Unlike the last two garments I showed you, when I put on this top I sighed a definite YES.

When I went to Sewjourn recently, all four of us decided to sew our own version of the Marilla Walker Maya top. It’s been around for a few years now, and I had to admit that I had passed it over due to it’s simplicity. That was really short-sighted of me!

Because really, simple shapes are my jam. Yes I like interesting details, or fabulous fabrics, but the clothing that I feel the best in is usually quite straightforward.

From the pattern website:  The Maya pattern takes its influence from my Central American mother and family. It is a kimono/cap sleeve dress or top that is designed to hang well from the shoulders and have a wide fit from the bust down, much like a traditional Guatemalan Huipil. It is intended to be playful and fun and can really showcase an amazing fabric, whether that be a bold print or luscious fibre.

Although relatively simple in design, the variations are endless and there are several lengths to choose from ranging from a cropped top to a knee length dress with a hip length top and shorter dress length in-between. Other variants include a straight or shaped hem, button or plain front as well as an option for a sash belt.

The construction is straight forward and creates a tidy finish as you work through the instructions leaving no raw edges in sight.

FABRIC SUGGESTIONS – Light to medium weight woven fabric.

I sewed size 7, which was closest to my bust measurement, but could have gone down to size 6.  The fabrics are linen scraps from stash, and the choice of colours and the contrasting bottom panel were entirely depending on the size of the scraps.  I really like the colour combination. The yellow linen was originally used to sew the Style Arc Lola pants I’m wearing with the top, and a brown pair that is also still in my wardrobe).  I really do like working with linen.  Essentially this is view A, without the front pocket, and with a curved front and back hemline.  I cut the pattern at the shorten/lengthen line to divide it for colour blocking (and remembered to add seam allowances when I cut it out).  The instructions have you finish the curved hem before sewing together the side seams, which is an excellent tip that gives a very nice finished result. All the topstitching is done in brown thread.

This is a look that I feel very comfortable in.  It’s more ‘me’.