Pattern Testing: Chalk and Notch Noe Top

Chalk & Notch has a new pattern--the Noe Top and Dress. I was lucky enough to be chosen to test and I think my version turn out super cute! How do you pronounce Noe? This was asked in the testing group and here is Gabrielle's response: "NOH-ee, the reference is Noe Vally, which is a neighborhood in SF."

Noe comes in a top view, a mini dress view, and a longer dress with a ruffle. It is available in an A/B cup size or C/D cup size. There is a keyhole back or plain back, with the shape of the back being more racerback style than standard tank top. The top is fully lined and with the dresses you have the option of a full lining or just lining the top portion. Noe is intended for lightweight wovens.

I made a size 4, A/B cup, which is technically a size down for me (my bust is 35"). There is meant to be 2" of ease in the bust, but my top finishes at 36". So, please look at the finished measurements to determine how you want your top to fit! By sewing a size down, I believe my only fit issue is that the front is longer than the back (you can see in the side view photo). I am curious how the size 6 would fit, but overall happy with the fit of this 4. Note that the top is VERY cropped...if I make it again I would lengthen it a bit, but I am also long-waisted.

I'm having a hard time deciding how to describe the sewing. The lining is, of course, intimidating if you've never done one. There was quite a bit of confusion in the testing group over how it is done with such a clean finish. Ultimately, it was not complicated or difficult at all, and I look forward to seeing how the final directions are written (I haven't looked at them yet, but I know that video help was also in the works so I have no doubt it will be handled well!).

My fabric is a mystery woven that I got in a grab bag from iSee Fabric. I hope it surprises you to know that it is NOT indigo dyed! I ice dyed it with Dharma Fiber Reactive Dye in 168 Indigo Blue. This color mimics traditional indigo plant dyeing but with WAY less work. Plus, it won't fade as much over time.

The top is lined with lightweight cotton lawn from Surge. This is the kind of woven you want on hand because you'll always be finding uses for it. It was perfect for this project. I also used it to line the skirt I'm wearing in these photos (the eyelet is also from Surge). 

This was my first time testing for Chalk and Notch, and it was such a well-run operation. There were two rounds of testing, lots of testers in all sizes, and plenty of time to produce a well made product. 

I'm on a mission to find a go-to woven tank top pattern, and while this one is nice, it's not going to be the quickest sew. There is a lot of understitching to make the lining lay nice and neat. It can't be made from 1 yard of fabric because you also need to line it. So, while this pattern is great, I will continue my search for THE ONE :) I would love to make this again in one of the dress views.

Will you be trying Noe? Still some summer time left!