Up till now, all us Simple Sew Bloggers have each made different patterns each month but this time we are all having a go at the same one to show how many variations the pattern has… this is the Simple Sew Stylish Shell Top Challenge!!

For the Simple Sew Shell Top I decided to see how it would work in jersey. As I’ve recently had a baby I’m living in jersey because it’s comfortable and easy! The Shell Top is quite a structured, boxy shape so I chose a structured jersey – a polka dot Ponte Roma from Girl Charlee (this one is out of stock but they have lots of other lovely designs)

I sewed the top up according to the instructions, the only thing I changed was to add a neckband. To do this I measured the neckline circumference, deducted a few centimetres so that there would be some tension on the neckband, and cut a strip of jersey this length. I sewed it into a tube, folded it lengthwise with wrong sides together and stretched it to fit the neckline and pinned it in place. I then just overlocked it on.

The great thing about Ponte Roma is the darts still work well and help give the top more shape.

What I particularly like about this pattern is how little fabric it uses. I got this out of about 70cm of 150cm wide jersey.

The pattern comes with all the pieces for each option, meaning there is no cutting pattern pieces in half to get the colour blocked versions. I’m going to try a colour blocked one next to use up some of my fabric scraps! This is the perfect stash buster project and an easy one to kick off new-year sewing!