adult's clothing, sewing, tessuti patterns

Tessuti Judy Top

I am generally quite a fan of Tessuti patterns on me.  They are generally simple shapes, and seem to fit my short, rounded, middle-aged body type quite well.  I usually have success when I choose styles from their range that are not fitted and don’t have waist definition – luckily, there are quite a few of those.

Tessuti Judy top in linen with Liberty rouleau button loops

This is the Tessuti Judy Top, in linen from Tessuti. It actually came to me via Anna – she had cut it out but lost some weight before sewing it up, so she passed it on to me. I’m always happy to take on lovely linen like this one! She’d also bought lovely Liberty bias rouleau for the button loops. All I had to do was sew the whole top up.

Tessuti Judy top in linen with Liberty rouleau button loops

I don’t really remember what size this was cut out at: I suspect the Large, but it could have been the Medium.  Tessuti describe this pattern as follows: The Judy Top pattern is a loose top with multi button rouleau detail, drop shoulders and a curved hemline that sits just past the waist. The Judy Top is best worn over sleeveless dresses and tops as a simple, stylish accompaniment with pants or long skirts.  The Judy Top is best made up in light to medium weight linen and cottons, textured cottons or wool crepe. This pattern can be lengthened at the hem.

Tessuti Judy top in linen - button loop detail

The button loops are wedged between the outer fabric and a facing, and there is a placket that extends under the button loops from the button side so there is no chance of gaping once all the buttons are done up. This is a simple top to construct – there is just the front, back and the button placket. The front edges are finished with the button placket on one side and facings, hems are finished by being double turned and stitched, and the neckline is finished with bias applied like a facing. You do need to have patience and precision applying those button loops and then sewing on all the buttons!

Tessuti Judy top in linen with Liberty rouleau button loops

This is the part where I say that this top is a complete dud on me. The shoulder seams are very curved, and as soon as I lift my arms this happens:

Tessuti Judy top in linen with Liberty rouleau button loops

No. Just no. It looks fine if I keep my arms straight at my sides, and would probably look fine worn over something else, but as it is this has never been worn and is now in the “give-away” wardrobe.  It might work on someone else, but it doesn’t work on me.

Tessuti Judy top in linen with Liberty rouleau button loops

I won’t be using this pattern again.