B. Breath Designs Mei Top

A review of my recent pattern test.

If you've ever thought to yourself, 'Damn, I'm in such a sewing rut',

then you may need to start pattern testing.

Not only do you have a designer holding you accountable for testing, but if they use the Discord App, you get to connect with other like minded sewists.

Then there is the challenge of trying something new!

If supporting a small business is your vibe, throw that hat in the ring! You get to provide valuable fit and design aspect feedback, while creating a custom piece of clothing.

While I wasn't necessarily in a sewing rut, I do find that pattern testing helps push me out of comfort zone. I feel inspired to use my stash, I love the challenge of getting a good fit, and I feel useful in supporting a small business.

Wendy from B Breath Designs is actively working to become your next favourite pattern designer. Her upcoming design, the Mei top is a fusion of her Chinese heritage with her life in America. Based on the cheongsam, Wendy has introduced a pattern that is size inclusive with all the hints and tips for an adventurous beginner sewist to achieve a great fitting top.

Wendy's instructions for the Mei top can be described as, 'no sewist left behind', meaning they cover all the fit issues you may encounter when making a lined form fitting top. Beautiful design details such as the use of the Pankou Knot for closures ensured that I felt both challenged by something new and supported during my testing of the Mei top.

I made both the sleeveless and sleeved version, and added a little something cute, I made my 2nd version with an interchangeable front bib. Meaning I have the base top, and I can change out the front and change the whole vibe.

Now if i haven't caught your interest by now, just wait till you hear this... Wendy has created a top that can be made in a variety of cup sizes. Heck yeah girl, not only is her top size inclusive, but it also allows an adventurous beginner to tackle the daunting challenge of a fitted top without the trouble of a full or small bust adjustment.

The Mei top ranges from a size 0- 44, with customised cup sizes from A- J. I made the size 16, D cup and was very happy with how my top turned out.

For my second version, with the interchangeable front panel, I lengthened the top approx. 2 inches.

Let's talk fabrics:

For the outer fabric, a medium weight fabric is recommended, with a lightweight natural fiber for the lining.

The pink fabric is a medium weight cotton drill that I purchased from my first ever fabric de-stash, I kept the original pattern length, no modifications and went with the sleeveless option. Did I mention the pattern has multiple opening options depending on your desire, I went with a full button opening front and a small zip in the low back.

For my 2nd version, I knew I wanted to use the amazing granny square print cotton drill that I purchased from Spotlight. I also wanted a matching skirt, coz, like... why not??

So, I planned my 2nd version around an interchangeable front panel.

The main fabric for the sleeved version was a pair of jeans that my step-aunt gave me to upcycle from her brief stint as a forklift operator, I kept the back pockets to add a visual interest point to the shoulders. For the sleeves I used a thrifted floor cushion cover that would be used to tie in a matching skirt.

The other front panel I made was using a thrifted vintage tea towel, I did have to piece a little to get it to fit, but unless your up-close and personal you can't really tell.

If you're looking to step up your sewing, your feeling in a rut or you're just looking for something new and spectacular to sew, I highly recommend putting the Mei Top by B Breath Designs on your 'To Sew List'.