Dana Point Top – a flattering must-have

Today on Happily Sewn After, we’re going to read about the latest release from Itch to Stitch, the Dana Point Top.

Pattern Details:

The top is fitted to accentuate a lady’s figure to best advantage. The front waist and back waist pleats provide a flared bottom. As an added bonus, the top is fully lined. The shoulders are exposed with small pleats. There is a V neck and front buttons which I feel highlights the pleats at the waist. Another wonderful option are the cup sizes which are A, B, C, D, and DD. The C, D, and DD cup sizes also have darts for better bust shaping. The most helpful option is the layers feature—print only the sizes you need.

The Dana Point is perfect for spotlighting both large and dainty prints.

The final garment is stunning and with the right fabric breathtaking.

Read on if you want to learn about my sewing process.

I had such an incredible experience testing for Itch to Stitch that I want share with you how I perfected my top for the best fit. I went through two muslins before getting it right. As the girl who almost never has to do more than shorten for height, this really pulled me out of my comfort zone.

This is my first muslin in a size 6 with no changes. As you can see I need to make adjustments in overall length because the pleats are too low and I need to do a sway back adjustment because of the billowing in the middle back. Ignore the messy hair. It’s part of the sewing process.

Here is my 2nd muslin with the adjustments made. I shortened 1/2″ and it’s made such a difference.

The fit is much better!

I love sewing for Kennis because she helps me add to my sewing skills. I learned a new sewing technique: favoring. Favoring is the process of shifting the seamline slightly on one piece so that you reposition the seam without changing the shape of the finished work. Truly a wonderful idea for the Dana Point.

The sewing level is intermediate. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. One thing to note is that I only used a yard of fabric for each of my main and lining pieces and there is only a front and back. You get so much from one pattern.

The pleats were a labor of love and well worth the trouble of folding and meticulously lining them up. Secretly, it’s my favorite part.

For the main fabric, I chose a floral woven with a slight sheen. It was perfect for me! The lining was a simple pink and white cotton woven.

A top like this has to have the perfect buttons, so I bought 6 half inch shank buttons with silver encased pearls.

I love wearing my Dana Point Top. It’s perfect for the summer months.

Here is my affiliate link to the pattern: https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/dana-point-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=thistlesandtulipscrochet

Advertisement