Ulooop Noelle Top

For one week Tianfei from Ulooop Patterns was offering blog readers the Noelle Top pattern for free. Of course, I jumped straight on it! While I always jump at a free pattern I don't always sew it immediately, but Noelle fits right into my current sewing plans of loose fitting casual summer tops. The pattern has dropped shoulders and a curved high-low hem. The linen versions Tianfei posted are absolutely gorgeous and I was really inspired by her colour blocked gathered version. The Noelle Top pattern is now available for purchase.

I cut a size 12 and made a few adjustments. I cut the back piece in half just below the sleeve notch. After adding seam allowance, I cut the top back bodice in main fabric, and the bottom piece in contrasting fabric. Noelle seamed on the short side so I added more length at the back (around 1.5"). I wanted the contrast piece to be slightly gathered so I added 2"to the centre back. For the front piece I created an inverted rounded hem- leaving the centre front as is but grading it out 1.5" longer at the side seam.

In the below photo you can see how the hem curves around the body. I love this look. Although, when I put my arms up or move around a sliver of belly can be seen. So, for future versions I'll probably add an 1" to the front hem.

I sewed the sleeves a little differently than described in the Noelle Sew along post. To hem the sleeves they are simply serged / zig-zagged and then turned and stitched, before sewing the side seam. Instead, I sewed the side seam first, stopping at the sleeve notch. Then pressed the seam allowances away from the seam pressing all the way up to and around the sleeve. I then pinned and stitched 1/4" from the bottom hem up the sleeve allowance, around the sleeves and back down to the other hem. Finally, I reinforced the seam just below the sleeve.  

The fabric is gorgeous Tessuti linen left over from Tim's Negroni/ Archer shirt. It was again, beautiful to sew with and I'm so glad to have a tiny piece of the blue left to make another summer top. 

 I adore this top! I love the fabric combo, the easy-to wear shape and the curved hem. I will absolutely be making more of these tops for summer. Noelle is going to be the perfect pop over during a summer afternoon at the beach (Anyone else hanging out for summer holidays?). Noelle came together super quickly. The pattern was fun to sew and hack! Thanks Tianfei, for offering the pattern to blog readers for free last week :)