A tried and true pattern for me - the Seamwork Hansie.
It's a woven top with a simple construction and when made in a drapey fabric, the way in hangs and moves is really lovely. This is the kind of top I can just throw on with jeans, shorts or skirts or wear it layered under my overalls. I could use another half a dozen in my wardrobe. And it's a great pattern for sewing up in all those pretty printed rayons I collect in my stash. There's very few seams to worry about pattern matching and the simple lines means bolder or larger scale prints aren't chopped up too much and can really stand out.
This indigo print version is my favourite & most often worn summer top.
I cut a straight size 18 for this pattern and shortened length 3.5 inches at the lengthen/shorten line.
It has unfortunately shrunk another 1.5 inches in length since I made it back in December 22, so I'm now sewing another band around the hem to restore it to a wearable length (the perils of frequently washing rayon!)
FABRIC
Rayon challis from Spotlight. It’s called Printed Rayon Symbol 80416157 - my local store doesn’t seem to have it anymore.
The second Hansie is sewn up in a lyocell linen blend textured fabric. It looks like a linen with subtle rustic slubs throughout but it's soft and drapes like viscose with that bouncy heavy fluid drape viscose-linen blends tend to have.
FABRIC
I used exactly 1.2m in length / 140cm wide fabric.
Linen Lyocell Slub - Composition: 70% Lyocell 30% Linen. Weight: 190 GSM https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/dress-apparel-fabrics/woven-apparel/linen-linen-blends/plain-140-cm-textured-lyocell-linen-fabric/BP80481644-white
Mods I made:
The original Hansie pattern has a neckline facing which I swapped for a bias binding facing neckline for both of my tops. I may sew the facing version if (when) I sew this pattern again for a smoother neckline finish.
I also lengthened the sleeves by adding a folded sleeve band to the hem which adds both a little length and weight to the sleeves as the 'grown on' sleeve style tends to kick out a bit at the sides, the wide hem bands give them a nicely defined finish.
Yes, I used pale pink bias binding for the neckline here. When worn, it blends into my skin colour - also pale pink, so it's not visible even through this semi-opaque fabric.
I learned some important lessons about 'washable' fabric markers with this top. Always test your markers. Always.
Luckily, the markings I couldn't get out are hidden away within the seams now... but I understand why this fabric is so easily marked and stained: lyocell-linen is absorbent. Ink from fabric markers gets sucked right into those fibers and doesn't always want to let go.
Aside from these challenges, with every new garment I sew, I'm remembering skills I thought I had forgotten and by making each project again (at least once more) I can improve upon the fit each time. It gets faster, the more I sew, and the easier is becomes to break down tasks into manageable chunks of time I can fit into my day or week. This way I feel like I'm making progress with my To Do list, even when I'm working 15-18hr days for weeks on end.
Time for bed.
Goodnight!