Happy First Birthday, Cation Designs!

It's been a year since I first started blogging here at Cation Designs about my various projects, mostly sewing-related, with some random crafts, geekery, and scattered thoughts here and there. It all began with Me Made June 2011 (thank you, Zoe, for the impetus!), and ever since then I've been hooked on blogging! I love the experience of recording what I've been creating, and you all are such an encouraging and inspiring community. I'm so grateful to you all for making my first year of blogging so much more exciting and wonderful than I could ever have dreamed. So in true geeky hobbit spirit, Cation Designs is celebrating its first birthday by giving you some mathom: my very first printable sewing pattern!

Raglan Sleeve Swing Top Pattern
Raglan Sleeve Swing Top Instructions

Now, mind, I've never tried anything like this before, so apologies beforehand if this doesn't work, or it's not in your size (I don't know how to grade patterns just yet, but this top is pretty forgiving), or you actually try making it from some treasured fabric and end up hating the finished garment. Disclaimers over with, here's what it looks like:

With a belt:

And as a special bonus...

Does that look familiar?

That's right! It works pretty well as a modern reproduction of Sybil and Edith's blouse in Downton Abbey! [Update: For those who wanted to know more about my scalloped skirt that goes with the blouse, check out my write-up of it here.]

Here are the "official" specs:
Description: Loose, pull-over swing top with wide neck and wide raglan sleeves
Recommended Fabric: 1.5 yards of 54-60”/2 yards of 45” lightweight, drapey fabrics, such as rayon, silk crepe, georgette, or chiffon. I made mine with a soft and buttery dark blue floral print rayon.
Finished Measurements: Bust 36.5”, Hips 44”, Neckline 32"
It should fit BurdaStyle Sizes 34-38, Big 4 Pattern Companies Sizes 8-12, RTW Clothing Sizes 2-6

I originally made this because I adore the wide-necked top look, but could never find the perfect balance between wide-enough-for-the-ballerina-look and not-falling-off-my-shoulders in RTW blouses. That said, I adjusted the width of the neckline for my own super-wide shoulders, so you may need to adjust it to fit your own shoulders (or just use it as an off-the-shoulder top). I also wanted it to have a loose, comfy feel while still looking somewhat put together, kind of like those oversized dolman sleeve tops that are so popular now (Anthro versions, some other versions).

It's a really simple top to make, not having any buttons or zippers or even fiddly hooks and eyes to sew, nor sleeves to set in (but it's still very easy to move around in, even without gussets or anything like that); the trickiest part is probably the self-fabric bias tape, but even that is easier than it sounds. Seriously, I only started making self-fabric bias tape this month, and I've been wondering why I was so afraid of it for so long.

Anyway, if you do sew this up, please let me know/send pictures! I'd love to know if this even works for other people. And again, thank you to all of you for following me in my creative endeavors. I'm still slightly shocked (and think I always will be) that strangers would want to read my ramblings. And in case swing tops or novice patterns aren't your thing, stick around, because I'm going to give away some more mathom (in a more tangible sense) on Monday!

As for Walnut's cake, well, it's actually a lie. I made it from felt and pipe cleaners as a dust cover for my magnetic pincushion.