I have been thinking about trying my hand at my own patterns for a while. I always had ideas in my head of what I want to wear, and that was one of the reasons I came back to sewing after finishing university. I started drafting patterns for myself a few years ago and I loved being able to sew exactly what I wanted.
A few weeks into COVID-19 pandemic I was laid off my full-time job. I have only been back at work for a month after my maternity leave and worked half of it from home. It was surreal, but not entirely unexpected. All in all, I was very lucky and privileged to be ridiculously happy about this turn of events. After all, it gave me an opportunity to jump into the indie pattern scene without distraction.
So here we are. I am thrilled to announce the test call for my first pattern for women - Bessie Top.
The Bessie Top is my take onto a boxy tee. It has plenty of ease for a boxy look, but still provides for bust shaping through side darts. The top has exaggerated two-piece raglan sleeves, which add interest to the simple design.
View A is a woven t-shirt. It has a longer sleeve, which can be rolled up if desired and a high-low hem. The neckline is finished with a bias binding.
View B is a button-up shirt with a two-piece collar. The sleeve is slightly shorter on this version, and the hem is straight.
The top was drafted with lightweight linen or cotton in mind. Light to medium weight fabrics work well with this pattern. Think linen, cotton (voile, seersucker, poplin, shirting, gauze), hemp, viscose or rayon. Lighter weight fabrics will add more drape, whereas heavier fabrics will result in a more structured garment.
At this time I am offering sizes US 0-20. It is my hope to expand my size range, so if you find you need a bigger size please do let me know. I would love to know there is a demand for it!
The testing will run from Friday, July 24 to Monday August 10, 2020. You will have two full weekends to sew the pattern. The testing will be done through Facebook, but if you prefer to communicate via email I am okay with that.
If you would like to test this pattern, then fill out the application below and I will get back to you before July 24.
Thank you so much for considering testing for me!
xoxo,
Anya
P.S. I have changed up the hem of the two views, so that my shirt has a high-low hem and my top has a straight hem.