Today I look forward to sharing with you this sweet little top pattern, Allie by Violette Field Threads. It’s simple construction and versatility make it a terrific little project for our hot Australian weather!

Allie Top

 

The top features a flattering a-line shape which gives it almost a swing-top look. It includes a cute pintucked bodice, a keyhole back neckline and a simple necktie that ties into a bow. Don’t be worried if you’ve never tried sewing pintucks before, the instructions make it so easy to follow and you’ll soon be adding pintucks to lots of your other patterns.

Back keyhole neckline detail

 

This pattern doesn’t require a great deal of fabric plus the generous ease means you can avoid any complicated sizing issues that usually go hand in hand with close fitting woven clothing.

Allie is a very comfortable top to wear in the hot weather and looks great paired with a pair of shorts or tucked into a cute suspender skirt. It also looks adorable when worn with jeans and layered under a cardigan when Autumn arrives. With no buttons, zips or sleeves to worry about it’s one of the few patterns where I can honestly utter that smug statement – ‘I just whipped this up’.

Allie Top

 

Being a sleeveless pattern it uses pre-made bias binding to bind the raw edges of the armholes and back keyhole neckline, (a fancy way to say it hides the raw edges of the fabric). I like to make my own bias binding with a little extra fabric but this pattern would make a good introduction to sewing with shop brought bias binding if you’re new to sewing.

Sewing my homemade bias binding to the armholes

The finished bias binding after a good press with the iron

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This pattern also includes some very cute flat front shorts with the option of making a bow front version. I haven’t had the opportunity to sew these shorts yet but they’re on my very long sewing wish list.

I think this pattern would be even more versatile if you have the opportunity to lengthen it into a dress or make it more sun safe by adding some cute puff sleeves to it.

Pattern – Allie by Violette Field Threads
Seam allowance – half an inch
Layers – yes
Size range – 2 to 10yrs

Happy sewing 🙂

– Melissa F