This weeks Crafty Bloggers' Club post is from Lena.  You can find more of her makes on Instagram @thatlenaking

I was really pleased when Crafty Sew and So asked if I would like to do a blog post for them. Although I had seen some of their My Handmade Wardrobe patterns via Instagram, I had never used them, so this was a great opportunity to try something new.

I chose to make this Everyday Amazing Shift Dress and Top pattern because I love a design that gives you options. With this pattern you can make a dress or tunic, with sleeves, sleeveless or ruffled sleeved, a total of 7 options! I decided to make a tunic top with sleeves and no ruffles this time. I have a lot of dresses but I liked the idea of a longer length top to wear over skinny jeans and this was just right.

Choosing what fabric to use was tricky. I wanted something floaty and in a print so my eyes naturally went to the viscoses on the website and I chose this beautiful "Vivian Floral" viscose poplin fabric with a beautiful floral design on a black background.

Now, I have to be honest, I don't like working with viscose. I find it slippery and shifty, easy to snag and it gets so creased easily. I'm also not sure that viscose suits me, I tend to prefer more structured fabrics on my body, but this print was hard to resist! My plan was to make a long sleeved blouse that could take me through the seasons, loose fitting enough to be layered over a close fitting top as well as being light enough to wear alone on warm days and I think I got just that with this pattern and fabric combo.

The only change I made to the design was to go for bigger sleeves because it's all about the sleeves these days. I traced the sleeve piece and used the slash and spread method to widen them. I divided the length of the sleeve head by 6 and marked those intervals along the sleeve head. I did the same to the end of the sleeve and drew vertical lines to join the marks from the cuff to the sleeve head. I then spread the strips evenly until I was happy with the width and stuck this down on a piece of pattern paper and traced around it to make my new sleeve pattern. Google it, you'll find some great YouTube tutorials.

I turned up the hem sleeve and made a channel for elastic, I kept it fairly loose so I could comfortably slide it up or down my arm. The pattern was very easy to follow.

For the sleeveless versions there is facing for the bodice but for the versions with sleeves the neckline is finished with bias binding which is nice and easy. But I think that if I made another of these with viscose I'd quite like to use facing, I think it gives a cleaner finish. I used french seams throughout which I find great for light fabric such as viscose. I like the keyhole closure at the back.

I Love the whole shape of this top. The darts shape the bust area nicely. It's great having  a longer length top that skims the body and covers the booty but is still shapely!

It is such a simple, beginner friendly top but with great hacking potential. I did contemplate adding ruffles down the front of the top, will save that for another day! With the dress, tiers could be added for a comfortable maxi. Some thin ties could be added too to cinch in the waist.

I know I've made a top that I will love wearing and you'll be glad to hear that I didn't snag the beautiful fabric at all!

“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.”