I first sewed the Style Arc Ethel top way back in 2015. I sewed it a second time shortly after, then a third time in 2017. And despite my regular wardrobe purges, I still wear all three of those tops regularly in warmer weather. It’s a style that has been forgiving of my size changes, and it continues to be a valued wardrobe separate. I also continue to wear the Style Arc Ethel pants that I sewed at the same time.

This time around I sewed it from a remnant of hand-woven Thai cotton; I’m finally getting closer to the bottom of my Thailand souvenir stash. The number of seams in the pattern make it easy to tetris onto smaller remnants. You could also have lots of fun piecing this together from contrasting fabrics (hmmm, I have some linen that might work for next summer). I topstitch along the angled front and back seamlines for some extra detail and to stabilise.

This top has lovely wide facings to finish the neckline, hemline and armholes. The armhole one is a bit tricky the first time that you sew it so take your time. There’s only a tiny seam in the facing joining the front and back. Actually, I just discovered that Style Arc now have a tutorial for the neck and armholes. I chose not to interface any of the facings this time around.

From the Style Arc website: This gorgeous boxy shaped top with angled design lines gives your wardrobe a new and fashionable look. The wide facings give this top structure and style. This pattern has been cleverly drafted to cover the top of the arms whilst not losing any of the design elements. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Linen, Crepe, Silk, light wool.

This pattern is such a winner for me. I love the resulting top, and there will definitely be more.

And once again, I’m wearing it with Stokx Square pants!