I knew when I saw the pattern that this would be a great addition to my wardrobe, and I wasn’t wrong as I’ve worn this loads. It’s so versatile you can wear it to work or pair with black jeans and heels for a casual evening look. The pattern itself is fairly simple to construct, though in my view this is where an overlocker comes into its own, making it straightforward to attach the lace to jersey. I cut a size 12 on this pattern, however on reflection I’m probably a 10 from shoulder to waist and then a 12 on hips, I found this had quite a bit more ease than the pattern suggested.
Fabric wise I selected a cream and navy stripe jersey from Robert Kaufman at John Lewis. It’s got a really nice weight to it which helps add some shape to the top and lets it hang nicely. I wouldn’t use a very light slub-type jersey for this top I don’t think it would work as well.
The shoulders came up a little big on me so next time I will adjust for this and grade them a size smaller. Adjustment wise I didn’t need to add to the length on this top (which never happens!) however I did grade in the waist a little because I wanted a more exaggerated curve from waist to hip. I also look better with a more nipped in waist because I’m more of an hourglass shape. I cheated here and graded it post construction on my overlocker (I was lazy and didn’t make a toile) but marked my adjustments on the pattern pieces so I can replicate it next time. I used a simple zig-zag stitch on the hem to allow for the stretch. I have worn this top loads and got lots of compliments when wearing it which is always lovely.