Getting back to basics: Athina & Georgie

When this Airmail Stripe linen arrived last month, I loved it straight off the bat. It’s a 98% linen, 2% viscose blend with classic fine stripes. Say no more. I was looking for an easy, casual style to make it up in so decided to revisit two of our patterns to show you how good it looks made up in either.

I’ve made a couple of Athina Tops since it was released just over a year ago but both were made as gifts. If, like me, you love a-quick-sew-as-a-gift-sew then this pattern is a total winner. Depending on your sewing ability, it’s a two to four hour make. Tops.

We’re often asked if our Mandy Boat Tee pattern can be made up in a woven. It can’t, but our Athina Top comes pretty damn close. I made the shorter length (as per the pattern) and shortened the sleeves to bracelet length, which can be worn down…

…or rolled up.

This pattern works beautifully in plain fabrics but is also a great one to showcase a gorgeous print. My friend Amanda made hers in this Flying Colours cotton and it’s seriously good. Also important to mention about Athina – she’s available as a free download (also available in hardcopy).

The other pattern I made was our Georgie Top. Georgie’s turning four in April and seriously does not look a day over a new release. This pattern is an absolute classic and after wearing out my first two makes ages ago, I can honestly say I’d forgotten how much I loved her.

The pattern provides sleeve length options for both short or bracelet length, which are finished with a binding. My sleeves are slightly longer than the short length with just a regular hem. As a personal preference, I also shortened the overall pattern length to finish just above hips so I can wear it either out or tucked in.

Which brings me to the other thing I love about Georgie. This pattern is highly – and easily – adaptable. We blogged this dress version in the same year we released the pattern and it’s still a much-loved item of Gabby’s wardrobe. Sophe from @urbanrootshandmade added a simple sleeve ruffle that looks so good. And my aforementioned super-sewing pal Amanda made an incredible silk chiffon dress using Georgie for the bodice. With the addition of a few added ruffles to sleeves and skirt, she made this magic happen…

If you want to see more magnificent makes of either pattern, do check out the #athinatop and #georgietop hashtags on Instagram.