This pattern has been haunting me for a while. Not in the “BOO” , jumping out in the middle of the night scaring the bejezzus out of me, kind of haunting, but rather the niggling, “oh that top looks just like S2998″, loving the neckline, popping into my brain, wanna make it, kind of haunting. The good kind! I haven’t seen many reviews of it- in my humble opinion it is an overlooked little gem!
It was quick and easy, and made up in an hour, including the neckline variation that I introduced. You have to love a pattern that translates well from conception to worn garment!
So, the pattern, my good woman. Tell me a bit about it? Simplicity 2998 has two variations. View A and B are a sleeveless longer style top or minidress, with or without pockets. This version has wide neckline and armhole bands and a slight racerback back. Views C and D are blouson in two lengths with full gathered sleeves. (my peeve with the pattern here- on the front cover they show pictures of the 4 views, but they put them in a strange order. From left to right they are D, B, A, C. Wouldn’t it have been more logical to put them in alphabetical order?)
The two variations are completely different from each other, giving you, in essence, in reality actually(!) two tops in one pattern!
I made version B with some variations. I cut a size 12, and made some allowance for my size 14 hips. *sigh*
Why did you buy the pattern? I actually thought it would make a cute top for my daughters. Selfish old woman that I am, I decided that it would make a great top for my upcoming cruise….. I was drawn to the gathers in the front, the U shaped neckline and the bands.
And the fabric choice? A very drapy cotton/lycra print from my local Fabricland. Cheap, and pretty. It would look great in a popping citrus colour for the summer too! The bands were cut from some brown silk jersey that I snagged on my very first trip to Mood a couple of years ago. Sooo pretty and easy to sew!
Were there any construction malfunctions? Not a one, unless you include the fact that I accidently cut out two front bands. That was totally my fault and not the patterns. The pattern clearly told me to cut one. I refused to listen, which was actually a good thing since it let me experiment with the neckline a bit and compare looks. I didn’t look much at the instructions, but they look complete and clear.
Did you stray from the pattern at all Connie? Well duh! Of course I did. Let’s see…
1. I omitted the pockets. No woman who’s doctor once said to her “Connie, you were made for having babies, you could drop them in a field and then keep on working!” (Translation- you have good strong wide hips, woman!) would consider pockets on the widest part of the hip area an asset! On my slender offspring now, that would be a completely different scenerio. They LOVE pockets!
2. I added about an inch to the tunic length. Probably wasn’t necessary, but I am 5′10 in bare feet, so I always add length. Usually more than an inch.
3. I changed the neckline from flat to twisted. 
I have been wanting to do a twisted neckline for a while- like before it becomes passe- and figured now was the time. I was uncertain as to how twisting would affect the lay and stretch of the silk, so I opted to insert the band flat as opposed to “in the round”. I attached the front to the back at one shoulder only, and cut the neckline piece a bit longer than necessary, chopping off the excess after sewing. I have sewn enough knits to know where I need to stretch the neckband in order for it to lay flat against my body, so I wasn’t worried about matching notches. I compared the bodice paper pattern piece to the paper neckline piece to figure out that the gathers needed to be two inches between the notches when pulled up. To twist the band, I marked the fabric every one inch on both long edges of the fabric, then pinned them together, offsetting by one hash mark. I experimented with a few different spacings, and for this weight of fabric, one inch worked best.
Other than that, the pattern went together as dictated. The band on the bottom was quick. If you make it, ensure that you don’t forget those notches!
And the finished product? I really like it. You are not going to see it on my pasty Canadian winter white body now, but I am hoping that MyMike will be up for a photo shoot on the boat. As if! I thought it needed a chunky necklace, but looking at it on the dressform, I think the neckine speaks for itself. A chunky bracelet perhaps.
All in all, I am pleased. You would be too if you made it for yourself. It lends itself to a myriad of variations, in my opinion. You could leave off the band, embellish the neckband. I think you could even add the sleeves of the other view to it. I think.
And about this cruise ma’am? Our niece is getting married in two weeks on a cruise. How could we NOT go?! All of my sisters, my mom and dad, and some nieces and nephews will be along as well- over 50 of us in total! I need the break but am feeling guilty about going as well as my play goes to production the following week. Lines are pretty well perfect and after last nights vocal practice, I am feeling better about the music as well. The play is Norm Fosters “The Last Resort”, and I have always wanted to do it! Spoiler…I commit murder (my husband as well as the songs!) and I die too. Such is life! I am also the costume “designer” and sewer. There will be a few sleepless nights before I set sail!
There is a cute dress review on the boards, and I am also going to BORE YOU TO TEARS with my costuming for this upcoming play. Can anyone say “Carmen Miranda Headpiece”??!!
