I would trace the yoke pattern piece without seam allowances and play around with buttons or coins to see what size and configuration looked reasonable...then, just go for it!
Fantastic idea Kim! Thanks!
I was going to suggest what Kim said, so I guess I don't really have any helpful info for you! 
But I DID actually buy this same pattern today, so I can't wait to see how yours comes out. It will definitely be more "finished" than mine so I'll love seeing what techniques you use.
Thanks anyway Keri! I really don't do a lot of finishing on knits... everything is very basic.
Kim's suggestion will probably work... i was going to say count the ones shown on the envelope and try to eyeball the size... but Kim's idea is better. lol
Ok - I'm looking at the page with the sew on jewels at MJTrim, and since you're using black, my personal choice would be a lighter shell or some of the tiger shell pieces. I think the tiger shell would give the dress an exotic/ethnic look. I'm getting the drift that the dress is knit and since the shell is lighter in weight that would probably be better than prong-set stones. With the prong-set stones, you'll definitely want some interfacing/support in that band. My color choice for prong set stones is crystal.
As far as size, this is what I would do, but I know sounds a bit crazy. Get out the ruler and some paper and cut out a whole bunch of little pieces in the sizes you're considering. Cut out a collar out of black scrap or cheap fabric, minus the seam allowances and play around with arrangements. This way you'll see the finished size of the collar and the space you have to work with and you get to play around with the arrangement. Take pictures of the arrangements you like, that way you can refer to them when the stones come in!
Thanks a lot Summerset! I was looking at the tiger pieces also. They fit the global/safari chic trend.
I would go to a craft or fabric store and find stones the size of the ones you would like to place on your top. I would then create a sample of the pattern u r going for. I would measure the distance the pattern covered and determine how many times you need to repeat the pattern. Multiple that number by the various size pieces and you will have your total.
By the way, I love your blog. You inspire me! I joke with my friends that I am secretly stalking your blog. LOL
Thanks Dawn, LOL!
I agree with Summerset and what others have said. Have a play around with "pretend" stones. Also at this stage you can adjust the yoke pattern if you think it is too thin (or wide) for your choice of stones.
M&J has pretty precise sizes on their items, and if you have Photoshop you can also save a copy of the photo from M&J's web site and re-size it.
Oh wow Phyllis! I had never thought about that! Fantastic! Thanks!
Hello Erica,
I am planning to sew this shirt as well and plan just as already suggested: to cut the piece and play around with buttons, stones or coins of the desired´s stone size.
Looking forward to seeing your shirt!
Regards,
Katrin
Hey I just had another idea: the examples from the pattern envelope show the placement oriented from center front, so that's how I would start as well. Also when the time comes to actually sew them on I would do a layout for the placement of all the jewels on the finished neckline. Then I'd add a dot of Magna-Tac (it’s a glue used in bridal for headpieces) to the back of each jewel to tack them down. Then it's easy to sew each one without worrying about the others shifting out of position. And the dot of glue will provide a little bit of extra insurance to make sure they stay on in the wash! (Magna-Tac dries clear and it’s washable.)
This won't help you on this project but when you order from M&J ask for one of their size charts. I was recently there and got a size chart (free) up by the register. Its laminated and one size has a Rhinestone Size Chart and the other side is a Button Size Chart. It also has a handy little millimeters/inches conversion chart.
I am not making this dress, but a version of the HP Sunshine top with a beaded or jeweled neckline, so I love all the suggestions on how to figure size and number. But, one thing that I will tell you from making the HP top which has a very similar neckband, is use a heavier interfacing than you might think on a knit. I used Palmer Pletsch's medium weight on the last one I made and it lays so much better than the earlier tops. If you don't have this one, a weft interfacing is what I would use.
I just brought this pattern at joann's Daffodil Dash sale yesterday for $.99. I am glad that you asked this question. Now I have some great tips on solving the rhinestone issuewhen I decide to make this pattern.
Well, you have great ideas here already! When I read your post I thought "I would make the yoke, interface it and take it with me to the notions shop so I could pick the right stones/embellishment". I would take a camera too so I could record several possibilities. And then I would sleep over this matter and come back to the store later, with a final choice in mind."
Whatever you chose to do, I'm sure it will be quite amazing and inspiring!!!
I just wanted to say that I've been reading your blog for quite some time now. I've seen you come up with such great things that this pattern is going to look awesome regardless. The beads don't look too big from the photo, but I may be wrong. I've seen some that come in a bag in an assortment of sizes, so you may want to try that. They glue on, they're not sewn though.
I just made this top - v-neck. So very easy. I had a white jersey knit with small black and pink polka-dots on it in my stash. I bought seed beads in both black and pink and hand stitched them on the yoke over the appropriate dots, both front and back. After I completed this and sewed the yoke on, I went back and applied beads to any dot near the yoke seams not already covered. I enjoyed this so much I may do it again.
If you wanted to go that route, I think you black would look good with red and/or gold beads.
(BTW, I enjoy your blog!)
Laura
Oh, I should have added above, this top is so long. I ended up cutting a bit off to bring it up. But add a few more inches and you've got a summer dress. Or even add a band to the bottom, as I've seen on a lot of junior dresses.
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