Well, the day is finally here that the Icaria pattern from Itch to Stitch has finally been released so I get to show them and my Reynolds Top off properly. As a pattern tester were asked not to post about the pattern until it’s released so I’ve been anxiously awaiting this day for several weeks now. I have teased them a few times on both Instagram and here on Minerva while I’ve been waiting, so you quite possibly have already seen them.

I was excited to see a woven, elasticated waist pant with a very similar shape to my favourite Samara Pants of a few summers ago when it came up in the Itch to Stitch Testing Group. I have such faith in ITS patterns and their consistent fit for me that I cut straight into my good fabric without hesitation. This is definitely not the first time I’ve done that in testing. It’s a pretty bold move, admittedly, but one I’m usually prepared to make, crazy as that may be.

Anyways, the Icaria pattern features slash pockets, an elasticated waist - which is done in a really neat way that doesn’t require a casing, just some concentration. (You attach the elastic along the top edge of the pattern then fold and stitch down. It’s a bit finicky at the start but once I got the hang of it it was pretty easy to do!)

I’m all about the faux jumpsuit /coordinating set so as soon as I signed on to test the Icaria I was already thinking about top possibilities. My two contenders were the Itch to Stitch Santorini Tank and the Helen’s Closet Reynolds Top. I decided for such a vibrant print I’d do the Reynolds for maximum summertime vibes.

I’m so enamoured with this set in all it swishy, cropped pants, elasticated waist, strappy top goodness! I do realize that just about immediately after making it Tilly and the Buttons released their Esti set and this has a very similar feel so I feel like a big old copy cat, but I’m choosing to reframe it in my mind as feeling pleased that I have similar taste to the amazing Tilly!

Now, let’s chat about this fabric. Oh. My. Word. This linen viscose blend is so, so good. I absolutely loved sewing it and love wearing it just as much. It’s soft and swishy - oh how I love a fabric that possesses those two qualities for summer! It’s not super light though so there’s no worry of it being see through at all and while it swishes it was structured enough to do the wide straight neckline of the Reynolds to without collapsing in on itself (of course it is interfaced on the facing but that’s besides my point.)

I’m definitely eager to try this linen again! There’s so many beautiful prints to choose from. I may just have to treat myself and order some. My birthday is coming up this week so it’s perfectly acceptable to buy one’s self a birthday present especially if that present is gorgeous fabric, isn’t it?

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