Hi and welcome back to the ol’ blog space.
After doing the weekly Fabric Favourite live, it got me thinking over the weekend. There really are so many, easy sew, low pattern pieces, quick makes available. Whether your a beginner sewist, rekindling your sewing passion or need a little quick fun make.
So, I decided to pull a few of my favourite Tops together. Why tops? Well a classic simple top has to be the true sartorial staple of a wardrobe, making it a fuss-free partner for a whole host of looks, whether your aiming for elegance, chic or casual.
Four Favourites
STEVIE -PATTERN DESCRIPTION -no darts, zips or set-in sleeves, Stevie is a satisfyingly quick and easy make – yay! Stevie has a modern, boxy fit, with round neckline and grown-on sleeves, closing at the back with pretty ties or button loop. Make as a top with cropped hemline that hits the high hip, and now has an add on pack
The simplicity of this pattern is what makes Stevie such a winner for me. Using a plain classic fabric, such as the soft cream linen viscose I used adds a sprinkle of sophistication.
As a beginner sewing project it definitely ticks the boxes with the step by step instructions and clear colour photographs. As a was of developing or refreshing your sewing skills, you could incorporate French seaming technique. Ohh La LA xx or Ban roll that hem! Tutorial here
There is the option to develop your creative skills by having contrast cuffs or even colour block the back yoke and pattern hack the front at the same height ( don’t forget to add seam allowance to both sections!) so that too is yoked and have both colour blocked to the the remainder of the top, deal for scrap busting when we have those small but too large to throw away pieces left over from other projects.
I especially love the versatility of the back yolk. Have fun with stripes running in the opposite direction to the rest of the shirt or checks cut on the bias… quite frankly life to short to pattern match.!
Tilly has a good size range working from a UK size 6 to 24 yoke. Taking just 1.1m through to 1.6m max.
VERDUN-PATTERN DISCRIPTION: Verdun is a relaxed-fit woven T-shirt with dropped shoulders, a faced hem that is longer in back than in front, and a scooped neck with a facing.
Verdun is so much more than a T-shirt with its faced neck band and hem gives this a real upmarket feel, a stitched down facing provides a lovely chance to show off that top stitch.
It can be made in super speed time if needed, I stitched mine up in an evening without trying to rush, with just a front, back, neck & hem facing you end up with an expensive looking garment- you don’t find deep faced garment on the hight St. too often- that’s for sure. You can even go to the luxury of adding a breast pocket in case for additional detail.
I have to say its over all length is just fab especially for those of us who prefer to keep our rear covered. There’s no messing around with bust adjustments either, as you get separate pattern pieces for A/B C & D cup sizing.. pure brilliance.
This pattern offers so much more, with a mix ‘n’ match of two neck line options: a simple scooped neck and then for the more confident sewist or your next make a notched V neck. Your next choice it where you wish to add the sleeve along with the option of adding sleeves – so with 4 tops in one pattern this really does offer us the widest opportunity to make our own clothes through easy sewing. each make will certainly look so different each time in a new fabric.
MONTROSE- PATTERN DISCRIPTION: Elevate your style with the Montrose Top! This timeless pattern features two variations: View A is a scoop neck blouse with short sleeves and curved back yoke, while View B shows off lace fabrics with a jewel neck, elbow length sleeves, and keyhole back.
Cashmerette’s niche is that they design for curvy ladies, and have the most amazing inclusive size range 12 – 32 in the majority of their patterns, recently they have increased this size range by adding a 0-12 section in some of their new release patterns, but include their extensive Bust Cup range which spans from C to H.
I like to offer a Cashmerette pattern if possible when we do a workshop as it offers the fuller busted lady the opportunity to make a garment pretty much out of the packet rather than having to spend time on completing FBA’s. I can then make up in the Mid range (ME) and extend my wardrobe further !
Making this up was a dream, I love the soft gathers in the back of the yoke in View A, the Sleeves are sewn in through the shoulder before the side seams making this super quick and easy, just like they do in manufacturing.
The only tricky element, which I find could be a little tricky for early sewing skills to get to grips with is the bias binding through the neckline. This needs time to be taken and include the process of under-stitching the bias strip ( a row of stitches that are sewn 2-3m away from the seam line once the bias strip is initially attached to neckline.
Although the pattern envelop states for showing off lace fabrics – I personally think it would work fabulously with sheer fabrics as the overlay giving it a bit of va va voom
OGDEN CAMI – PATTERN DISCRIPTION: The Ogden Cami is a simple blouse that can either be worn on its own or as a layering piece under blazers and cardigans. It has a soft V neck at both centre front and centre back necklines, and 3/4” wide straps. The neckline and armholes are finished with a partial lining for a beautiful, high end finish.
This has to be the ultimate in easy sewing, simple shape yet such a stunning top that has such versatility. Kelly of True Bias completed a number of different hacks of this pattern which are truly inspirational Check them out here along with tutorials.
I’ve lost count on how many Ogden’s I’ve made, the standard line in the studio, when there is an off cut/end of bolt is that “can always get an Ogden out of that” literally you can get one out of 80cm always keep an eye on the end of bolt section for a bargain – Perfect for summer, layering in the Winter – ideal as PJ sleepwear with a simple pair of shorts. We popped some kits together Here
Points to be aware of- the straps are thin on the pattern, but its SO easy to make these wider if you are a little conscious of your bra strap showing.
Label the back and fronts, these are very similar ( also the facings) and can be easily mixed up, I then sew a pretty bow or label into the back facing for ease when dressing.
I preferred to lengthen the facing by 1 inch /2.5cm to to ensure the finished hem line came under my bust .
My most Favourite Ogden’s in Black Satin Faille screams luxury but easy to work with.
Hope you found this round up and reviews useful of these four tops and you feel some inspiration to have a go xx
thanks for stopping by