset and get plenty of swing.

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    1. Ooh, I'll have to try it without the curve inset.

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  6. Hello Sam - I have finally managed to get onto your blog - I just can't seem to access it via my blog or blog reader, which is why I haven't been commenting. Very frustrating! But not your problem, strictly Bloggers, I think! I arrived today via someone else's blog ! So I've now had a quick catch up with all the things you have made, the Anna's, the skirt (which works well on your figure), this top, and your sewing corner :).

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    1. Hi Sarah Liz, sorry you've been having problems accessing my blog. I hope you enjoyed catching up, now you have been able to find me.

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  7. Love the changes you made to this top. It looks perfect for the office. Very classy.

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  8. The top looks lovely, Sam. Very stylish.

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  9. I love this, the floral is so pretty. I haven't tried this yet but might next spring as I really like the idea of adding piping to the front curve. I have made quite a lot of Sorbettos but almost all of them have lowered front darts, added waist darts at the front and back and a few of them have sleeves too - so not really a Sorbetto anymore!

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Thank you so much for your comment, every one is read and appreciated. It means a lot to me that you take the time to read and comment on my posts.