Two tops more, one dress less

I am absolutely in love with the Courtney top pattern from Style Arc. In fact I love it so much I cut up my first Fringe dress to make a Courtney top! But before you condemn me for committing such an atrocity, please hear me out!

I have been very naughty in the sweets department for a couple of years, and especially over the past few months. I gained a few extra kilos and eventually my clothes didn't fit properly anymore and some items didn't fit at all. I knew I developed an addiction to sugar but didn't feel I had the strength to break it on my own. It was not until Miss R asked me if I had another baby in my tummy (ouch!) that I finally made a decision to do something. I joined a gym and followed a nutrition plan. The journey was not easy, but two months later I am back to my usual self and feel super comfy in my skin. I now even have muscles! Bonus, hey?

The bodice of my first Fringe dress felt a bit roomy to start with, but now I have lost some extra weight it was simply too big. I loved the dress, but I knew I would not wear it anymore. I could not bear wasting such beautiful fabric! The fabric is this gorgeous Cotton + Steel rayon by the way. I was so glad that between the skirt of the dress and some left over fabric I had enough to make the Courtney top!

It is a little funny how the dress felt rather special occasion-ish in this fabric, yet the top is fine for everyday wear. This was my first make of the year, and I have already worn it multiple times!

When purchasing from Style Arc, you receive a pattern in your chosen size plus one size on either side. I bought this pattern in size 6 and also received files for sizes 8 and 4. I first made a muslin in size 8 but it was too big. My second muslin was in size 6 and it was spot on! So that's what I went with.

The construction was straight forward. Following Anna's lead I bound the neckline with bias binding. I used the pattern piece provided and it worked a treat. The only thing that left me a little puzzled was the shape of the cuff.  It probably works fine if you don't intend to turn the cuffs up. When I turned mine up there was a small gaping at the bottom of the sleeve which was not pronounced enough for me to reach for a seam ripper.

I reckon that the Courtney top should come with a warming that this pattern is highly addictive! It is simply impossible to stop at one. So as soon as I finished my rayon Courtney I made one more, this time in Kokka double gauze. This top is my entry to the #sewjapaneseinjanuary challenge hosted by Anna and Jane.

I think this version shows the details of the pattern much better. 

The only thing that I changed during the construction of this top was the shape of the cuffs. I cut them as rectangles, which was easier to sew and they look much neater. I am not sure it was right to do this. All I am saying is that it worked for me.

My little assistant said that both tops were beautiful! Ah, thank you little love, I am very happy with them too!

I am now dreaming of a Courtney top in linen and knit. Yes, this pattern can be made in both wovens and knits. Awesome, right?