New pattern: the zero waste Cendre Top

Hello Everyone, I have a new zero waste pattern: introducing the Cendre Top.

It’s in my little Etsy shop now; please enjoy 25% off during November.

This pattern comes in 12 sizes, from an 87cm/34″ bust to a 142cm/56″ and can be made in bigger sizes if needed.

The pattern pieces are drawn straight onto the fabric, so there are no patterns to print out and tape together. This top is actually fairly simple to cut and sew – it would be a good first zero waste pattern if you haven’t tried one before.

It features gathered balloon sleeves, optional bust darts and pulls on over the head. It has a tie neck.

It has options for two other types of necklines, which take the same amount of fabric; they’re just cut and sewn differently.

There’s a frill neck:

and a boat neck with a belt:

The pattern is designed for 110cm/43″ wide fabric, but it can be a bit wider or a bit narrower. Suitable fabrics include cotton lawn, Liberty Tana lawn, quilting cotton, broiderie anglaise, cotton gingham, poplin and chambray. Light, crisp fabrics work very well. For warmer fabrics, choose from baby cord and soft cotton drill.

I can’t resist florals! Here it is in a floral fine cotton lawn.

The Cendre Top was a pattern I originally developed for Zero Waste Sewing, but I never 100% resolved the neckline, and as it turned out I ran out of room in the book anyway. The sample for Zero Waste Sewing was made in a lightweight floral and I wore it in photographs with the Smith Pinafore:

But wait! There’s more!

By adding a simple dirndl skirt (instructions included), you have a two piece dress. The skirt is gathered onto a waistband with a back zip. It can be made any size.

Cutting it as a two piece dress allows you far more flexibility. You can use any fabric width and choose any length for the top and skirt.

Of course it has pockets!!! Good, deep pockets!!!

Cheers!