I first started working on the Cortney Top & Dress PDF pattern late 2020. So this pattern has been in the works for a while. I am so excited to finally have it out into the big wide world! P.S. There is a little gift for my blog readers at the end of the post to celebrate the launch of this pattern.
The Cortney Top and Dress has all that puff sleeve goodness that we are loving right now. This pattern is named after the gorgeous Cortney aka @s.is.for.sew. She is a sewer that I have always admired in the online sewing community. This is my way of saying a huge thank you to her for catapulting the reach of my brand during the launch of the Sia Dress. And her ongoing support since the launch of my first pattern. I am very grateful!
The pattern comes with two sleeve options, one that has pleats at the sleeve head and the 2nd with no pleats or gathers at the sleeve head. The sleeve is designed to be off shoulder and may require an adjustment if you prefer your sleeve to sit on the shoulder. The sleeve opening is voluminous and finished with an elastic casing. The neck finish features a mandarin collar and a wide, long front placket that can be worn button closed or open to create a deep V.
Both the top and dress are oversized and voluminous. It is recommended to check the finished measurement chart when deciding on what size to make incase you prefer a neater fit. The top can be worn out or tucked in. The dress can be cinched in at the waist with a waist tie if desired. And of course there are pockets.
The pattern has been drafted for a height of 170cm ( 5’7”). The top and dress can be shortened or lengthened at the hem according to your height. Given it’s easy fit this style can be comfortably worn by bust size A through to G.
This is an intermediate pattern with the following sewing skills used.
• front placket construction
• under stitching
• pleating
• double turn hem
• buttonhole
I have personally sewn about 9 versions of this design in fabrics including linen, cotton, viscose and cotton/linen blend. This top and dress is suitable for mid weight, woven fabrics like linen, cotton, tencil, viscose, rayon or poplin. Or you can create a softer shell using lightweight versions of the above.
Below is the Marsha Style size chart with all sizes included in this pattern. This pattern also comes in the layers format so you can print only the sizes you need.
The fabric yield can be reduced if you cut the sleeve pattern on the cross grain for size 8 and above. The sleeve pattern is BIG!
There are many pattern hack options to be explored for this pattern. You could lengthen the dress and add side seam slips to create a midi dress. You could shorten the top and add a gathered tier to create a baby doll dress. Or you could shorten the top and add several tier to create a voluminous midi or maxi dress. The first hack I will be making is using the bodice and sleeve of the Cortney Pattern and adding several tiers to create a boho style dress.
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