I'm so excited to be the featured fabric shop in this months In a Haystack pack. In a Haystack is a digital sewing subscription pack which has a pdf pattern, a discount code for a fabric shop, sewing articles and other treats. At just £10 a month it is great value for money! Take a look at their website for more details https://inahaystack.co.uk/
The PDF pattern this month was The Anya Basic by Pipe Dream Patterns. You can make a dress, top or bodysuit with either a normal or cowl neckline - it's very versatile!
I made the top version with the normal neckline in some of our Grey Shapes Viscose Jersey. This jersey is lovely and soft with a beautiful drape (it would look fantastic made up into the cowl neck version!).
I struggled to decide what size to sew up because my bust measurement put me in an XL, but after speaking to Joann of Pipe Dream Patterns she suggested a small or medium because of the negative ease in the pattern. I settled on a medium and graded out to a large at the waist and hips as I don't like anything too tight across my middle.
I cut the top out using my rotary cutter rather than scissors - oh my goodness this is so much easier and I think more accurate! I then stay stitched around the neckline and armholes to help prevent them from stretching out whilst sewing the top together.
I stitched the top together on my sewing machine and then used my overlocker to finish the edges. The neck and arm bands were a dream to attach, they fitted perfectly without having to make any adjustments to the length of them.
Once the neck and arm bands were on I stitched around the main fabric close to the band with a zigzag stitch to hold the bands flat in place.
I've already worn this top a couple of times since finishing it and I have plans to make a cowl neck version very soon.
Next time I will make a size small and grade out to a large at the waist.
I've created a collection of fabrics which I think would be perfect for this pattern, especially for the cowl neck version - https://sewsewsew.co.uk/collections/pipe-dream-patterns-the-anya-basic
Happy Sewing!
Katie x