pattern tester roundup
Linley Top Dress Pattern Tester Roundup Part 2
Another good day to you all my lovely friends and thank you for coming over to our blog to continue everything that is glorious about our new Linley Top and Dress pattern.
As you have seen from yesterdays blog post – Part 1 – the final Linley‘s that our rockstars have made are just SPECTACULAR.
Such a great mix of fabrics choices – colours and prints – and either the Linley Top or Dress version.
What is key about the new Linley is the fabulous side pleats that allows the bodice to drape – that is finished off by the side tie that links the whole design together.
The Linley has a classic yet modern feel – and will be a fabulous shape to add to your wardrobe rotation.
I can guarantee you will make a few variations of the Linley for yourself. The design lends itself to any and all occasion wearing.
So, this time my friends please give a huge SHOUTOUT for our pattern tester roundups – part 2 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.
Hi everyone, Camelia here with my version of the Linley top. If you want an easy-to-make-and-wear top or dress for the summer, I highly recommend the Linley top! It will work in various fabrics, from silky satins to soft light linens. I made two tops and a dress using the Linley pattern. I used a light linen viscose for the dress and one of the tops and a silky satin fabric for the second top.
I made my usual size 3B with a swayback adjustment and raised the point of the dart by 1cm. There are optional fish-eye darts in the back, but I skipped those as I like the loose fit over the back. The Linley is very easy to sew, once you have the pleated detailing on the front done, the rest is done in no time! One word of advice, don´t handle the cut fabric pieces too much, if you want to avoid stretched edges, especially for the front seam, use lots of pins and everything will go well As I said this is the perfect pattern to boost your sewing mojo for a light summer sewing time!
If you would like to see more details about my garments, check out my video review on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/calcedoniasewing
You can also find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/calcedoniasewing/
Hello! Im Sandra from the Netherlands. Did you see Linley?? Its so beautiful and easy to make! I made two versions. One top in Double gauze and a dress from a little thicker chiffon. I wanted to make something nice to wear to work. I think it went well. The only alteration I did was to add lenght. I wear It already a few times and have had nice compliments! For sure I will make more!
https://www.instagram.com/sandra_wilbrink_sewing
https://www.instagram.com/sandra_wilbrink_sewing
Hello, my name is Elise and I live in Queensland, Australia. I have used cotton linen for my Linley, it is so light and will be perfect for summer days. The fabric has a little bit of structure, so it feels beautiful and roomy whilst still providing a lovely shape. When sewing, make sure to ease the front skirt together. As the skirt is cut on the bias it may stretch a little, I stay stitched the angular cut to reduce the stretch. It is the middle of winter here so I have not been able to take her out for a spin yet. I have already made a second Linley and I am dreaming of warmer weather when they can make their debut.
Hello! My name is Sue, and I live in South Dakota, USA. This portion of the US is called the Midwest, or northern plains. For my Linley’s, I chose to use a rayon blend for both. I love how the fabrics drape, which is key to getting a gorgeous garment. Tips for sewing the Linley are to mark the pleats carefully, baste, check your work, and when it looks amazing, then sew! The key to this garment is the pleating and drape. With Ann’s patterns, I know I need a swayback adjustment and that really was my only alteration. Since this pattern comes with cup sizing, you can get a perfect fit through the bust line (and everywhere else for that matter)! I love this pattern. These gorgeous tops can be dressed up or down depending on your fabric choice. I plan to wear these until they completely wear out. You can see a lot more of my sewing creations on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/sue.parrott/ or IG at: https://www.instagram.com/sue_glasparrott/
I’m Toni McN and I live in Cottonwood, California – home of the triple digit summer.
For my Linely I used a remnant of lightweight cotton / rayon blend I bought over a year ago. It’s the perfect match for Linely – plenty of structure and drape. I made no alterations. For the final version I left off the back darts, which I felt for better in this fabric.
Linely was a quick sew; the only tricky bits are the pleats.
I’ve worn my Linely a couple times. My husband said it’s one of the nicest tops I’ve ever sewn. I’d like to make a Linley dress version in the future.
For my Linely I used a remnant of lightweight cotton / rayon blend I bought over a year ago. It’s the perfect match for Linely – plenty of structure and drape. I made no alterations. For the final version I left off the back darts, which I felt for better in this fabric.
Linely was a quick sew; the only tricky bits are the pleats.
I’ve worn my Linely a couple times. My husband said it’s one of the nicest tops I’ve ever sewn. I’d like to make a Linley dress version in the future.
Hi yall! Alaura here from New Mexico.
I am loving my Linley top. It’s exactly what I wanted out of a not-so-basic but not hard to make easy to wear woven top. I made mine out of a soft hand Rayon in a neutral color so I can wear it lots!
Don’t skip pressing your fabric. It helps a ton while lining things up for sewing and then also for nice clean edges on your bow ties.
I did not make any alterations on my version.
