The Greenstyle Cambria Top

I tested the amazing new Cambria Top from Greenstyle Creations (*note: I was given a copy of the pattern to test). There are several similar patterns out now, but this one really stands out. First, it has several sleeve lengths and options. Sleeve cap options include smooth for a bishop sleeve, gathered, and pleated instead of gathered at the top. I don't think I've seen any other pleated ones. Sleeves can be short, 3/4 with band, 3/4 with contoured cuff and long. The long contoured cuff is unique, though (see below for a line drawing and I'll post hacks to the pattern on a following post that also show it on me). Second, it has two bodice fits - slim and more boxy. Third, the built-in FBA piece has darts (see my side pictures). You will see in all the tester pictures that this makes a huge difference in not getting weird wrinkles around the under arm and shoulder.  Finally, the bodice has two lengths and options to hem or band.

Testers used all sorts of fabric including sweater, dbp, ITY, cotton lycra, rib knit, stretch lace, rayon spandex, stretch velour and velvet. Each one of these is different. The pleats pop on dbp and cotton lycra whereas with rayon spandex you get a more soft poof.  Best thing yet may be that I didn't need to do a full bicep adjustment for the full poofy one (yay!).

 

I styled this with skirts (gray is RTW and black is an old Butterick or Simplicity pattern from many years ago to which I added an exterior phone pocket (you may see it and wonder what it is - really, I should have added a welt pocket but I phoned it in, so to speak). It is also great with slim fit jeans and you can even wear it like a sweatshirt or loungewear with yoga pants or tights. I have some burgundy ponte pants I'll have to hold up to this to see if it matches.

Anyway, I highly recommend. It releases November 17, 2020 and will be on superduper sale (more than usual) at release. I don't have an affiliate link so I would invite you to click through from your other favorite blogger.

Ms. 8 took these pictures and I might just adopt one as my new profile pic.