Floaty light! – Florence Top & Dress

I’ve seen a few lovely versions of the Florence top popping up on Instagram, so on a recent trip to Merchant and Mills I picked up a copy of the pattern. I also treated myself to 1.5m of beautiful gingham linen and the perfect matching buttons – it would have been rude not to!

This is a straightforward sew and would be suitable for all levels of sewist. Previous experience of sewing button holes and finishing a neckline with a bias facing would be helpful, but not essential as the instructions are clear, detailed and well illustrated.

I decided to size down and make the top in a size 6 based on the finished garment measurements as I was worried I would be uncomfortable with the generous ease on a style that’s already more voluminous that I’m used to. I’m really happy with the finished proportions, but I think I would opt for the size 8 if I made the pattern again in a drapier fabric. The only alteration I made to the pattern was to hem the frill 3cm instead of 4.5cm to give a little more coverage.

I’m really pleased with the finished top – it’s comfortable and fun to wear and the button back and frill details are super pretty! I very much enjoyed the construction and the finish is very clean, especially where the bias neckline meets the button stand – so neat! I’d like to make the dress version next and will be keeping my eye out for some suitable fabric.