This Sew House Seven Revel Topper caught my eye for several reasons. I love the look of the boxy top with its various sleeve options, but I was also very keen to try sewing a yoke neckline and the shawl collar. Sew House Seven is one of the pattern makers I used to learn from when I started sewing because of the excellent instructions.
I made Version A first as a wearable toile and checked the fit. Version A is sleeveless, but the bodice is wide, so the armholes drop over the shoulders to look like capped sleeves. In this version, I used the same fabric to make the facing but chose to sew the facing to the inside. The sleeves have facings as well which are deep and sewn down.
For my measurements of 38-inch bust and 33-inch waist, I made the size 12. I based my sizing on my bust measurements. My waist sizing falls into size 14 but looking at the ease, I felt that the size 12 would fit my frame better. The topper length is cropped but can still be tucked into high-waisted pants or skirts.
The fabric I used for version A was a cotton gingham. It worked well and I like the outcome, but the fabric makes me feel like I’m wearing a scrub top. For the next top, I felt like I needed something with a looser weave, so I chose to use a lightweight linen. Unlike the first version, I decided to use a contrast fabric for the facings. Searching through my scrap pile, I found just enough of the Maai Design Joanna Ralph Silent Bloom print linen.
Version B has short sleeves attached and I chose to use the contrast fabric for the yoke and sleeve facings showing on the right side. I think the contrast also helped to highlight the shawl collar. The lightweight linen worked well, and this time doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a scrub top. This is my favourite version of the top.
The Revel Topper fits well into my closet. When I first started sewing, I would just choose anything that caught my eye. Now I try to choose items that fit in well and that can be paired with at least three other items in my closet. My plans this year are to plug a few holes in my wardrobe but to make sure that the fabric and style fits in.
The pattern is rated for a confident beginner which is accurate. There are some watch points which are also great skill builders. The first is the yoke neckline, second is the shawl collar. There is also the French seam when joining the back bodice to the front. It’s a little tricky when sewing around the shoulder and the collar. It was easier to do with the lightweight linen than the cotton which was a stiffer fabric. Sewing down the yoke to the right side also requires some care to make sure both sides are even and neat. It was good to resew the pattern and I would love to make it again. I’ll be looking for fabric with fluid drape to make version C. I learnt so much from this pattern.
Thanks for reading and happy sewing!
X Em
Em Sew Happy Blog 