Halla Patterns Rachael Top & Dress

I ended 2019 doing a pattern test for Halla Patterns. That pattern was the Rachael Top & Dress and it's finally released! During testing we only tested the dress bodice several times before the fit was exactly perfect. The dress is intended to be a knee length 3/4 circle skirt. I  knew I would not wear that style of dress and was eager to make the shirt version once that part of the pattern was ready.

I am a huge fan of boat neck tops and the Rachael does not disappoint. The neckline is finished with a facing and with this fabric, it was a  little finicky. This is the Modern Jersey from Spoonflower in a design I created from a Labradorite rock.

The Rachael is fitted through the bust and the waist and hips are slightly fitted.

The neckline is under-stitched to keep it from rolling out, but on this top, it wants to roll out regardless. I plan to go back and topstitch the edge of the facing down to prevent this from  happening.

 After I made the shirt above, I took apart two of my tester bodices that I made early in testing.I recut them to fit the final pattern and decided to add a full circle peplum skirt to them. I didn't want to feel like I wasted any fabric and I really love peplum tops.

 I like to think  it was because of me that a full circle peplum was added to the pattern before release.   I made this Rachael with the mock neck - which I also love. If we were not heading into Spring soon, I'd make a  bunch of the mock neck shirts in a sweater knit. 

This Rachael is my favorite! This is the boat neck peplum. I made this one  in a cotton lycra from Wanderlust Fabrics.

This pretty floral has me ready for Spring.

When I was testing the dress bodice, I did not remove length for my height. After wearing both of these peplum versions of the Rachael, I think I make take the peplum skirts off and remove 1" from the bodice length. I find that the seam falls about an inch below my natural waist.

I made the 3/4 length sleeve on each of my Rachael tops. I find that is the sleeve length I wear most often from fall to spring. I am thinking of trying a sleeveless version for this summer. All Halla PDF patterns are on sale for 50% off with the code RACHAEL through Monday at Midnight PST.

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