Mirri Wrap Dress: Top Version in Black Floral

Yesterday I had a bit of time for some personal sewing, so I tackled a project I cut out awhile ago and left languishing in my project box.  This is the Mirri Wrap Dress by Wardrobe by Me, top version.

When this pattern was first published, I saw lots of tester photos and it seemed to be a universally flattering style.  It also seemed like the wrap generally stayed closed on most people, which is always a big problem for me. I decided to try it out in a top before plunging into a dress.  

I was tired when I printed out the pattern and totally forgot about the layers option and ended up printing out all the sizes.  So. Many. Lines.   Do yourself a favor and print only the sizes you need! I cut a straight size 8, which seemed to match my measurements perfectly. 

I read the directions before I started sewing and it all seemed straightforward and clear, but I still managed to struggle right from the beginning.  The first step was to form the pleats on the front and I had to pin the darn things three times.  I think the directions seemed to say to pin the pleats one direction and the illustration shows them going the other direction.  Also I was working with rayon/spandex jersey, which is heaven to wear but so limp while sewing.  Anyway, I finally got the pleats to cooperate.  The other step I struggled with was sewing the collar extension to the back neck, and then sewing the shoulders.  Somehow I managed to sew the collar bit upside down, so I ended up with a big twist.  I unpicked the seam (thankfully, I wasn't using my serger!) and decided to sew the shoulders and back neck all in one seam.  Not as tidy, but easier to wrap my brain around.  The rest of the sewing was easy and worked out well.

Of course I had to include my blurry mirror selfie, haha.  I always show you the clothing on my dress form and never myself.  Well, I'm happy with how it came out.  I wore my new top today, and for the most part the wrap did stay wrapped and my modesty was preserved.  I think using a more substantial fabric would make it easier to form the pleats, and also for the wrap to stay wrapped. Next one will be one of the dress views, probably in a printed cotton spandex.

​Happy Sewing!