Fresh Press Patterns Iris Top

Fresh Press Patterns is a fairly new pattern shop, but the designer, Joanna has a long history of working in the fashion industry. When I saw her sample photos of the Iris Top - I just knew I had to try it! I loved the curved high-low hem, cuffed short sleeves, but most of all the very cool overlap/opening on the sides. My hips measure 44" and that put me at the very top of the sizing for the Iris Top. Joanna, sent me an email and let me know that she was working on expanding her sizing. I decided to try the pattern as is, and it came out beautifully. And the sizing has been expanded.

The Iris Top is best made with a light to medium weight fabric with some drape. The Iris Top screamed tropical vacation to me and I immediately reached for this tropical crepe I had in my stash.

I love wild prints like this and the mix of colors feel so tropical. I even already had the perfect pants to match. I made these Zen pants - pattern by 5 out of 4 - a year ago using a light lavender supplex.

For the Iris Top, you will need a lot of bias trim for the hem. I would highly recommend making your own out of the fabric you are using. The bias trim is not only visible when you are finished, but store bought trim never seems to have as good of stretch as when I make it myself. Store bought trim often is very stiff unless you buy the rayon bias tape.

I am 5' tall and I took 2" out of the length of the Iris Top pattern. At this length I could wear this top with leggings.

 The back is long and covers my rear nicely,

 I can't wait to wear the Iris Top on my next tropical getaway.

 The pattern calls for the sides to be sewn together about 4", but I sewed down from the armpit to where the overlapping pieces ended. Even though my hips were at the top end for the size, there is ample ease and I love the finished Iris Top.

I already have plans to make another. My next one, I will size down the shoulders and bust and grade out for my hips. I may also take another inch or 2 out of the length so that the next one is closer to a shirt length versus tunic. But I see myself making more tunic length too - probably in solid colors to wear with some of my wilder leggings. I have a vision in my head of making the shirt length one in a lightweight chambray and using a bright fun print or plaid for the bias trim. I think it would be really cute with a pair of white capri pants this summer.

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