By Hand London has done it again. The functional wrap top design, the giant billowy sleeves… It’s another winner of a pattern! I’m not at all surprised – when I first began sewing, I wanted to sew By Hand London patterns exclusively. Their feminine, soft aesthetic appealed to me and I bought up almost all of their patterns right away. To this day, many of my favorite me-made pieces are sewn from BHL patterns!
Though I don’t know that this one will quite make it to all-time-favorite status, this blouse is definitely lovely. I sat on this fabric for quite a long time, unsure what I wanted to make it into. After a while, it actually got pushed to the bottom of a pile where I forgot about it entirely. When it resurfaced, I realized that it was the perfect opportunity to try out the new BHL pattern! I’m glad I did.
This pattern is full of awesome details that really make it special. The bias binding around the neckline is the perfect finishing option, and also allowed me to add in a special pop of pink that coordinates nicely with a subtle sprinkling of that same color throughout the print on this fabric. The inner ties are also a nice touch – made of self fabric, they are functional and cute and don’t look odd if they happen to hang a little low and show past the bottom of the hem. These little details are not likely to ever be seen by anyone other than myself, yet I still find it absolutely worth it to pay special attention to adding these details in.
I sewed a size 6 in this top, and I do wish I’d sewn a size 8. While this top fits, I think I would’ve preferred the fit of the slightly larger size. My constant comments about future sizing up plans had my family confused about why I didn’t like the top until I assured them that these were two totally separate things – I like this top, and I will like another one more in the future if I size it up! In case you, too, were on the fence with this, let me assure you. This pattern is magic, AND this pattern would’ve looked better on me one size up. That’s it, the end!
This fabric was perfect for the spring months when I’d first sewn it up, as it complements the freshly blooming foliage outside right now! At the time, I was looking forward to sewing up a pair of Persephone Pants in a lovely off-white bull denim, thinking that this top paired with my future pants was going to be a match made in sewing heaven! I had forgotten that I was so excited about that pairing – I’ve made the pants, but I haven’t tried them with this top just yet!
A full blog post is available over at Minerva with a more in-depth, detailed look at my thoughts on this pattern and fabric. I would love for you to check it out over there! In the meantime, you can continue to admire these awesome sleeves.
Top: handmade by me
Fabric: Minerva – Lady McElroy Marlie Cotton Lawn in Green
Pattern: By Hand London – Hannah Dress
Key Ingredients:
Brother XR9500PRW Sewing Machine
Brother 1034D Overlocker
Schmetz Jersey Ballpoint Needles
Dahle 36×48 Self-healing Cutting Mat
Though the fabric used in this post was generously provided to me by the awesome team at Minerva, all words and opinions expressed are my own, as always! Links provided throughout this post may be affiliate links – if you choose to purchase any products through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. This simply helps me justify the costs of my sewing habit and the time it takes to share it with you!! Happy Sewing!
- XX Elizabeth