Those that have seen this top have said, “you made that!” “Looks so good!” “I love that on you!”.
Greetings from Wisconsin, USA. Alison F here – My Linley make is for my young adult daughter. She loved the design from the moment she saw it.
First, measure accurately. Then use the chart that explains choosing cup size to get the correct size. These patterns include cup size drafting which makes for a fabulous fit.
Next, make a fit piece. My daughter is tall (5’ 10”), but very high waisted. Dresses require a 1.5” sway back adjustment. With her sway back adjustment being so significant, the length has to be added back to the hemline, graded out to the side seams to get an even hem.
Then, choose fabulous fabric and make Linley for you! Megan chose a pastel watercolor design charmeuse satin fabric from Joann Fabrics. Fabric is lightweight and has good drape. The charmeuse is slippery, so I took time to quarter and pin the bindings really well.
Megan choose to lean into the fabric design for a hint of the 60’s with her accessories. Carried a canvas purse with bright orange trim and nude slides with clear acrylic heels. Headed to an alley near us Black Cat Alley for some fun pictures. Did she get compliments? Absolutely! Several people stopped to tell her how amazing her dress was that day.
The lines and drape of Linley are so flattering both as a dress and as a top. You will definitely want to add both to your wardrobe!
1. Amanda. Northern California amongst the redwoods.
2. Flowy acrylic main with velvet ties. Purchased at an amazing thrift store only selling art and craft supplies! $1/pound for fabric!
3. You will love it. No buttons, elastic, or zippers!
4. Easy going with sparkle shoes. Always sparkle shoes.
5. Fit each area to my body, with a different grade on bust, waist and hips, for a perfect fit.
6. Yes! Folks loved the contrasting tie. My daughter hugged and pet the tie.
7. Looking forward to a black and white version!
8. https://www.facebook.com/towandafox
2. Flowy acrylic main with velvet ties. Purchased at an amazing thrift store only selling art and craft supplies! $1/pound for fabric!
3. You will love it. No buttons, elastic, or zippers!
4. Easy going with sparkle shoes. Always sparkle shoes.
5. Fit each area to my body, with a different grade on bust, waist and hips, for a perfect fit.
6. Yes! Folks loved the contrasting tie. My daughter hugged and pet the tie.
7. Looking forward to a black and white version!
8. https://www.facebook.com/towandafox
Hello! I am Carmen Brent from Pennsylvania, USA. I used a crepe fabric from my stash. When sewing up the Linley top or dress, make sureto carefully mark the darts, and remember to cut the front piece facing upright! For testing, I made the top length. I also made a dress version later and have plans for some other tops and dresses in mind. I was at the top of size measurements, and I found the larger size fit better. I have not worn my Linley top or dress yet, but I plan to wear them when school starts again. On social media, I can be found at https://www.instagram.com/roprincez and https://www.facebook.com/carmen.mills.90
Hi, my name is Joanna and I live in beautiful part of UK, Wales.
For my Linley top I used viscose fabric which I purchased at Abakhan.
My advice is to pay attention to cup sizes, in dressmaking those are very different from your normal cup size. (I’m nowhere near C cup in normal life ).
I choose to make the top, but have fabric all ready for another Linley which I’m going to make in dress length.
The only adjustments I had to make was to blend between sizes. I used size 4 for the neckline and shoulders height, size 3 for bust and size 6 at waist and hips. I think the fit is perfect.
The first time I put it on, my sister commented how nice my top is.
You can follow my sewing journey at https://www.instagram.com/de_busew/
For my Linley top I used viscose fabric which I purchased at Abakhan.
My advice is to pay attention to cup sizes, in dressmaking those are very different from your normal cup size. (I’m nowhere near C cup in normal life ).
I choose to make the top, but have fabric all ready for another Linley which I’m going to make in dress length.
The only adjustments I had to make was to blend between sizes. I used size 4 for the neckline and shoulders height, size 3 for bust and size 6 at waist and hips. I think the fit is perfect.
The first time I put it on, my sister commented how nice my top is.
You can follow my sewing journey at https://www.instagram.com/de_busew/
1. Your name and where you live ?
Hi I’m Maria or Velosews on social media. I live in Sydney Australia, where our Opera House is what people love to visit.
2. What fabric combinations did you choose and where did you purchase.
My first fabric was a monochrome polyester print that was in my stash. I wanted to make sure my Linleys turned out perfectly.
My first Linley dress uses a silk print that was in my stash. I must say, Linley and silk are a dynamite combination.
My second Linley top uses a silk print from Minerva.com
3. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Linley ?
My key tip is to mark the pleats with washable markers so you can really have the best gathers on your mid section.
When sewing the ties, sewing the points are so satisfying once your Linley is finished. I sew the shorter end first and then the long seam separately. This allows me to get a really sharp end on the ties.
4. What was your style choice for the Linley ?
Sewing body form type styles is what I loved to do but haven’t for a few years. My style choice is to use the centre back seaming for a brilliant sway back fit. It’s kinda sexy too when your dress skims over your curves. Celebrate your curves.
