pattern tester roundup

Linley Top Dress Pattern Tester Roundup Part 1

Posted on by Ann Grose

Good day to you all my lovelies – and thank you for coming over to see all of what is STUNNING about our rockstar roadies and their Linley Top and Dress makes.

To say that everyone is STUNNING is probably an understatement on my behalf.

Each of our fabulous pattern testers as made their Linley as a statement for their own personal style.

Their choice of fabrics for the Linley speak for themselves. We had a mix from gorgeous bold solid colors to a myriad of prints.

And some of our roadies cut their Linley’s as a dress length which again reflects how versatile this pattern is.

 

So, a resounding WOOT WOOT for our pattern tester roundups – part 1 of the Linley Top and Dress.
And as usual our roadies would like to share with you all the following:
1. Their name and where they live?
2. What fabric combinations did you choose and where did you purchase.
3. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Linley?
4. What was your style choice for the Linley?
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Linley?
6. Have you worn your Linley yet and what compliments did you receive.
7. Any plans for future combinations of the Linley?
And the finer details; (AU/UK) 6 – 30 (US) 2 – 26 (EU) 34 – 58
Cup sizes – A, B, C, D and DD
On Sale for a limited time only – $9.85
Very Confident Advanced Beginner and Above Sewing level.

Linley Top and Dress

I’m Sarah and I live in the UK, I used a cotton fabric for my Linley which I purchased it from ABC Fabrics in the UK. This is a lovely sew, my top tips would be to ensure you mark your pleats accurately and pin well before sewing. I chose to make the top length version but I’m currently cutting out a dress length version in a viscose/rayon as its such a gorgeous pattern and the other testers dress versions are so perfect. I graded from a size 5 B cup bust to a size 6 waist and hips. I’ve worn my Linley to work paired with some simple black trousers and received lots of compliments. My bright pink version also pairs well with my white cropped jeans as a great summer look, which Im looking forwards to wearing on holiday.
Hi, I’m Luana, and I live in Raleigh, NC, in the US.
For my Linley Dresses I used very slippery fabrics from my stash. One silky feeling and the other probably a light satin.
I chose the dress version of the pattern to which I applied my usual alterations: sway-back adjustment and tapered at the top of the center back. For dresses I went for a shorter length than what described in the pattern; I cut off 4 inches from one dress and 5 from the other.
My advice in sewing the Linley is to be careful when cutting on the bias, the fabric can really grow a lot, so make sure you ease it back to make it match when sewing the pieces together.
I already worn my Linley dresses, I love how comfortable, fresh and stylish they are!
I have to try the top version next!
Hello, HOLA, my name is MACU, I am Spanish and my home town is located in the South East by the coast.
I love pattern testing for @designerstitch and I am thrilled to be in this wonderful group where I learn everyday.
I love the desing of LINLEY (blouse or dress), it’s original and the fit is SUPER. I love the side knot because I find it femenine and alive.
The fabric is red crepe bought last november for my LUANA dress, however I wasn’t ready to sew crepe and it went to my stash.
link to the fabric at the end
This time I had a TIP I wanted to try with fabric that threatened to be difficult: use of EDIBLE GELATIN (jelly), so I soaked the fabric in water in wich I had added two jelly sheets (the Jelly I bought came in sheets) and let it air-dry. And it worked perfectly and I could handle and sew easily and after washing the fantastic drape came back alive.
For the photo shoot I went to one of my fav locations , where I feel home (well in fact it’s only 15′ walk from my apartment), where I can breathe and I feel relaxed and happy, The ligthhouse can be spotted in some pictures.
Every one loves my red LINLEY, but I love it more becouse makes me feel confortable yet sexy.
You have probably been hearing a lot of Spain ️lately as we won the European Football championship (also tennis slam and ⛳️ golf), well, we call our team the RED (la Roja), and we usually dress RED for the matches so… I wore my RED LINLEY and got many WOWs ♥️
Here you can find the fabric link:
https://www.tejidosyasmina.com/…/6959-13546-crepe…
Hi everyone, I am Marieke and I am from the Netherlands.
Well, what could I say more then do yourself a favor and make yourself some Linley’s!
This new pattern is just fun and I love it!
It’s not only stylish but also a pretty quick make. The most difficult part was choosing between my fabrics lol.
Although I have plenty fabrics laying around I was also curious about the new fabric shop that has opened near my town. So I bought a couple of beautiful fabrics at
Zijlstra Stoffen and used two of them for my Linley top and dress. The top is a cotton sateen and the dress a chameuse. Both absolutely great options for making this pattern.
Anyways, again, just do yourself a favor, feel gorgeous and stylish in your own Linley!
You can follow me if you like on insta too: https://www.instagram.com/jongdesign
Hi, I am Synthia, a long time DS tester as I love all the DS designs. I wasn’t sure of the Linley design and how it would look at the mid-section. But I LOVE it, the front pleats do a great job of hiding any imperfections, lol, Ann always knows best with her designs. I at first was going to sew up the top version, but I had enough of this beautiful charmeuse fabric to make a dress. I did my usual DS pattern grading to get a proper fit. In using silky type fabric most of the time French seams are needed, as I did here. Since my serger is out again, French seams it was. One tip I recommend when sewing the dress version as I did, leave the length a bit longer because when dress is all finished and the side tied, you can get a better idea on proper hemming. Careful tying the side too tight as it will cause unwanted creases in back. I love my Linley and will wear it for a fun day out. https://sewsynsewn.blogspot.com… sewsynsewn on FB
Hello, I’m Ashley R from London. Today, I’m here to talk about the new Linley top and dress pattern—it’s amazing! I used a soft woven peachskin fabric from @abcfabric to make mine, so as you can tell, this pattern is for woven fabrics.
I would always recommend making a test fit first in an old fabric of the same weight as your final choice to see if you need to make any adjustments. I shortened the length a little and also made a small back adjustment, taking the back neck in a bit to sit flat. I styled Linley with a pair of jeans; this top can be worn as everyday wear or dressed up with some heels for the dress option. I’ve worn mine out for lunch and received lots of compliments. I plan to make the dress next, as it will be perfect for summer with some sandals.
Hello Lovelies, this is Brenda from the Netherlands.
For this test I made 4 tops, 1 for my bestie, 2 original versions for myself and 1 hacked version for myself. All versions are made with a cotton fabric, the weights went from voile to a light poplin.
I initially didn’t plan for the hacked one, but I had a little piece left from a dress I previously made and thought the shirt would fit, it didn’t, so I made it without the bow. Most, if not all fabrics are from www.driessenstoffen.nl
I think the shirts are fantastic for everyday wear, they are dressed enough for an office day, but are also perfect if you just have to bring your kids to school.
Love Brenda
Hey my name is Candice. I live in Townsville, Australia. I decided to do two dresses. One in rayon and the other in a cotton poplin. Both were purchased from spotlight Australia. My best tip would be to take your time with the pleats and matching up the front slit as it will take time to match everything perfectly. I decided to add the back darts to both dresses to give it a bit of shape and also cut off 3 inches from the bottom to create the perfect length. I haven’t been able to wear my dresses out yet as it’s a bit too cold at the minute however they will definitely get their wear in the summer. I would love to do another dress in a red rayon as I just loved how the red top that Macu did turned out.
The sunflower rayon: https://www.spotlightstores.com/…/BP80530838-multicoloured
The floral cotton poplin has been discontinued.
 Hi, I’m Caroline from Belgium, living in Brussels. I made this Linley in a treasured viscose I bought some years ago when I decided I should start to sew more (wovens) for myself, instead of only for the kids. It was finally time to cut it up and I am so happy with it.
As sewing tip I would say: mind the pleats. But that’s about it, as Linley is such an easy sew! The testing call came on 1 week before my holiday. I had told myself to keep it easy, no more sewing. Just work, kids and holiday preparation. But I couldn’t resist ofcourse I chose the top, for now, as I really need some tops. And I chose the back center seam and back darts, as I have a small swayback. With these options, I didn’t even have to do a swayback adjustment. I only needed to grade for my size and lower the darts, which I always need to do , and it’s a perfect fit.
I wore my Linley a few times before leaving on holiday and my friends love it. Actually, I started wearing it straight of the sewing table, I am totally in love with this design! It elevates every outfit . And I decided to take it with me on holiday. It’s such a fun top that looks sophisticated, while being a breeze to wear. I have another top which I wasn’t able to wear yet, also in a viscose, from the latest SYAS collection. I will be happy to start to wear that one too.
I don’t want my holiday to end, as always it goes by way too quick quickly. I was counting the months to be here in the South of Italy, and it doesn’t disappoint. Yet I do find myself making plans for more Linley ‘s every evening. Thinking up fabric combinations for another top and for a dress. I look forward to making them a lot!
1. Your name and where you live ? Hi! I’m Grace from Singapore!
2. What fabric combinations did you choose and where did you purchase – make sure you add affiliate link to fabric seller if you are able
I used Rayon for both my top and dress. The top fabric is from Taobao and dress fabric is from Robert Kaufman. Definitely use a fabric like rayon as it brings out the soft pleats.
3. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Linley ?
Make sure to transfer all markings before sewing, especially the ones for the pleats. Ironing! Do not flatten the pleats when ironing. Straighten out the fabric and iron so that the pleats fall naturally when worn.
4. What was your style choice for the Linley ? I started off not sewing the back darts for the looser fit but later decided to sew in the darts as it gives the back a slimmer silhouette.
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Linley ?
I made a size 1 on the bust to a size 2 at the waist and it fits very well! Love the fact that the tie allows me to loosen or tighten to my liking.
6. Have you worn your Linley yet and what compliments did you receive.
I’ve received many compliments on both my top and dress. Love them both!
7. Any plans for future combinations of the Linley ?
No. Love them the way they are!
8. Social media URLS
IG @sewnby.grace
Thanks for having me for this test! ❤️

