When Jenny from Seemingly Smitten invited me to sew her Julia Top I admit I was a bit unsure. I think I might be stuck in a fashion time-warp and have always worn lower necklines and more fitted clothes – such a hussy! At least I gave up the 80's shoulder pads. How would I get on with the much more relaxed and modern Julia Top?
I checked out the pattern in the Etsy store and it had nearly 3,000 reviews with a solid 5-star rating! This is a great sign for a likely excellent design and pattern.

The pattern comes as a PDF including easy-to-follow instructions. The top is available in sizes XS-XXL. I picked a medium based on my bust measurement. However my waist and hips were larger than the medium size but I needn't have worried – the top is very generous in those areas. If you sew the Julia Top – use your bust measurement and don't worry about the others.
There are sleeve length options and one thing I like about the pattern is that the bodice and sleeve lengths all have options for petite, regular and tall, so you can pick which fits you best without having to cut the longest size and then trim off later. I picked the regular length for the bodice and the short sleeve.

I picked this fabric that I bought especially for the Julia Top. It's from the silky prints range and is a perfect weight, drape, and softness for this top. There are some other fabric suggestions at the bottom of this post.
The top is easy to cut and easy to sew. It's reversible, the front and the back are exactly the same which means there are fewer pattern pieces to print, and should you drop some gravy down the front of the blouse, turn it around and you are good!
I love the slightly gathered puffy sleeves – no need to try to ease them in perfectly, they are intended to be a little gathered. They are loose and generous and allow full movement as well as a lovely drape. The neckline is simply turned twice and sewn in my example but Jenny also gives instructions on how to use bias tape around the neckline and then leave it exposed or turn it in.

But the big question – do I like it. A resounding YES. I was worried a loose fit would make me look like my mother (heaven forbid) but in fact, I found it flattering, comfortable, cool, and modern. I think it looks great paired with some simple black shorts or pants, left loose or loosely tucked in.
I also had to make no fitting adjustments due to the more casual style and found this quick and easy project a breath of fresh air!

A very easy to sew pattern with a nice result. The shorts are also a self-drafted pattern, copied from a pair I already own, which I never got round to writing about. Although it is always warm enough for shorts here, it's perhaps a bit out of season now for the rest of the world. I might offer these as a pattern for next year – would anyone be interested in a shorts pattern?
Fabric suggestions for the Julia Top:
Muchas gracias por compartir sus tutoriales y patrones.
Gracias por compartir sus tutoriales y patrones.
Finally! Something I could wear!
Your top came out fabulously!!! I am so glad you gave it a try!!
I hope you love wearing it!!
Have a great weekend!
Jenny Hall
Seamingly Smitten
This Julia Top looks like it might be something I would like to try. Living in Arizona presents a challenge for me to find fabric that it cool and not synthetic. I’m over 75 and don’t want form- hugging clothing that hold heat in! Plus, it’s a drive to find stores that carry garment quality goods. Linen is wonderful but I don’t want to look wrinkled all the time. Any suggestions? Thank you.
I’d love a shorts pattern.
I would love to purchase the Julia top but when I went to the donation site I couldn’t find where to select this pattern. Please help!!
Thank you so much for such a versatile top!! Many bought tops are too snug going over the head and not enough give in the sleeve!!
I love the fabric you chose for the top. It looks great on you. Yes, yes, yes, shorts now please!!! I’ve tried 3 shorts patterns this summer and hate all of them. Desperately need a go to shorts pattern!
The top looks great! I wish I had your trim figure. Big yes to the shorts – not to be cheeky but could you please please please include an option for walking length shorts too Deby? I’m determined to make my next holiday wardrobe from your patterns and shorts would be a great addition.
Anna
i think you look great and you really make sewing easy for me a new top to make thanks.
maggie
Love the blouse and the fabric choice. It is cold here in CT but I would also love to try the shorts pattern for next year. Thanks for your insightful blog.
Beautiful! I love the material! Thank you for sharing at our TGIF Link Party at A Peek Into My Paradise.
I love the the Julia top and it looks great on you ..! Hey girl, if you’ve got it….
flaunt it !!
I also am a YES on the shorts. I live on the Southern Baja Mexico, 25 miles between the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, so it is shorts weather here,
all year as well. I love your blog!
The top looks great and easy to sew too. And the shorts look really good on you! I would love to make some but I don’t wear my shorts that short any more. (I don’t have good legs like you do!) Even though I’m small, I have varicose veins so I wear Bermuda length shorts or Capri pants. Maybe I’ll be able to make your shorts in a longer version.
I’ll certainly try to remember to add an option for longer length too. Good suggestion Diane.
All of your tutorials are great. Yes, tutes on pockets, fly front zip, anything!!
Nice top, love the fabric and yes on the shorts. As a matter of fact could use them today. It’s to late already starting to look like my mother
It sounds like a big YES for the shorts pattern. I’ll certainly add it to the to-do list and pattern schedule for when the weather warms up next year. I could probably work on a few tutorials in the meantime, about sewing pockets, adding a fly front zip etc.
Sure I’d be interested! 🙂
I’ve tried sewing shorts before but didn’t have much success…
Thanks!
Your Julia Top came out beautifully, Deby!! It fits you so well – you look fabulous!! Thanks for trying it and writing such a sweet review! Makes me want to go sew myself another one! 🙂
Jenny Hall
Seamingly Smitten owner/designer
Shorts, definitely.
A resounding yes on the shorts… and where are you that you can wear shorts all year round? Sounds like a place I would like to live. Thanks for your blog. Love it and all the patterns and tutorials. You rock lady!!!
I’m lucky to live in the Caribbean Cindy -in the Cayman Islands. We almost always have wonderful weather and it rarely drops below 70 even in the midst of winter. Thanks for leaving a comment and for the kind words and encouragement – my readers rock too. I’d be nothing without you.
The top looks great and I would love to see the shorts pattern
Ha Ha! Such a Hussy! I can relate 🙂 Thanks for making me smile big time!
I have just thought, I would give shorts a try for next summer 😉 So I ´d love to hear about your experiences.
The shirt is very lovely and fits you well. I ´d like the fabric. You really have taste.
Looks really nice and what a brilliant pattern review! makes me want it NOW!!!
Shorts for next year? Yes Please
I am looking for a good shorts pattern. So, I look forward to seeing if your pattern will work for my body style (which isn’t really a style LOL)
We don’t want to look like our mothers, do we… LOL!!! I think the top looks great on you, Deby and perfect with the black shorts.
Of course I’d be interested!
OK, that’s one vote for some shorts then for next year. I’ll add it to the list Donna.