It’s a new year and I have a new top to share that I tested*. The Sabalito Top (**affiliate link) is the first thing I have sewn in about 4 months which was a great way to get inspired again to sit at my machine. It’s a relaxed fit, dolman sleeve top with a v-neck front wrap and nice front knot detail. It’s a great pattern that comes in a number of cup sizes and also a large size range. It is marketed as a beginner + level which I agree with but I did scratch my head a bit when attaching the bottom bands to the bodice only because I think I was out of practice, but as always the instructions are great and very detailed with lots of pictorials.
The top requires woven fabric, obviously lightweight fabric will have more drape however I made mine with a Printed cotton linen tobacco with small white spots (85% cotton/15% linen) which is a bit sturdier and so has a more structured appearance. The v is quite deep but can be tacked into place but I haven’t done that with mine yet as I’m happy to wear it with a top underneath.
There is a back centre seam, perfect if you require some adjustments and although I would normally do a sway back I didn’t in this top as it is quite forgiving.
My only concern with this top is not a pattern issue but the fact that it is an orphan top and I don’t really have anything to pair it with. I have bought some white denim with the intention to make the Itch to Stitch Danube Skirt.
It’s quite a versatile top and I ended up sewing a size 10 with the B cup after making my muslin in a size 12 which I think was the right choice in the end as I feel it now has just the right amount of ease. This would be easy to hack by adding flounces to the sleeves or instead of the bottom band for a different look.
*The pattern was provided to me free of charge for testing but all opinions expressed are my own and I received a copy of the finalised pattern for taking part.
**This post contains affiliate links to Itch to Stitch Patterns
tinkerandstitcher 