I have been having so much fun playing around with the Gilbert Top this summer! This pattern has two views included but it is easy to mix and match to get the perfect button-up for you! We've made a long-sleeved Gilbert with a tie, a short-sleeved Gilbert with no tie, and now this version: bell sleeves (view B) with the cropped length (view A) and no front tie! I also added a gathered back detail. Whew, now that that is out of the way, let's take a look.
I made this Gilbert out of a rayon voile from my local fabric shop. I wish I had a link to share because it is such a pretty fabric. I just love the bright yellow with the magenta roses and that geometric detail in there, too. It is so good!
To make this version, I used the cut line for view A (the tie-front) but did not cut out the tie.
I then lengthened the front facing to match the new hem length. I laid the pattern piece on top of the shirt front to find the new length.
I also decided to add a gathered detail to the back of this top, at the center back where the top meets the yoke. This is an easy design detail to add to any top with a yoke like this, and it feels quite romantic in this rose fabric.
To do this, I added 3" to the center back of the top before cutting it out.
I marked a notch along the top of the back piece and a matching notch on the yoke.
I sewed basting stitches in between these notches and pulled them to gather this area until it matched up with the Yoke. I then sewed it in place and removed my basting stitches.
I sewed an extra button on this Gilbert because of the longer front facing. I think 4 buttons works well for this length.
I love the 70's vibe of this top and I can see myself wearing this one a lot. It feels just the right amount of fancy without being stuffy. I know it will pair really well with my collection of wide-leg jeans.
I hope you like this little hack for Gilbert! You can check out some of our other hacks for this pattern here.
