Getting back to basics: The Athina Top

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 one of our favourite (also: free!) patterns to show you how good it looks.

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).

If you want to see more magnificent makes of either pattern, do check out the #TessutiAthina hashtag on Instagram.