I want to make more tops. As much as I love dresses, I find myself pulling skirt/blouse combos out of my wardrobe more often these days. However, excluding t-shirts, all my tops are either pendrell blouses or portrait blouses. I have a heap of lightweight woven fabric that I would like to make tops from (mostly from my trip to Europe last year), but I need to decide which patterns to use; it feels wrong just making heaps of the two same patterns!
In an attempt to broaden my range of top patterns, I decided to try out the scout tee from Grainline Studios. This top is essentially a "wearable muslin" to see what I thought of the pattern and the fit, made from some gingham (with surprisingly decent drape for a gingham) that a friend had given me after buying a heap for making muslins.
I cut the size 10, which is fine but I think a little big, including through the shoulders. So I've reprinted the pattern and cut out the next size down for the next version.
Despite being a bit big, this top is a nice easy 'neutral' top for my wardrobe, when worn tucked into skirts. I really like the neckline and sleeves. However, it's a bit boxy for me to consider wearing un-tucked (unlike my old faithful pendrell and portrait blouse patterns). I'm not sure if this is because it's a smidge big, or it will be that way whatever size due to not having any darts.
And so, I wanted to ask, do you have any nice top/blouse patterns you'd recommend for me to consider?
I would most likely usually be wearing it tucked into skirts, but the option to wear it un-tucked would be nice too. And being able to wear it with layers over it (eg cardigans or sweaters) is a MUST as everywhere is so over-air-conditioned!
I'm in a tshirt phase at the moment so no help on the woven top pattern search. I have made the Alma which I thought was a nice shape. I do prefer collars & buttons on me and have been thinking about shortening the Alder. However I've always wanted to make the flounce back Archer so I think that might happen first!
ReplyDeleteLovely top! My go-to is the sorbetto with sleeves, either with or without the inverted box pleat at the front. I recently counted that I've made 11 of them and have two more cut out ... oh dear!
ReplyDeleteThis morning I woke up & thought 'what about one of those Simplicity Jiffy' tops, there is a lovely one with French darts...
ReplyDeleteI am about to make my second see kate sew zippy top (sans zip this time though!). It is also boxy, but with the right fabric it sits rather nicely out, but would otherwise look good tucked into skirts too.
ReplyDeleteSimple but effective. I need some simple tops like this for the office through summer.
ReplyDeleteI really love Simplicity 2599 and Simplicity 1366. Both woven, easy to make and look nice on!
ReplyDeleteI am loving Sewaholics Belcarra. I have made 6 versions now and all different.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with the Belcarra blouse. Too boxy for me if worn untucked. Personally I prefer tops with a bit of shape. I'm addicted now to Gertie's 40s style blouse but it's a completely different style.
ReplyDeleteI use the scout as a base and redraft as I feel. So far I've added a collar, longer sleeves, waist shaping, side slits, lifted the neckline with a front button placket. Not all at once! If the shell fits then anything is possible, including Jersey fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI also had to go down a size with the scout.
I love the Scout untucked with jeans. Otherwise have you looked at the Weekender Blouse?
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