I wish that I’d taken better photos of this top on Clare – because it’s really lovely, and she’s worn it heaps. The lighting in these photos does nothing good for Clare or the top!

Clare loves a bit of shirring in her clothing. She likes the fit flexibility that it provides, and the comfort. I am always a bit reticent to sew shirred clothing however. Not because the process of shirring is difficult – it’s just lots of straight rows – but because my sewing machine does not like shirring elastic at all. I have to fiddle a great deal with the bobbin case tension to get it working properly, then fiddle again when I am finished to return it to normal. Many of my friends’ machines have no issues with shirring elastic; it’s a trial and error situation to see how yours copes.

Clare wore this top to the beach the day that VCE results came out last year and forgot to apply sunscreen – she still has a neckline square from this top of darker skin on her back where she got sunburnt!

The pattern is Victory Patterns Sofia Dress and Top. From the pattern website: SOFIA is a wonderful mix of pretty and comfortable, featuring an elasticized, shirred bodice that allows for easy fit and wear. You will find full instructions on how to sew shirring. Choose from three garment styles along with several sleeve options, which can be mixed and matched to create several looks. The dress features a waist-length bodice and an A-line skirt with optional pockets and lining. Two top options are also included, allowing you to make a crop with a small ruffle hem, or a peplum top with a larger ruffle hem. Pair them with your favorite high waisted skirt or pants. Choose from four sleeve styles: Sleeves 1 & 2 are similar in style, featuring an elasticated puff shoulder and ruffled hem. Sleeve 1 is cap length, and Sleeve 2 is Elbow length. Sleeve 3 is a bishop sleeve with an elasticated puff shoulder and rows of shirring at the wrist. Sleeve 4 is a bias-cut bell sleeve that is accompanied by a shoulder strap, designed to ensure coverage of bra straps. Lightweight fabric with a soft drape: Cotton, gingham, broadcloth, rayon, linen, single gauze, crepe.

There are two size ranges for the pattern, 0-18 and 14-30. I used a printed rayon remnant from The Cloth Shop for Clare’s top – it shirred beautifully.

Clare chose the bell sleeve with shoulder strap option, to better keep the sleeves on her shoulders and provide more bra strap coverage. I also sewed some shoulder strap keepers on the inside for extra security.

There aren’t all that many pattern pieces in this garment but it takes plenty of time to get that shirring done. The magic really happens when you hit the rows of shirring with a steam iron; it contracts into a whole lot of lovely little gathered bubbles.  There’s elastic threaded through channels near both the top and bottom of the bodice for additional security and structure.

The little hemline ruffle is really pretty. I have another of these tops half-constructed at the moment (yes, I stopped when it was time to shir) that was initially planned for Stella, but will now end up with Clare due to Stella’s style changes. Honestly, if my sewing machine was more cooperative I would shir so many more things! There are extensive instructions and tips about shirring included in the pattern by the way.

This is a pretty pattern with great instructions. Recommended.