A versatile smart/casual top

A review of I AM Patterns Gaïa Top

Reviewed by marion.king on 27th October, 2019

I wanted to make this top as soon as I saw the pattern because I liked the ribbon detail on the armhole that gives slight gathers.

I was after a smart top to go with some trousers and made this pattern out of a royal micro satin material that I had in my stash. The fabric was quite wide and so I was able to use less than 1m, so a good stash buster pattern.

I only gave it 4 stars because of all the alterations that I had to make to the pattern.

I have very sloping shoulders and always have to alter shoulder seams and armholes, so I’m pleased that I decided to make a toile. I removed 4cm in armhole depth on both the front and back. I then took 2cm off the back shoulder and added it to the front and redrew the back neckline.

There was still too much fabric under the armholes: so I took 2cm off the from the front side seam and added it to the centre front and redrew the neck line. I took 2cm off the back width at the armhole and then tapered it out to the side seam.

Once all the adjustments were made then it was a very quick make.

This is a pattern that I will make again and I’m looking forward to making it in a lightweight gauzy type fabric for a different look.