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Linley ?
The key fit alteration was a sway back adjustment. It really made so much difference to the fit on my Linleys.
6. Have you worn your Linley yet and what compliments did you receive.
I intend to wear my Linleys when the weather heats up a bit. I can tell you a secret though. I’ll be wearing my Linleys in the UK in September and I can’t wait to show you how this is a brilliant travel style.
7. Any plans for future combinations of the Linley ?
Confession time: I have some newly bought viscose prints from Super Cheap Fabrics that you’ll see me wear from September. We’ll have a few great places to wear these planned Linleys that I know will be very memorable.
All my Linleys will be on my socials including TikTok, for the kiddies
8. Social media URLS
Blog https://velosews.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maria.theoharous
IG https://www.instagram.com/velosews
Hi I’m Maria or Velosews on social media. I live in Sydney Australia, where our Opera House is what people love to visit.
2. What fabric combinations did you choose and where did you purchase.
My first fabric was a monochrome polyester print that was in my stash. I wanted to make sure my Linleys turned out perfectly.
My first Linley dress uses a silk print that was in my stash. I must say, Linley and silk are a dynamite combination.
My second Linley top uses a silk print from Minerva.com
3. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Linley ?
My key tip is to mark the pleats with washable markers so you can really have the best gathers on your mid section.
When sewing the ties, sewing the points are so satisfying once your Linley is finished. I sew the shorter end first and then the long seam separately. This allows me to get a really sharp end on the ties.
4. What was your style choice for the Linley ?
Sewing body form type styles is what I loved to do but haven’t for a few years. My style choice is to use the centre back seaming for a brilliant sway back fit. It’s kinda sexy too when your dress skims over your curves. Celebrate your curves.
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Linley ?
The key fit alteration was a sway back adjustment. It really made so much difference to the fit on my Linleys.
6. Have you worn your Linley yet and what compliments did you receive.
I intend to wear my Linleys when the weather heats up a bit. I can tell you a secret though. I’ll be wearing my Linleys in the UK in September and I can’t wait to show you how this is a brilliant travel style.
7. Any plans for future combinations of the Linley ?
Confession time: I have some newly bought viscose prints from Super Cheap Fabrics that you’ll see me wear from September. We’ll have a few great places to wear these planned Linleys that I know will be very memorable.
All my Linleys will be on my socials including TikTok, for the kiddies
8. Social media URLS
Blog https://velosews.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maria.theoharous
IG https://www.instagram.com/velosews
Hello, I’m Poh Ling from Singapore!
For my Linley top, I used a seersucker fabric that I bought from Taobao. As the fabric is sheer, I added lining to the top.
I blend from size 1 bust to size 2 sleeve and size 3 waist. I did a 3/4″ sway back adjustment and bring in the neckline by 1/4″. I also shorten the top by 1″.
Be sure to mark the pleats carefully and ease the split to fit if needed as the fabric is cut on bias and may stretch.
The Linley top makes a great outfit for work and the pleats and tie add an interesting detail to the top.
You can find me on https://www.instagram.com/b.a.o.l.i.n.g
1. Hi I am Deidre from Brisbane Australia.
2. For my Linley top I used a lovely vintage cotton lawn from the early 90’s. For my dress I used a cotton viscose blend bought on marketplace.
3. sewing tips: measure your body markers and adjust the pattern first for a good fit as this must hit on the waist for a lovely drape.
4. I made both the top and the dress Linley.
5. I made a number of fit alterations for my Linley. I am 175cm tall so added 5cm at the lengthen point to ensure the waist sat in the right spot. I didn’t want the length quite so long on my hips so shortened 5cm from the hem length for the top. I then added another 4cm to the skirt length at the hemline for the dress. When I did my toile I found the neckline didn’t sit right on me so made a small adjustment to get it in the best spot for my body.
6. It has been too cold here to wear my Linley yet so I have had to settle for showing the pics to family and close friends who all love it.
7. I am thinking about making the top in a light weight linen.
2. For my Linley top I used a lovely vintage cotton lawn from the early 90’s. For my dress I used a cotton viscose blend bought on marketplace.
3. sewing tips: measure your body markers and adjust the pattern first for a good fit as this must hit on the waist for a lovely drape.
4. I made both the top and the dress Linley.
5. I made a number of fit alterations for my Linley. I am 175cm tall so added 5cm at the lengthen point to ensure the waist sat in the right spot. I didn’t want the length quite so long on my hips so shortened 5cm from the hem length for the top. I then added another 4cm to the skirt length at the hemline for the dress. When I did my toile I found the neckline didn’t sit right on me so made a small adjustment to get it in the best spot for my body.
6. It has been too cold here to wear my Linley yet so I have had to settle for showing the pics to family and close friends who all love it.
7. I am thinking about making the top in a light weight linen.