OK, I promise that I won’t be bombarding you with posts now that my technological problems appear resolved (albeit with having to re-educate my spam filter so please bear with that one – your comment may not appear until I’ve unspammed it, & from then it remembers you ever after …). But, just this once I’m following yesterday’s post with one today because I just *had* to respond to a challenge set by Maria Denmark on release of her latest pattern, the Day to Night Drape Top. It’s a slinky cowl necked top, & if you make it sleeveless it really takes minimal fabric for maximum effect. I have a thing for cowl necklines & when I saw it was on special offer at Craftsy, popped on over & added it to my sewing queue.
But when I saw that Maria had laid down a gauntlet – the first four reviews of this top would win an awesome Maria Denmark pattern as a prize- it suddenly rose to the top of my list as I can recognise a quick make when I see one (& love Maria Denmark’s pattern range having the Birgitte Tee and Kimono Tee as wardrobe favorites) . I thought it would be the perfect tonic to unselfish gift making – a fab Maria Denmark top, just for me. If I wasn’t one of the first four, never mind. It’s knit – score. Something for my holiday. Something that I could also wear to work. I had some 100% synthetic lycra with wonderful drape that was destined for a cowl neckline. That’s what is so cool about having a fabric stash. Moments such as this – want to make a top & go look & find something perfect. What’s so great about the Day to Night Drape top pattern is that although it is sleeveless, it can be made long sleeved by using the sleeves from the Birgitte tee (ha ha- yes- it’s winter after all!!!)
Do you like the coolest tree ever – it’s fibre optic too!! Makes me SMILE so …
I had enough fabric to make a long sleeved version, much as I adore it sleeveless & will undoubtedly make a few of those in Spring. So, a front, a back & sleeves, just three pattern pieces. Sewing took hardly any time at all, I reckon an hour & a half tops. It’s a simple make, just have to get your head around how the shoulder seam works with the cowl facing. The method Maria uses in this pattern for the back neckline & armhole facings if sleeveless uses FOE (fold over elastic) or clear elastic. I used the latter.
I found the instructions easy to follow, but was not quite sure what to do with the cowl facing when sewing the sleeves – should some of it be attached in this seam as well? I thought yes.
The pattern, like all of Maria Denmark’s tops fits me well. I really like the cowl neck & being able to winter-fy it was clever.
The butterfly looks like an elbow patch …
This is definitely going to be useful & I can’t wait to make spring sleeveless versions out of *not much* jersey. Thanks for another great pattern Maria. Remember everyone, it’s on for a special introductory price through December. Buy it at Craftsy or at Maria Denmark & enjoy 
Winnie! It’s great, as is the skirt. You look so pretty in both outfits. Happy Xmas!
Thank you Karen! And Happy Christmas to you too
Oh, that’s really lovely! It’s just the sort of top I like (and need more of) with the long sleeves. Cute fabric too, I love butterflies.
Thank you Sam, I have to say that long sleeved jersey tops – can’t have enough – they are so useful. and the good thing about one like this with a cowl is that it can be dressed up for work (a great no-iron mid week top!)
This is so cute! I can definitely see you in a dressy, sleeveless version of this in warmer weather!
Warmer weather …. in my dreams! I shall look forward to sporting some sleeveless cowl neck tops like this
Love the fabric, Maria Denmark patterns look great. Must try this myself, As does your fabulous tree! x
This is lovely, it really suits you!
Liz, it’s a BEAUTIFUL pattern ….the cowl is just the right size- should have said that in the post also
I Love It!! I’ve been on the lookout for cowl neck tops (I made one 18 months ago and wore once…it’s a wadder!) BTW, great idea to include the inside view, it’s neat to see the hidden parts!
Now you’ve reminded me that I need to go back and try my Kimono Tee again!
I love the way MariaDenmark patterns fit me just right – I now have three tops and they’re all stylish wardrobe basics. Hope you get on well with this one …
Love it! And you are absolutely right about the sleeve insertion!
And you are the first reviewer of the pattern! So you get to pick one MariaDenmark pattern before March 1st (so if there isn’t something you’d like right now, you can wait for the spring patterns) + I’ll need your postal address to send you your surprise sewing package! E-mail me at maria(at)mariadenmark(dot)com
Woo hoo! That’s exciting Maria – not only do I now have this fab top, but I managed to get in the first four & win your lovely prize!!!! Thank you
Gorgeous top- I will be using some of my Christmas money for that pattern!
Lovely top Scruffy! I love the butterflies and the cowl – maybe one to try when other commitments ease up a little.
Oh yes Tamisn, this is definitely something I could see you wearing ….
That fabric is GORGEOUS!!! I love pink and what’s not to love about butterflies?! I’ve also seen the new pattern from MariaDenmark and it looks very cute!
This is lovely and I love your skirt in your previous post!
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LOVE the long sleeve cowl – so rare to find in a sewing pattern. I impulse purchased both upon seeing yours! I actually cut the fabric before reading the instructions, in my excitement, and then realized that there are no seam allowances! Whoops. Good thing it was a cheap knit, not too much money wasted. I will try again. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Oh, great pattern, I love the cowl!
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Love it! It’s gorgeous xxx
Thanks Zoe, I’m looking forward to making more …they could be addictive!
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So very cute! Looks great on you – and congratulations on winning a prize! Yay for prizes!