I am so excited to finally share my Sirocco Top. Olga, the mastermind behind Coffee and Thread, posted her top a few months ago and I was smitten. It looked so elegant paired with a slim skirt. I am so glad she decided to grade it and offer it as a pattern for the rest of us. I eagerly signed up to test and was fortunate to be picked in the pretest round.
The Sirocco Top and Dress is designed for light wovens with excellent drape. It features bell sleeves and a high low top option as well as a dress. The deep facings are my favorite and I would love to use a contrast fabric for the facings next time. (I did not have anything of a similar weight in The Stash). The sizes range from 2-20 and the pattern can be printed with just the size(s) you need. Notches are provided to line up the facings and other seams. The pieces fit together beautifully and I love that it includes instructions for understitching and using a knit interfacing.
I sewed the size 10 based on my bust measurement. I did not make any alterations or changes (besides piecing together the facings and cutting them against the grain) although next time I may add a little bit of length to the front because I chase after a three year old. (I am 5'4" on a good day but I think my torso borders on the longer side). I used a black rayon challis from imagine gnats (not sponsored). I also used a ton of wonder tape and my walking foot to try to keep the fabric from slipping and feel I was moderately successful. I probably should've cut my pieces flat instead of on the fold and I should have my scissors sharpened. If I had used a less fiddly fabric it would've been a pretty quick sew. I have no regrets about using rayon challis though!
I was pleasantly surprised to find this top has become a staple in my wardrobe. It looks equally good paired with jeans (my lianas) or with skirts (this one is from Gymboree). I also paired it with my shiny black Hey June Sloan Leggings but they were in the wash when Ansley was available to take pictures for me. We were freezing.
The Sirocco Top and Dress is available in the Coffee and Thread shop for $9.50 (regularly $12) until Saturday, December 23rd. There is also an additional discount code in the Coffee and Thread Facebook Group.
Thanks for stopping by!