Nora Top by Tilly and the Buttons

I bought Tilly and the Button’s Nora Top pattern on a whim when I was at The Handmade Festival last year. As with everything I impulse buy, I didn’t have any particular plan for it at the time but this has to be one of the best patterns I’ve purchased! The finished top looks amazing, it’s really comfortable and best of all, it was so easy to make. Not only is the pattern from Tilly and the Buttons but so is the fabric. I had been eyeing off Tilly’s new range of jerseys since I saw her first post them on Instagram and finally, I had an excuse to purchase this beautiful hand and hearts print called Love Your Nails. It’s the perfect fabric for a loose-fitting, relaxed top like Nora. One thing to note about the Love Your Nails print is that’s it’s printed on a white jersey, which means it isn’t suited to patterns with negative ease (where the fabric has to stretch while you’re wearing it) as the white underneath will become visible.

I made the top in a size 3 although I did end up taking in the entire side seam from the sleeves the whole way to the hem, as I found the top was too bulky on me. I should have made note but from memory, I reduced it by about 1.5cm. Despite taking in the sides, I’m glad I didn’t make it in a size smaller as the shoulders fit very nicely. Since I have quite long arms, I folded the sleeve hems up by a bit less than what the pattern states to give them some cosy length.

I did make a small mistake when I was cutting the pattern pieces. I didn’t think about the fact that I wanted the version with the cropped front until I had sewn the side seams (and most of the top). It was easy enough to backtrack and crop the front but as I had already trimmed the side seam allowance, I did end up with a very small seam allowance to fold, stitch and press on the side edges of the back.

This is such a versatile pattern for both winter and summer. I’m quite determined now that I shouldn’t get lazy and buy t-shirts in summer. I often prioritise making fun clothes and de-prioritise anything that is practical but I’m trying to change this behaviour in 2020 and sew the clothes I actually need!