One of the benefits of maintaining a blog is that I can easily check back on old projects.  I’ve just sewn the Tessuti Valerie top for the second time.  Thanks to this blog, I know that the first time that I sewed it was in January 2013!

I am forced to confront the passage of time when I check back though – I looked so much thinner and younger then – probably because I was! It’s just what you’d expect; most people really start to show the ageing process once they hit their mid forties. And now I’m fifty.  And SO much has happened over that time.

So, back to the top. I sewed size Medium, the same as when I first sewed it in 2013. This is a simple style, very forgiving of circumferential changes. From the pattern website: This sleeveless Valerie Top Sewing Pattern is loose and comfortable, ideal for a cool summer top and features gathered side darts on front and back, the gathered sides sits just under the bust line. Ideal for fabrics with weight and drape eg: silk crepe de chine, rayon, double georgette and silk/cotton voiles. 

I tend not to follow Tessuti’s instructions to use Vilene shields around the neckline and armholes to keep them from stretching out of shape.  I generally use fusible stay tape instead.  I’m also not a purist in applying the neckline and armhole bindings, generally altering the application method a bit to suit personal preference and the properties of the fabric.  That said, I did pretty much follow the instructions in constructing this top.

This beautiful crinkled linen (well, I think it’s linen, but it could be cotton or a blend) came to me via a friend – I suspect that it was from Tessuti’s remnant table.  There was just enough of it to eke out this top. There are two thread colours in the weave, and rather than thread matching either of them I attempted to match the colour that the fabric read overall.

This pattern would work nicely in a dress length (actually, it would be a great summer nightdress). It’s roomy through the body, doesn’t slip off shoulders, doesn’t show bra straps. Very cool and comfortable for summer.