Hi Everyone!
Ruth here again to share my latest make with you: You can find me and my sewing adventures on Instagram over at @ruthypotts.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how to transition my ‘me-made’ wardrobe this year, not only into Autumn and Winter, but also to a more work-from-home, zoom ready kind of vibe. Amanda pinged me some pics the other Sunday morn of some amazing new jersey’s she’d just had in and asked me if I was interested!…… Well it’s certainly not hard to get distracted by fab fabric is it… especially when your in the Supermarket waiting for the hubby to pick his choice of fruit for the week!!
All of the fabrics are equally gorgeous and I could imagine a project for each and every one of them, however, I knew exactly which one I needed –
a Tilly and the Buttons Freya (from the book Stretch) 
Using the stunning Nepalese Poppies viscose jersey. The fabric’s vibrant and unique purpley pink colour sold me immediately, and I knew it would be perfect to pair with jeans, skirts, dungarees and pretty much everything in my wardrobe!
When the fabric arrived, it was beautifully packaged as always, and was even softer and drapier than I had hoped it would be. It also arrived at just the right time as I had booked a week off work to spend sewing and relaxing – so I quickly got it washed and dried so I could get sewing.
I have made quite a few Freya tops and dresses, and I know that the pattern works really well at all lengths – but my favourite length for the top is elbow length because it works really well for autumn and spring (though I definitely need a warm cardigan or jumper for the middle of winter). For this Freya top I made my usual size 4, with no modifications to the pattern.
This top came together really quickly; It follows a basic jersey construction – shoulders, neckband, sleeves then join sides and sleeve seams in one, such a satisfying and easy sew. I constructed the top mostly on my over-locker, but you could just as easily use your sewing machine instead. The great thing about jersey is that it doesn’t fray!
The fabric really is soft and drapey and a dream to sew with. I’m really happy with how my Freya top came out. The funky floral design on the fabric combined with the mock turtleneck of the Freya pattern make the top feel quite 70s, but paired with some boots and a short skirt it definitely screams 90s punk rock chic! Very timely considering my next make is a vintage pattern from 1977 for a skirt that I think this top will look great paired with.
I know I’m going to get a lot of wear out of this top – and it will definitely help me look stylish for all my online teaching and zoom meetings – I’m happy to say that staying comfortable working from home won’t need to involve trackies every day this winter!
Happy sewing!
Ruth
