When I was asked to test a white linen viscose fabric for the lovely people at Minerva (my fabric review post is waiting patiently it’s turn to go live on their website) I chose to give The Drop Sleeve Top from The AvidSeamstress a go. I got the fabric for free when I subscribed to their newsletter.

I considered for a very short while, whether or not I would wear any bottoms that are white, and the answer was a definite NO. As such, I decided to experiment with dyeing the fabric in a different colour. As I had to make sure I had at least one project to write about, I cut one top before I dyes the fabric in in case I had a disaster on my hands. After that, I dyed the rest of it using a washing machine pod for natural fibres, the fabric is made of a mix of linen with viscose.

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Sewing Summary:

Pattern: The Drop Sleeve Top is the perfect first project for those who have just learnt to sew! We will take you step-by-step through the process of creating your very first garment and introduce you to our method of sewing. The Drop Sleeve Top is a relaxed fit top with a drop sleeve that finishes at the elbow. The back is finished with a simple button and loop with a facing. This is a PDF only pattern (print at home A4 and print at copy shop A0 options included).

Sizing: o-8 or UK 6 to 22

Fabric: Although fabric requires 1.8 m (150 cm width) or 2.1 m (112 cm width) I managed cut two tops from just about 2 m. So the higher number is to account for amount of fabric needed for the larger sizes.

Notions: 1 button

Modifications: I sized down from size 3 /UK12 (my body measurements close to this one) to size 2/UK 10 based on the finished garment measurements given in the instructions. Also I decided to make the sleeves longer and added 5 cm to the original sleeve pattern.

Instructions: the instructions booklet is very well prepared and organised to help a beginner in making one of these little blouses. I did not need to use the instructions other than checking for the seam and hem allowances.

Fit: ok

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: yes and no. My sleeves hem does not end at the elbow because I lengthened the sleeve and I sized down before cutting. Otherwise, the finished tops look like the one on the pattern envelope.

Watch out for: n/a

Make Again?: yes. I think choosing a different closing for the back or color block the sleeves are good suggestions given by the designer to further customise the pattern.

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