Pattern testing

Seychelles, the epitome of the easy top

Simplicity is key in this top. No closure, you just put it on and off you go. I like that Kennis has a nice collection of easy tops such as the Busan for knit or the Melrose for wovens.

Seychelles offers a V neck finished by a facing topstitched from the outside. Darts shape the bust area. You can choose between two sleeve lengths: short sleeves with pleats or long sleeves with a button loop at the cuffs.

That’s a real beginner-friendly pattern.

What type of fabric for Seychelles?

I think that a lightweight fabric with enough drape will be perfect. Otherwise, you’ll end up with something close to scrubs.

Some Liberty lawn, double gauze, viscose, even a cotton-silk blend, would lake a dreamy top. I had this silky charmeuse I mistakenly added to my cart on the Minerva website. When I got it, I was like “well, not my type. How on Earth did I order that???”.

But, actually, I really like it with the Seychelles top.

Alterations

I lowered the bust darts a good inch or nearly.

I slightly shortened the length. I tend to wear my knit tops over my bottoms whereas my woven tops are worn tucked in so I need more length for a little blousy effect, but not as long as the drafted length.

With such a length you can wear it fully or half tucked in.

Tips for tricky fabrics!

This charmeuse was just untameable: slippery, static +++, etc.

First step: spray starching it. I used my old faithful spray starch and things went more easily afterwards.

Second step: using a rotary cutter. Less shifting of fabric.

Third step: using a thin needle (size 70 or 80).

Fourth step: this one depends on your sewing machine. I lowered the pressure of my pressure foot down to 2. If you can’t, try using a walking foot.

And, last but not least, my favorite lazy trick: instead of basting the outer edge of the facing before topstitching it, I used some Wondertape lengths. So easy!