 

hi, I’m José and I’m from the Netherlands. I’ve sewed the new pattern Linley because I needed some more summer tops added to the wardrobe and this one is perfect. It’s with cute cuton sleeves and a beautiful drape along my waist which both accentuates and covers any troubles around the waist.
I’ve sewed a mixture of size 4D and 6/7 down below. As usual the grading provides with a beautiful fit. Just make sure to read the measurements table AND the page about cupsizes and if you’re not sure about anything just check with us in the fb group. We’ll help you along.
I’ve used this nice woven viscose and I gained a perfect top for my sons birthday party.
I’m pairing these with pants and skirts alike.
I’ve already gotten lots of compliments so this is gonna be on heavy rotation
Want to see more? Check out my Instagram:
Https://www.instagram.com/jose.vernooy
1. Your name and where you live ? Triin Aav I live in Estonia
2. What fabric combinations did you choose and where did you purchase – It is poly/cotton blend shirting
3. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Linley – transfer the pleat and cut markings with extra care
4. What was your style choice for the Linley ? I chose the more formal look
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Linley ? no alterations needed
6. Have you worn your Linley yet and what compliments did you receive. I got a cmpiment about being very feminine in this top
7. Any plans for future combinations of the Linley ? a dress version would be great
8. Social media URLS ( please DO NOT tell me @erin on Facebook or similar)…https://www.instagram.com/triin.stitch.create/
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