Pattern Review: Capucine Button Front Top in Heavyweight Ginger Linen
Whenever I pick a pattern, I always look for a unique, defining feature in its construction. Whether it’s beautifully sloping princess seams, a gentle v-shaped yoke, or one shoulder and arm piece for a button-down shirt, I love recreating little details for a high quality garment. The Capucine shirt is no exception.
I opted to make the Capucine button front pajama top in a size 10 along with a few alterations to fit my wardrobe. I was drawn to its 2 part raglan sleeves, as well as its flat-felled seams throughout. The raglan sleeves were drafted beautifully to accommodate broader shoulders and give ease on the top half. The loose fit allows for a comfortable fit equally while watching Netflix or meandering the aisles of your local farmers market. Last but not least, the camp collar gives a relaxed, but put-together enough look to wear it outside the house! (Anyone else feel this way or just me?)
This will have been my 4th FS pattern I’ve created and I am continually impressed by the level of detail in drafting and instruction. The pattern arrived in a cylinder package printed on high quality paper and a beautiful booklet with clear instructions. From first glance, I could tell the level of thoroughness given to making the garment fit perfectly the first time around. With my garment, this was the first -and only- try and it fits as intended. The only problem I had with the instructions was attaching the collar. It’s not my first time attaching a camp collar, but for some reason, I had a difficult time matching the notches properly. User error would not be out of the question in this case!
The pajama top fits with 1.5” of ease on each side of the chest and waist, loose-fitting sleeves, and a curved front hem. The fully enclosed seams on the inside offer a luxurious wearing experience without compromising looks. I also chose a contrasting thread to showcase the design features of the button down. As far as alterations go, I divided the back piece into 3 parts and added seam allowance. Then, I inserted a back waist tie. I lengthened the hem by approximately 7” to convert the top to a tunic / dress.
All in all, the Capucine top was a pleasure to sew and to wear. It is the ideal balance of relaxed and elevated addition to a spring or summer wardrobe. I hope you get to make it and feel the same way.
12 Comments
Kerry Pitt-hart
Oh my goodness. This is absolutely beautiful Fena! I’m adding both the Ginger linen and pattern to my cart now. Going out on a limb here, but would you be willing to share the modifications you made to the back in more detail, i.e. how you split the back pattern piece into 3 parts and added waist tie, as I’d love to do this very thing. ?
Patricia Lynch
Thanks for the detailed review, Fena. I have this pattern and have also thought it would look great for a shirt that could be worn ‘outside.’ You’ve inspired me! And I love your modifications to the back of the pattern!
Gail Kearns
Back view please! Lovely.
Masha Karpushina
Added, thank you Gail
Doreen Hazel
I did not see a link to the actual pattern. How do you get there?
Very ice example of using a pajama top. The large buttons look great!
Lauren Linen
Here is a link to the pattern:
https://fabrics-store.com/loungewear/capucine-linen-bathrobe-pajama-top-and-pajama-pant-type-premium-paper-size-10-to-16
Claudia Owens
Your new Capucine Button Front top is gorgeous, and you look great in it. I would love to make something like this, and I am considering it. The colour you chose, ginger, is also very appropriate for the project. It has that earthy but refined look at the same time, and capucine means nasturtium (in French). I have seen nasturtiums in just that colour; they are one of my garden favourites. Well done. And yes, I would like to see the back, too.
Masha Karpushina
Thank you for your lovely feedback Claudia, and we just added a photo of the back.
Kate Renwick
No sign of pajamas there! Really nice garment. Would also like to see the back.
Masha Karpushina
Just added 🙂
Stephanie Fifield
This is beautiful! Lovely modifications and inspiration. I’d love to see a back view!
Masha Karpushina
Just added the back 🙂 thank you Stephanie