Do you have special pieces of fabric that you hoard, waiting for the perfect pattern?  I bought a few batik rayon sarongs when I was in Bali a few year ago.  I’ve sewn a couple of them, but this one was my favourite.  The perfect green, with spots.  A wonderful drape for a top.  I needed to choose something that was just right.  Then the Closet Case Patterns Cielo Top and Dress pattern appeared.

Although it was the lantern sleeves of the top on the right that initially drew me to this pattern, I knew that I would only have enough fabric for short.  Luckily, there are a few pattern options included.

The pattern website describes this pattern as follows: Part of our Rome Collection, the Cielo Dress & Top is an easy, breezy take on a boxy tee and shift dress. Loaded with interesting details and interchangeable features, it will fast become a wardrobe building favourite.  Choose between a semi-cropped top with a cuffed short sleeve (View A) or dramatic gathered long sleeve (View B). Or, make an easy fitting dress with sleek inseam pockets (View C), or without pockets (View D). All views have a slightly dropped shoulder, angled shoulder yoke and roomy fit, with a choice between an elegant bias binding or faced neckline finish.

So, there were lots of options that I liked.  Boxy, but with some bust darts.  Cuffed short sleeve.  Easy fitting, with a roomy fit.  Semi-cropped isn’t my style, but that’s easily fixed – just add length!  So I measured myself, checked out the sizing options on the back of the pattern envelope, and cut out size 16 with a C cup.  You know where this is heading, don’t you!

Well, I love the finished top. The neckline facing sits beautifully, the added length with wide hem is also terrific, and it is really well drafted. It’s just two sizes too large for me. And I used up every single scrap sewing this! But I’m lucky – there was a special person who wanted it. My mum!

And isn’t it just great on her! I also sewed her the linen pants that she’s wearing. It’s a lovely colour on mum, and on her you can see how it is meant to fit.

Boxy and easy fitting is not the same thing as ‘just too big’. Personal preference obviously plays into how you feel about this, but you can see that the neckline is well proportioned on Mum, the drop shoulders are in a better spot, and overall it just looks good! Now that’s what I call a great save – just give it to the right person.

And you haven’t seen the last of this pattern – I’ve just sewn up the short sleeved dress – in my size!  And I still plan to sew something with those wonderful lantern sleeves.  And maybe there will be another top for Mum at some stage!