Virginia, an esteemed member of the Advisors' Circle, is generously sharing her experience with the Santa Rosa Top, crafted from a delightful, flowy rayon fabric. Virginia expressed how this pattern quickly became a favorite of hers, and we’re eagerly anticipating seeing future iterations. Over to you, Virginia!
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When Liesl and Co released their latest spring collection, the Santa Rosa top and dress caught my eye instantly. I knew right away I wanted to create a long-sleeved version using a rayon fabric I’d been holding onto in my stash, patiently waiting for the perfect project.
For this piece, I opted for a straight size 10, as the pattern offers a relaxed, generous fit. Typically, I adjust the sleeve lengths on Liesl + Co patterns to suit my preferences, but this time I forgot, leaving me with sleeves slightly longer than I’d prefer. However, I adore the rolled sleeve aesthetic, and I plan to shorten them by about two inches for my next attempt. While I initially worried the shirt might be a touch cropped for my taste, I’m thrilled with its current length—it’s just right.
Working with rayon can be a bit challenging due to its fluidity and slipperiness, but taking my time proved key. I used pattern weights and a rotary cutter to carefully cut my pattern pieces, and I relied on a straight stitch foot and plate on my sewing machine—tools I find invaluable for preventing fabric from being pulled into the machine. To avoid damaging the delicate fabric, I used fine pins and focused on placing them solely within the seam allowances.
French seams were my go-to choice for all the garment's edges, as they provide a polished finish, especially when working with finer fabrics like rayon. The Santa Rosa features three plackets—one on the front and one on each sleeve—but don’t let that intimidate you if you haven’t tackled a placket before. The instructions are incredibly thorough, and you’ll master the technique in no time. For the cuffs and front placket, I found some charming shell buttons that harmonize beautifully with the floral print of the fabric.
The Santa Rosa’s mandarin collar is straightforward to sew and adds a touch of elegance when worn. Since my fabric was quite lightweight, I chose to interface both collar pieces and cuffs with tricot interfacing to add a bit more structure.
All in all, I’m thoroughly smitten with the Santa Rosa top. It’s swiftly becoming my favorite shirt pattern, and I’m excited to experiment with various adaptations, including sleeveless versions, bishop sleeves, elongated bodices, and some luxurious Tencel fabric I’ve been saving. Additionally, the pattern includes a dress option with a sash belt, and even though I don’t often wear dresses, I’ve decided to craft one using some blue floral crepe from my stash—it’ll be ideal for a special evening out.
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This experience has deepened my appreciation for the versatility of the Santa Rosa pattern. Whether you're a seasoned sewer or new to garment making, this pattern offers endless possibilities to showcase your creativity and personal style.
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