As I recently told you, I love Christine’s patterns from the Dress Your Body brand!
I was already following her on social media even before I started the online shop and the store. I actually have several patterns in my personal pattern collection including the Elo top that was waiting for its moment!
To be honest, this top’s sewing has a little story... Before deciding to sew my wardrobe, I had bought a top that looked a lot like the Elo top in a ready-to-wear store. All white and very light, I loved it... until the dry cleaner lost my pretty top 😭 I was very sad about its loss but that was before the release of the Elo top some time later!
I bought the top and then time passed...
See, it’s never too late! Enough talk, let’s get to sewing my pretty top!
Let’s go!
The model: the Elo top
The Elo top is a lightweight top with airy sleeves. The cut is original and perfect for the warm season.
It’s a top that covers the shoulders while remaining light.
I find it very elegant.
What’s also very nice is that it can be made in either knit or woven fabric. So it’s perfect for reusing your pattern as much as you want! In its knit version, the top is finished with a neckline band. In its woven version, the neckline is finished with bias tape. It’s possible to add an optional vertical topstitch to close or not close the top under the arm.
Practical information for sewing Elo
The Elo pattern is available as a PDF or printed pattern in store and on our website.
It is available from size 34 to 50, with a bust measurement between 81 and 116 cm.
Elo is a top suitable for beginners as well as more advanced sewers.
Seam allowances are included and are 7mm
In the seamstress's basket
My supplies
After losing my pretty top in mind, I wanted to make the same white and light top again. So I ordered (privilege of the manager...) a roll of white cotton crepe so that my top would be soft, light, and breathable. A marvel because very light and much easier to sew than viscose.
I chose a white cotton bias tape to make my hem.
I also selected a white Gütermann thread and white cones for my overlocker.
Technical points of the pattern
Elo is a beginner-friendly top. The technical points are limited:
- sewing the shoulders, sleeves, and basque
- hidden or flat-felled bias according to your preference
- sewing the neckline band for the jersey versions.
Sewing the Elo top is super simple! It just requires a bit of precision.
My sewing experience
I went with the top in size 36.
Assembling the printed pattern pieces in PDF version took me about 30 minutes and I cut the pieces directly from my reassembled pattern.
I cut my pieces from the famous white cotton crepe. Be sure to cut your pieces on the straight grain. It took me about 30 minutes again.
Next, time for sewing! I chose to cut the front piece twice to "break" the transparency of the cotton crepe. So I assembled the two fronts with the back, then I followed Christine's instructions to the letter by assembling the sleeves and the basques. Of course, I overlocked my seams. It took me about forty minutes.
I chose to make a hidden bias at the bottom of the garment. To be honest, this is probably the longest step because I sewed the bias in two seams around the bottom edge, which has a nice wingspan. It took me about an hour to position it well, pin, sew the first step, iron on the wrong side, and finally baste and sew the second step.
Nevertheless, I am quite proud of the result! This finish, besides being very beautiful, adds weight to the bottom of the garment; which enhances its drape. I love the dancing effect it gives!
Then, I tackled the neckline with a hidden bias as well. Luckily, the wingspan is much smaller!
I only had a few centimeters left to sew to close the side of the top.
I am delighted with my version which reminds me of my lost top!
I already know that I will make another version that I plan to fully line.
And you, do you like it?
So, get your needles ready!
