Tessuti Hilary top with full sleeves
This top got an awful lot of love when I posted it on Instagram a few days ago. I first sewed the Tessuti Hilary top last year in printed silk, and it was one of the favourite things I’d sewn last year. Then Tessuti posted a tutorial for a sleeve ‘hack’ (I still don’t like the term as applied to pattern alterations and modifications – they’re done carefully!) of a shorter, fuller sleeve. Looked great! Maybe I could do something similar?
This is one of those times when I got the fabric and pattern combination just right for me. The fabric is printed rayon from Spotlight – I found it on the clearance table, so given that I’ve already used this pattern before, this garment is a very low cost garment (in terms of materials – my time is not factored in to the cost). This type of delicate and detailed print is not one that I usually wear, but the colour was just perfect and I figured that I’d still feel like ‘me’ in it. I knew that because I’d chosen to sew it in rayon I wouldn’t get the same ‘boofy’ sleeve as the top in Tessuti’s tutorial, but that was the look I was after. Fullness but not excessive volume.
I thought that many of you might find it helpful to see the modifications that I made to the pattern pieces. Here’s the sleeve:
I traced the sleeve pattern that I already had, then slashed and spread it according to the tutorial. I think that I made the measurement from the armhole to the hem a bit longer than they’d suggested. The top in the tutorial has the sleeve ending above the elbow; mine is obviously below but part of that is related to the fabric type, elastic length and where the sleeve ‘cuff’ is pushed up to (or not) on the arm.
I also made some modifications to the body, and I’ll show you those pattern pieces too. I added length, added width at the hemline, and lowered the front neckline (and the corresponding facing) by an inch. My previous version was just too ‘chokey’.
I wasn’t terribly scientific about the added width – I just measured out 5cm at the hemline, then another 5cm, and drew two lines that angled up to the armhole. Which line was used was likely to depend on what fitted on the fabric width. As it turned out I was able to use the 10cm line. This means that there was an additional 40cm added to the hemline width in total. I really like the way that it hangs and drapes at the sides.
This top could do with some bra keepers being added right beside that wide neckline. I have fairly narrow and rounded shoulders, and prefer not to expose my bra straps. I sewed size Large, because that’s the pattern size I’d used before and was suggested by my bust measurement, but I really could have sewn this in a Medium. However, it doesn’t feel too big when I’m wearing it.
The elastic at the top of the shoulders does stand up a little from the body – I may have made the casing a smidgen too tight and/or used elastic that was a smidgen too stiff. But it’s not a deal breaker. For the sleeve hem elastic I measured around my upper arm to get a guide, then inserted it, then adjusted until the measurement felt right on me. I didn’t really want the elastic to be tight around my arm; rather, I wanted it to act as more as a cuff.
I am extremely happy with these pattern modifications. I’ve now seen a few tops like this in the shops, and the recently released Friday Pattern Company Adrianna dress also has this type of sleeve treatment and a similar silhouette to my modified Hilary. It’s not difficult to sew, yet looks a bit out of the ordinary. I’d like to give this pattern one more go in something crisper to really get the boofy sleeve effect, but that will probably wait until next summer. There is already a to sew pile developing in my sewing room in anticipation of autumn and winter!
It’s gorgeous on you.
This is really lovely.
It doesn’t look too big, it looks elegant and flow-y
Stunning. I love this type of top.
Goodness, this is so flattering on you! I’ve followed you and your lovely family for years so I’ve seen everything you’ve made and I honestly think this is the best look ever! You look much taller in this. When tunics cover that too part of the leg it makes it appear that the legs are long, nobody can see where the top of your legs end. It also helps to give it that bit of swing and the side dips. You just look fabulous!
I too think you look fabulous in this outfit, love, love, love the wonderful sleeves. Well done.
P.S. also love your travelogues.
Great looking top
Very nice, and the colour really does suit you.
This is a really lovely top. Thank you very much for giving detailed information about the modifications you made. I will seriously consider buying this pattern now that I’ve seen what you’ve done.
Nice
perfection, looks fantastic on you.
OMG- I love this! The style, the drape, the color, all look really good on you. I would have never considered this pattern as is but with your modifications I definitely want to make it. And a soft rayon is perfect. Thanks for all the extra needed explanations. And yes, you most certainly do look thinner. Also, I want to thank you for your expanded notes. They take me to places I’d never know to go & give me unexpected sewing ideas.
Absolute perfection.
Very nice , I had never considered thus because of the gathering around the waist but you version is very nice and looks very good with your narrow pants .well done
Love the sleeves!!!
WOW. This top looks so pretty, without being over the top. It’s gorgeous, looks great with those slim leg pants. 👌👌