Those who have been reading my blog for a while know that boxy tops are totally my thing.  It’s been a while since I tried a new-to-me pattern and The Celeste from Merchant & Mills has exceeded expectations.

The Celeste is described by Merchant & Mills as “A feminine blouse with back buttons and gentle gathers into a waistband.”  It has been designed to be sewn from lightweight fabrics.

If this Japanese linen is looking familiar, it’s because I have already sewed a Verona Woven Top from it.  I was able to cut The Celeste out of my leftover fabric and a small remnant and I grabbed from work.  Happy days!

I will confess the neckline is much higher than I usually wear, and I thought the button back might be a bit annoying, but honestly neither are bothering me!

Aren’t these just the perfect buttons?  They tone, but are also doing their own geometric thing alongside the floral.  Thanks for the recommendation Kim (boss-lady at the The Cloth Shop!).

The cropped length is perfect for these high waisted pants, and will also go well with a denim skirt and two pairs of jeans I own.  These pants are a new-ish purchase from Manteau Noir.  The crisp cotton pants have a loose fit, drop crotch, elastic waist, and will be perfect for when I holiday on the other side of the world in June/July.  Yes, I’m already planning on what I will be packing as my travel companions and I are only taking a carry-on sized suitcase each… which we’ll check-in!

Right, back to the sewing…  I haven’t sewn a Merchant & Mills pattern for nearly a decade.  I had forgotten that they use 1.5cm seam allowances (which I don’t enjoy!) but I was impressed with the very thorough and easy to follow instructions.  The details they include on the button placement is down to the millimetre so that the buttons line up perfectly.  This is important as the buttonholes on the centre back are vertical, but the buttonhole on the waistband is horizontal.

As per the instructions, I used a lightweight interfacing on the waistband.  I had considered skipping this step, but I’m glad didn’t as I think the wasitband needs that tiny bit of structure, and the weight the comes with it, to anchor the cropped style.

Pattern:  Merchant & Mills’ The Celeste (purchased from EST Australia, a beautiful store in walking distance from my house!)
Size:  UK 10
Fabric: 100% Linen [sold out] from The Cloth Shop but available in another colourway
Alterations:  My usual 3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment
Outfit:  Meg By Design pants from Manteau Noir (recent purchase), Radical Yes slides (several seasons ago) and a vintage Georg Jensen necklace
Photo Location:  Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne