I'm one of those people who likes lists (see here). And I'm one of those people who likes to write things on a list that I've already completed, just so I can feel like I've achieved something already. This top falls into that needy bracket.

It is named Copycat because it's a shameless rip-off of a top made by Ebony who blogs at Sew Stylist. I really enjoy reading her blog as she makes classy, well-fitting, contemporary clothes all of which I would happily steal. When I saw her post about this top, 'plagiarise' was my first thought.

The making of this involved a little basic pattern drafting, which I really enjoy (I basically followed Ebony's instructions to the letter). It is adapted from Grainline Studio's Scout Tee, with heaps of fullness added, a lengthened, curved hem at the back and lengthened sleeves. I didn't like Scout on me when I made it in a woven cotton as a muslin / toile to check the fit, but in a knit and like this I love it. It has a flattering neckline, a good fit across the shoulders and covers the BF Bottom, which at times is best camouflaged.

The material is a supersoft bamboo jersey with a lot of stretch on both the grain and cross grain. I wasn't sure if it was too stretchy and potentially too heavy for this, but it seems to have worked well and is so drapey that it falls in beautiful folds.

Once I'd made the alterations to the pattern, it was quick to sew. I added clear elastic on the shoulders to stabilise them so they could support the weight of the back and won't stretch out and I cut the neckband at two thirds the length of the neckline before stretching it in as I sewed. I think I could have made the neckband a fraction longer as it is puckering a bit, but a good steam will hopefully get rid of that.

I have one dilemma. At the moment I haven't hemmed it. I like the length as it is; well that's an excuse for not touching it. I had such trouble hemming the sleeves, that creating a tiny hem with a slippery, stretchy knit on a full curve is giving me palpatations just thinking about it. So if anyone reading this has any suggestions about how it should be hemmed - or whether it's acceptable to leave it raw (it's not going to fray) - I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

I see me making a few of these as it is smart but casual enough to wear day-to-day, but I think I'll stick to solids as the drama of the back would be lessened by a print.

The autumn sewing conveyor belt has started.

Jeans: TopShop Baxter
Black suede lace-up wedges: Office
Photos taken on a quick trip back to the UK in my parents' incredible garden by my beautiful sister (who makes me laugh which is why I'm actually smiling for a change).

See you soon x