Hi Minerva sewing enthusiasts! I’m so excited to be sharing this lovely top with you today!

THE FABRIC:

I was so excited to be able to try out a fabric by Mind the MAKER line. All of their prints (and solids) look so luxe and beautiful! Once I actually had some yardage in my hands, I was so happy to see that my expectations were met. This Stretch Viscose Challis isn’t quite as I had imagined, but the quality definitely stands out. I imagined this to be what I’ve come to expect challis to be, and that is lightweight, very flowy and drapey with some sheerness. However, when it arrived at my house, I discovered it was much heavier than I had expected! It would be perfect for a dress, and I’ve even made a pair of shorts from it (which you will see in a later post).

So as you can imagine, this fabric has a structure that was unexpected to me! But the combination of the weight and the stretch factor makes it both lovely to sew AND to wear! It is also quite opaque, and I like that about it, because it lends to a wider variety of garment options.

THE PATTERN:

After some deliberation, I decided to make The Bowery Top by French Navy Patterns from this fabric. I’m really happy with how the fabric and pattern worked together! I made a size C, with no modifications. The pattern is quite cropped, however, it is drafted for someone a few inches taller than myself, so I decided to make the pattern with no length alterations. The length turned out pretty good! It’s still pretty cropped, and I wouldn’t personally want it to be any shorter. But as is, it works well with high waisted bottoms, and I think it’s absolutely super cute! 😊

I’m a complete sucker for all things buttons, so the button back detail is of course my favorite!

SEWING AND FIT:

The sewing went very well. The pattern is written so well, the instructions are clear, and the drafting is top notch. I had no problems with construction at all! The neckline and back button placket are beautifully finished, and the top turned out truly beautiful both inside and out.

I made a size C as mentioned above, which I chose according to the pattern instructions and size chart. I fell somewhere between a size C & D, but closer to a D, and the instructions suggested sizing down if in between and considering that my fabric had stretch, my decision on size was fairly clear.

The fit is great! However, if I were to make it in a fabric with no stretch or give, I would probably stick with the next size up.

The Bowery Top Pattern: https://frenchnavy.co.za/the-bowery-top/

Pattern by: French Navy Now: https://www.minerva.com/people/1000565

Thanks so much for taking a minute to read my post! I hope you feel inspired and go make something beautiful!

~Heidi
IG: www.instagram.com/heidi_handmadefrenzy
Blog: www.handmade-frenzy.com