Inari Tee by Named Clothing

The Inari Tee by Named Clothing. It looks like a boxy top but is actually beautifully fitted, which makes it flattering in all the right places. Not that I’ve made the dress version yet, mind you.

The Inari comes with crop top or dress options, side slits, cuffed sleeves with a relax-fit and neck facings.

I’ve opted for a crop top version here with a whopping 14cm added to the length (I slashed the pattern just under the arms to add the length). I didn’t need to make any alterations and the instructions seemed well written.

The fabric is a semi-sheer silk (try saying that three times quickly!), so I swapped out the neck facings for a short bodice lining which stops just below my ribs. This was partially due to a lack of white lining fabric, but it’ll keep the top airy during summer too.

I also had to make the back lining from two pieces, so sewed them together used a flat felled seam to minimise bulk.

It’s my first make using Named Clothing and they were great … but my one complaint would be that the patterns weren’t nested, so if you needed to merge sizes you’d be in for a wild ride (edit: April 2016, they updated their patterns to now be nested. Hooray!). And you can only print two pattern sizes at a time. Boo. Otherwise the instructions were well written and the fit is amazing. (Another edit: I purchased a PDF pattern, but I believe the printed patterns don’t include seam allowance? The PDF did include them and was fine, but it’s worth noting).

The Fabric

I found this navy houndstooth silk at The Fabric Store and every time I opened my stash, I’d look at it, torn between wanting to wear it and not wanting to ruin it. I knew I’d have to use it sometime, before the moths ate it or little fingers stained it. I’d be sad then. Sad that I hadn’t enjoyed it first.

So I caught a vision, downloaded a pattern and made myself jump in.

Actually, I needed a little shove to get started and I owe a big thanks to my Instagram gals for cheering me on. Thanks ladies!! Without you I’m sure I’d probably still be unsure.

Of course, before launching in with my precious fabric, I did a trial run with pink polyester remnants. I’ve already worn it several times!

‘Muslins’, or trial runs, are much less tedious when there’s actually a chance you’ll wear them. I highly recommend it.

So, do you have some precious fabric in your stash that needs transforming? Maybe it’s time to catch a vision and start enjoying it. Let me know and I’ll cheer you on!

Or maybe you need more time. That’s ok. But don’t leave it forever. Fabric doesn’t last that long.