Pretty Peplum Top Sew Along: My Finished Tops + Submit Your Finished Garment!!

If you've been following along, you may have seen that the fabrics I use on each tutorial are different. That's because I made four versions of the Pretty Peplum Top! All the fabrics I used are either sold out from our website or from my stash, sorry, we don't have them available for sale! When someone is doing a sew along, they have to practice the pattern until they understand it well enough to help other people. I learned a lot about this pattern and I have to say the fourth one was my best because I worked out all the issues in the first three!

The first top I made was from a ponte knit. When making this top, I cut out a size medium rather than a small. I have no idea why I did this because my high bust was a small. I guess I got scared! I ended up altering the pattern a lot and ended up with size small alterations. I used the un-darted bodice pattern piece for this top. I really wish I would have cut the darted piece because I have some folds around the underarms that could have been eliminated by using the dart front. I also took about an inch off the bottom of the bodice pieces to raise the waistline to a more flattering position. I cut out the scoop neckline and made 3/4 length sleeves. Ann, our of our contributing bloggers, had the same problem with her peplum top. See here.  

Here's a lovely photo of me attempting to show you the folds at the underarm/bustline. 

On the second try, I made tested out turning a peplum into a dress. I cut out the pattern in size small but used the un-darted bodice pattern piece again. I didn't use the darted front because I thought that by shortening the armhole that it would help the underarm folds. Once again, I had some folds, but I also had a lot of pulling around the bust and neckline. I used a scoop neckline again and 3/4" sleeves. 

On the third top, I made a size small still without the darted front again. I was hoping that by making it from a lighter weight fabric that they would show less. They did show less, but there is still a little bit of folding. I also shortened the armhole and waistline. I put a keyhole on the back of the top and used the jewel neckline for the front. I also made 3/4" sleeves.

And the last one I made was a size small WITH A DARTED FRONT, cap sleeves and elongated the waistline. I finally decided to use the dart and it was GREAT! I'm telling you, if you were having the same problems I was and had the 3"  difference in the high bust/regular bust measurements. CUT THE DARTED FRONT! 

I'm not sure what the difference was with the waistlines, but I took it back to the original pattern length and it looked better. I'm thinking that the fabric weight has something to do with it, but I also think that the darted front allowed the waist to sit on my body better. I used the jewel neckline and just so happen to have a coordinating solid that matched one of the colors in this knit fabric. I wore it with a belt to accentuate my waist too. 

Now it is time to share your finished peplum tops with me! Remember, when we started, I mentioned there would be a random drawing at the end of the sew along! Now's your chance to enter!! 

Send me your name and at least one photo of your finished peplum top. Also tell me what alterations you made to the original pattern. I think by sharing this information with everyone will allow is to understand the pattern even better! All entries need to be emailed to me (fabricmartblog@gmail.com) by Thursday, March 5! Any late entries will not be accepted. One winner will be randomly be selected on March 6. Winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Fabric Mart AND a $30 gift certificate for Pamela's Patterns!

I can't wait to see everyone's peplum tops!