My goodness, this is the fourth time that I’ve sewn the Tessuti Athina top, and all were sewn within a six month period! To refresh, this boxy style top features an extended shoulder and dropped sleeve. There are two length options available. Sizes range from XS (86 cm bust) to XL (106 cm bust).  And did I mention that the pattern is free?

I need to pull out the pattern to see what size I sewed – it was possibly the L.  Thisis the shorter length.  I have now done a forward shoulder alteration to this pattern, which works beautifully to stop the neckline from pulling back and choking me.  I really should consider this alteration as standard for me.  The older I get and the more time I spend on a computer screen (or sewing!) the more rounded my upper back and shoulders become.

So, to this fabric. It is vintage – very vintage, coming from June’s stash (June is the mother of one of my friends, who is now in a retirement village and generously passed much of her stash on to me when she moved). It is quite lightweight yet warm. After discussion with Kim from The Cloth Shop Ivanhoe we think that it is possibly wool challis. It’s ever so slightly scratchy, but that isn’t a problem when wearing it. And there’s definitely that wool smell when the fabric is pressed.

I don’t normally choose such small scale, delicate prints, but surprisingly I have worn this quite a bit. It is easily accessorised, and I feel good in it. And isn’t that what it’s all about!

How many Athina tops is too many? I don’t think I’ve yet reached peak Athina. Depending on the fabric choice it is a top that can be worn for much of the year. I reckon that a couple in something very lightweight would be good for sun protection in summer (although proper sun protection also requires a collar). Speaking of sun protection, I recently had my annual skin check, and for the second year in a row I didn’t need any lesions removed! I’m so pleased. Keep using that sunscreen, everyone!