Since discovering Designer Stitch sewing patterns, I’ve realised you can wear fitted clothes and enjoy your shape, no matter what it is.

That’s a bold statement but sewing can make appreciate your shape and size that you are today.

This Linley top and dress is really simple. No zipper needed, just a simple front tie. There’s no complex neckline. Just a simple boat neck finished with bias. The sleeves are built into the top. You can use inexpensive soft wovens or splash out using silk.

You have so much choice to make this your very own version.

The black and white print showed me the back needed a sway back adjustment. I chose size 5 and shortened the hem by 3 cm. Sewing the front folds was my only challenge on the first top. My test top was not the best fabric choice but it did show me how the instructions Ann provides are super helpful. Her pattern drafting works so well.

In my enthusiasm, I cut out this silk dress version and it fit like a glove. I did need to raise the skirt hem slightly because this dress is designed to finish above the knee.

Love it.

Since I made the sway back adjustment I made a second top using Minerva fabric. It’s a polyester silk charmeuse with a brilliant print. This is like having a white top to pair with dark trousers. Having the waist tie helps keep this top comfortable to wear. The fabric is easy to work with and manipulate with the pleats on this top. I was also able to get the points on the tie to be sharp.

I like how this fabric is easy to care for and drapes nicely. I’m tempted to make this fabric into the dress but I feel it’s a wee bit too see through for me so I’ll look for another top pattern to make another style from this fun print.

Since sewing these versions, I wear these tops all the time.