Style Arc Courtney top
I had to scroll a long way back through the photos on my camera to figure out when I sewed this top. It was photographed at the beginning of November, and I know that it sat in the wardrobe for a while before I got around to taking photos of it! So at least six months ago.
I first sewed the Style Arc Courtney top in January 2020 in a woven fabric. The pandemic was really just beginning then; those days feel like a lifetime ago. Anyway, this time around I sewed it in a knit fabric, which is fairly stable.
A generous friend gave me this fabric; I have a feeling that it could be vintage. I really like the bold colours and the stylised flowers. It appears to be a pique knit, with plenty of texture knitted into it.
The Courtney top pattern has plenty of seams, which both add interest and very subtle shaping. There is the added benefit that the number of pattern pieces enables efficient fabric utilisation – I was able to tetris this top out of a limited length of fabric. You could also have lots of fun highlighting the seam lines; I chose to topstitch along many of them, but you could use piping or other decorative trim. You could also use more than one fabric, or play with directional prints. It’s a great pattern.
For reference, I sewed size 12 without alterations. This is my usual Style Arc top/dress size – I find them to be very consistent (when you take design ease into account). Construction was shared between the overlocker and the sewing machine.
Love your Courtney. I have sewn at least 6. It’s a nice pattern not boxy, and lends itself to lots of variations.
I’m not familiar with this pattern, but does have nice lines, it will be great for summer…..going to order it up. Yours is a beautiful make, great print.
Lovely top and great fabric! So glad you are back to blogging. What pants are you wearing with this top?
Barb
Beautiful fabric and pattern. It really suits you
So chic! I like the top and the fabric….and your necklace !
This looks a great top. Beautiful fabric.
This is so lovely and cheery! What a great top. Is it a bit like the Edith?
Hi Trish, I haven’t sewed the Edith, but from the line drawings I think they are quite different. The Ethel top is much boxier with different neckline and armhole treatment. The Courtney has some similarities to the Sian top.
Actually when I look at the back photos I can see it’s differences, with the yoke and shape. I haven’t sewed the Edith either but have wondered about it from time to time. Too lazy to stick bits of paper together!😁
Thanks for this. I have the pattern but have not sewn it up (yet).