A Nani Iro Bess Top
With a couple yards of my favorite Nani Iro double-gauze in hand, I was on the hunt for a simple, basic tee-shaped top to sew. I stumbled upon the Bess Top from Imagine Gnats. It has the perfect easy-to-wear, "favorite t-shirt" shape, with a couple of interesting bits to the construction that make it pretty amazing. It's the perfect choice for a cute double-gauze tee!
Pattern: Bess Top from Imagine Gnats
Materials: 2 yards Nani Iro Double Gauze, 1/4 yard coordinating jersey for hidden edge finishing
Size made: 6
Modifications: None
This pattern only has two pieces! What!? The construction is really cool, with a back pattern piece drafted to include the front sleeve. The sleeve bit flips around from the back to the front, making the finished sleeve. This was such a fun and easy way to make a sleeve. You could even do some really cool things with two different fabrics for the front and back. An adorable little box pleat at the shoulder adds some shape at the bust for a more feminine fit.
The neckline, sleeve edge and hem are all finished with strips of jersey. This technique has a similar look to finishing with bias, but I found it much less fussy, and it made this top come together fast. The jersey finish added a little weight and structure to the high-low hem, another detail that makes this top a win!
I can see myself making several Bess Tops! It looks so cute with jeans, and the loose fit has just enough shape to flatter, while still being easy to move around comfortably. Now I just need to try one in two contrasting chambrays, one in the new Cotton +Steel Double Gauze, and maybe an extra-special one made in Liberty...
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