I basically have this exact same top from Banana Republic that I wore all the time last summer, so I wanted to *make* another!
Pattern & Fabric
Pattern is the Reynolds Top and Dress from Helen's Closet. I really love Helen's Closet patterns: the instructions are clear, they are size inclusive, and (my favorite part) they include a lot of helpful tips along the way that as a self-taught sewer I really appreciate. I learn a lot every time I sew one of their patterns and would recommend them to any beginner sewist.
The fabric is a medium weight linen from The Fabric Store. I've used their linen a few times now and it's worked out great each time. I also love this color!
Sewing
I had a few of fit issues with this make, the majority of which were self-inflicted. I've always maintained that I have a long torso, so I usually add length to any top I sew or knit. Initially in this case, I added too much length and ended up having to shorten it at the very end, which while easy to fix did mean wasted fabric.
I also initially cut a size 8. The size chart put me between a 6 and an 8, but when I've sewed the Ashton Top (by the same company) the 6 was slightly too snug. This time however, the 8 was too big (way too much gaping around the armholes), so I had to make some adjustments mid-sew. Usually, I'm afraid of the seam ripper, but this time I went in, took apart the seams, and actually adjusted the thing I was sewing for a better fit, rather than just powering through and then being disappointed.
Finally, and I've seen that this is a problem for others as well, there is a bit of gaping at the neck and back. This was helped by going to a smaller size, but next time I will probably reduce the width at the top of the front and back.
Final Thoughts
Despite the few setbacks, I really enjoyed this sew. I think it helped my confidence as a sewist to make some hardcore adjustments mid-sew. I also really love the final product and see myself wearing it as long as the weather stays as hot as it has been!
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