When COVID-19 started to make an impact in Australia, I asked my friend Rachael, who is a nurse (and also a PhD doctor – she’s a clever cookie!) if she’d like a new scrub top for work. She said yes!

Rachael is a classic dresser. I knew that she wouldn’t want anything garish or brightly printed. Her work pants are navy. Knowing that whatever I sewed would need to withstand hot washing temperatures, but also be comfortable for a busy shift on the ward, I decided on linen. I had enough navy linen remnants in my stash to eke out all the pieces, in combination with the remnants of a subtly printed Japanese cotton that my sister-in-law had brought back from Japan for me a few years ago.

Jalie had offered the Eliane scrub top pattern at no cost for a short period of time early in the pandemic, and it proved to be the perfect pattern for Rachael. When I sent her a screenshot of the pattern her comment was ‘no wonder she’s smiling so broadly – check out all the pockets!’ Jalie describe it as mock wrap neck scrub top with princess seams, a style easy to adjust achieve a perfect fit. Short sleeves, yokes, elastic in the small of the back and side vents for a shaped, but comfortable top. Two double patch pockets big enough everything you need to carry.

I cut the pattern in accordance with Rachael’s measurements – I can’t remember now what size it was, but her proportions fitted perfectly into a single size – then had some fun doing tetris to get the pattern pieces out. There are actually three every so slightly different shades of navy linen in this top.  Rachael is rather tall, but I didn’t add any length to the pattern.  This version was intended to be a ‘wearable muslin’.

It wasn’t a quick sew, but was a very enjoyable one. There are lots of pieces and lovely details., and it’s always a joy to sew with linen.  The neckline doesn’t actually wrap across – it’s all sewn in place. The elastic at the back waistline really adds to a comfortable fit. And the pockets!

The pockets are a double layer, and there are pen/scissor channels stitched in each of them as well. The side seam vents allow for movement. It really does seem as though Jalie thought of everything when designing this scrub top!

I managed to get Rachael to send me a few action shots, and to give me feedback on how it was in wear and what might need changes next time.

She was ecstatic about the pockets, as they meant that she didn’t need to wear the ‘utility’ belt that she usually wears to hold all the bits and pieces that she needs to have with her. She did say that it could do with a loop for her to attach her hospital ID card to, as it is used constantly to open cupboards/drawers etc so needs to be easily accessible. Rachael would also like the neckline made about half an inch higher. She’d still be able to get it on and off easily, but there would be less chance of her patients seeing more than intended as she bends over them to care for them.

Apparently her colleagues were pretty impressed with her new top too, so I feel rather chuffed! It was lovely sewing something so specific for a friend who really needed it. I really enjoyed making sure that it would not only be practical but would fit with her style and aesthetic.  As it turns out this ‘wearable muslin’ is pretty close to perfect!