This weeks Crafty Bloggers Club post is from Laura, you can find more of her makes on Instagram @thespeckyseamstress and on her vlog here!

I can't be the only one that gets drawn to the bright and bold prints when I'm browsing a fabric shop, right?  Particularly when I'm shopping online, solid colours don't naturally fall into my basket - and if I am really honest with you even the solid colour fabrics I do have in my stash struggle to find their way onto my cutting table.  But you know what, it's always a plain top or skirt I am looking for when I've got a bold print separate to wear and the solid colour basics I have are always in heavy rotation - so I thought it was time I added another 'basic' (with a twist) to my wardrobe.  

 

 

I say basic with a twist because I foiled my own plan to make a true basic top with the Cashmerette Montrose top pattern in this gorgeous Super Soft Black Linen.  I just can't help it - but hey who said basics have to be boring?!  That isn't in my style book and I just couldn't resist making a cute patch pocket.  It was actually my husband's idea to make a cat pocket - I was going to add an embroidered patch pocket with daisies but he said this was 'more me' and I think he might just be right!  The linen pressed beautifully making the addition of the pocket a simple one.

   

 

When the fabric arrived I could think of a million projects to make with it - it really is a versatile one - I think I might buy some more to replace a pair of shorts that had an unfortunate incident with some paint recently - it's a lovely mid weight that would be just as happy as separates on top or bottom or as a dress or jumpsuit - somehow has enough body and drape to work for a lot of uses.  

 

 

The Montrose top is just an all round good basic to have.  I've struggled to find a good set in sleeve woven basic tee style top that works for my body and now I've got this in my repertoire, I cannot wait to make several more! I've made the Size 18 C/D cup and other than a narrow shoulder adjustment, haven't changed anything.  It's the first time I've made a Cashmerette pattern but I might just pop off to buy a few more because I think I need all the Upton Dresses and Lenox Dresses too now!!  I've mashed the views together a little - I went for a scoop neck and short sleeves, used the plain back and omitted the keyhole back detail - you don't need it to get it on and off and I didn't want anything fussy. 

 

I did add cuffs because I think it made it a little more casual, which fits the patch pocket detail well!  With the design I've chosen it's a really speedy sew too - so it will be nice and easy to whizz up the many versions I want to add to my wardrobe!! 

 

The pattern includes a piece to cut your own bias tape, but I used some that I made in scraps to add a little pop of colour to the inside - you could easily use ready made binding too!  

 

 

I'm loving how the plain fabric makes this top rally versatile in my wardrobe - I can see it being paired with colourful or pared down long sleeves and roll neck tops in winter right through to a pair of fun shorts in summer.  

 

So even if you're a print lover like me - take a moment to appreciate the solid colour fabrics out there and maybe get some into your wardrobes! 

 

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“Crafty Bloggers Club Contributors are given products and materials to test from Crafty Sew&So. We hope you enjoy their honest and impartial reviews of the products. All opinions are their own.”