I really am enjoying trying out different pattern designers.  One of my recent makes was the Day Tripper top by Shwin Designs.  The pattern description is as follows:

The loose comfortable and relaxed top is an easy to wear top with both long and short sleeve options. The pattern includes optional in seam pockets, optional shoulder epaulets. The loose dolman sleeve fit is designed to be loose and flowing through the bust and a slimmer fit through the hip.

The pattern may be made using knit or woven fabrics for multiple style options.

I did have to make a small modification though.  Here’s the before photo:

Look, no hands! I cut off the cuffs and cut around five inches from the length of the sleeves, then re-attached them. All good!

I made this in size Large, which has a finished bust measurement of 45″. It is meant to be roomy, and this also corresponded pretty much with the recommended size for my bust measurement. There are three lengths marked on the pattern, and I cut this top off at 24″ length which was the shortest of the three. Makes sense given my height. As you would expect, it was a very simple top to sew, especially since I left out the pockets. I used my usual knit construction method. After stabilising the shoulder seams, I sewed one shoulder seam, applied the neckband, then sewed the other shoulder seam. Sleeves were set in, then the sleeve and side seam sewn in one pass. The sleeve cuffs and hem band were added at the end. I topstitched the neckband with a twin needle to ensure that it sat nicely.

The fabric is a beautifully soft knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics – and yes, I did find it on the $2 per metre table! I had actually been stalking it for a little while at the regular price, so I pounced when it appeared on the discount table. I just wish that there was more of it – there was only enough for this top.

Recently I have been enjoying a couple of new to me blogs, 40+ Style and Not Dead Yet Style. I don’t normally follow style and fashion blogs – other than the myriad of sewing blogs that I read, of course! – but these two have proved to be quite inspirational.  Not Dead Yet Style includes Visible Monday, where women share outfits that make them feel visible.  I thought that it was time that I took part – so this is my outfit for Visible Monday!

The pants are Style Arc Elle pants in ponte (made by me some time last year), the pink scarf was knitted by Mum, and the ankle boots are from Diana Ferrari.  A relaxed and casual outfit that to me feels a step up from tracksuit pants and windcheater.