I’m a gingko girl
I’m rather partial to a gingko tree and we’re lucky that we have a few in our garden that are in various stages of losing their leaves. After all, it is Autumn here in Melbourne!
Even though it’s technically time for cold weather sewing, I do dream about summer sewing and making lots of flowing silk tops. Therefore, when Paprika Patterns released the Onyx Shirt two days ago I hit the buy button that night, headed to the copy shop the next day, sewed up a wearable muslin in a ginko print this morning and nearly froze this afternoon when taking these photos! The effort was definitely worth it as this pattern is just my thing.
The Onyx Shirt has two versions and I’ve made View A with a scooped neck and without the sleeve cuffs.
One of the great things about his pattern is that all of the features are interchangeable. As I didn’t add cuffs, I extended the sleeves by two inches (5cm). Next time, yes there will definitely be a next time, I’m going to see how it looks as drafted but without both the cuffs and my sleeve extension.
The other things I love about this pattern…
- It has a subtle high-low hem
- It’s dartless… which is great when you don’t want to interrupt a geometric pattern or stripes, or let’s face it, when you’re sewing with silk and trying to minimise your seams… or is that just me?
- the ‘hacking’ potential – can you also visualise a gathered or pleated skirt attached to the cropped version?
When you buy this pattern Lisa provides lots of information to help with sizing. Sizes 1 to 6 are drafted for a b cup and sizes 7 to 10 use a different block that is drafted for a c cup. I’m definitely outside the suggested cup range, but took a gamble and sewed up the size 4 which correlated to my bust size. I think the fit is good, but I might try the size 3 next time as this version is a smidge big in the shoulders and there is still a little room in the bust. A smaller size might require an FBA… but I think I’m going to keep tweaking this pattern until it’s just right before letting myself lose on my silk stash!
Pattern: Paprika Pattern’s Onyx Shirt
Size: 4
Fabric: Japanese cotton lawn from Spotlight (confession – I have the orange colourway too!)
Alterations: I left off the cuffs and extended the sleeves by 2 inches and left off the cuffs
Accessories: Silk scarf (which is really a bow tie!) is a recent op shop (thrift store) find and shoes from Peter Sheppard.
The top is darling and I COVET the shoes!! Will be exploring Paprika Patterns – thanks.
Always happy to help you start a research project… 😊
I’m a gingko girl too – and so jealous that you actually have some in your garden! There’s quite a few gingko trees around town in Brussels, in parks and on random streets. In the autumn I make detours specially for them 🙂 The fabric is really lovely and I’d totally have bought more than one colourway too!
What did you think of the onyx compared to the scout tee? I really like the look of the onyx but have been wondering if it’s different enough from the scout to justify spending yet more money on patterns. Blasted budget!
Gah I don’t know why my wordpress sign in links to my old profile sometimes – it’s Jo (jo sews) 🙂
Hello Jo! The way I made the Onyx it was very Scout like… In crude terms the slight high low hem is the major difference. But I brought the Onyx for it’s options… two necklines, two lengths & the cuffs. I hope that helps.
Ohhh! This is fabulous! I love the fabric (I have the orange colour way too!) and the lack of darts allows that to be a feature. Hope you are not too cold down that way yet!
Do you have plans for your orange ginkgo print? Autumn has not been kind to us… it seems like winter is here already!
Anna, you make these simple shapes look so stylish – your choice of fabric and accessories is always spot on. Love it!
You make a girl blush! Thanks 😊
How cute! I love gingko trees, your fabric, and your top! Thks for info on the sizing…
No worries Coco. Will you sew up this pattern?
Ooh, I really like that! The fit looks great too. Off to check out that pattern company!
You know me Jane… always happy to enable!
You are quick. Good for you, this is fabulous. I’ve not sewn with silk so I’ll be watching to gain any tips!
Silk was one of my sewing fears that I’ve recently overcome. Slippery fabrics are always a challenge to cut so I cut on the flat (rather than the fold) and take my time. Fusible stay tape for the neckline is a must. Minimal handling is preferred as silk often frays & easily stretches out. I suggest starting with a simple project… like this one!
The Gingko print is pretty, but those shoes! they are divine, are they comfortable?
I’m pleased to report very comfortable. They are a two seasons old now!
You and your woven tees 🙂 kidding, you need woven tees in your life. I really like the look of that cropped version too
I definitely wear woven over stretch tees. I’m still searching for a favourite knit tee pattern… I’m rather fussy!