StyleArc’s Courtney Top can be sewn in a knit or a woven.  Hello versatile pattern!  For my first version, I selected a spotty crinkle linen from The Cloth Shop.

I’ve always been a little frightened by crinkled linen… yet another irrational sewing fear!  Do you pre-wash it?  Do you iron it?  The advice I was given was to prewash, let the fabric dry naturally (which means crinkly) and then cut out your pattern pieces.  Yes, no ironing!  This advice did mess with my perfectionist tendencies, but I went with it and it worked a treat.

The fabric did ‘grow’ a little bit with sewing, handling and the gentle pressing of the seams and hem, but when it was finished, I gave it a liberal squirt with a spray bottle filled with water and it crinkled right back up!  I’m a crinkle linen convert.

The pattern is a great one:

• The princess seams are flattering and easy to sew
• The slight gathers on the back pattern piece are functional (for those with broad backs) and decorative
• The fold back cuffs, which are tacked in place, add interest

I made my usual 3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment and no other fit changes.  Although, I did alter the suggested neckline finish.  The instructions suggest, regardless if you sew this pattern in a woven or knit, that the neckband is added as though it is a stretch neckband.  From past experience, I know that a bias cut woven neckband isn’t going to sit flat like I would like it too.  I therefore bound the neckline with bias binding, and I might add, it’s probably my neatest one yet!

I always find it a little hard to judge the finished length of a top with lovely curved hems, and by that I mean where it’s going to sit a the side seams.  In these instances, I err on the side of caution and make the changes to subsequent versions.  For me, this top is a little on the long side, which I’ll easily remedy next time.  Oh yes, there will definitely be a next time!

Pattern:  StyleArc’s Courtney Top
Size:  8
Fabric:  Crinkle linen from The Cloth Shop
Alterations:  3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment and different neckline finish
Outfit:  Me-made Reef Shorts, vintage beads and Funkis shoes
Photo Location:  Stephen Baker mural in Camberwell